A study published in Nutritionaloutlook found that Benicaros, a carrot-derived rhamnogalacturonan‑I, consistently modulated gut microbiome composition and metabolic activity in 18 healthy dogs representing small, medium and large size categories. The canine gut microbiome supports overall health by contributing to digestion and metabolism, producing beneficial metabolites (such as short-chain fatty acids), and helping regulate body weight and energy balance.

The results, produced by NutriLeads in collaboration with dsm-firmenich and carried out by ProDigest, indicate the ingredient increased short‑chain fatty acid production and shifted bacterial profiles in ways the authors say could support gut health across a broad canine population.

Nutritionaloutlook summarized the research findings alongside details of the trial, which evaluated fecal samples from the study dogs to measure changes in microbial composition and metabolic output. This is particularly important considering that about 30% of pet dogs have experienced at least one digestive disorder during their lives, highlighting a significant opportunity for improvements in pet nutrition.

NutriLeads described Benicaros as derived from carrot pomace, a byproduct of vegetable processing, and reported consistent changes in microbial metabolites that included higher production of short‑chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs serve as fuel for gut lining cells, strengthen barrier function, and help regulate immune responses, the company noted. The use of emerging prebiotics like Benicaros represents a shift toward more innovative solutions, expanding beyond traditional ingredients such as inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides.

“This consistent production of SCFAs and the ability to balance the gut microbiota composition, suggests potential health benefits with Benicaros supplementation in dogs of all sizes,” said Sue McKay, Nutrition & Health Manager at NutriLeads.

Researchers performed comparative analyses on the dogs’ fecal samples to assess both taxonomic shifts and metabolic activity, producing a pattern NutriLeads and its partners described as robust and reproducible across the size categories represented in the trial.

Jeff Alix, global head of business development, Palatability & Microbiome at dsm‑firmenich, described the study’s effects as notable for their consistency. “As a partner in this research, we were impressed by the robust and consistent effects of Benicaros on the canine gut microbiota of a broad target population,” he said.

Alix added that the findings fit with dsm‑firmenich’s strategic focus. “These findings not only reinforce the importance of precision prebiotics in dsm‑firmenich’s ambition to develop next‑generation pet nutrition solutions but also exemplify our commitment to sustainability,” he said.

Joana Carneiro‑Wakefield, CEO of NutriLeads, framed the result in terms of product development. “Benicaros will allow pet nutrition developers to formulate with confidence, knowing they’re delivering consistent, science‑backed benefits,” she said.

The trial’s authors reported changes both in the relative abundance of specific microbial groups and in metabolic markers tied to gut function, with SCFA increases singled out as a key outcome. The study’s design emphasized cross‑size applicability by including healthy dogs from small, medium and large categories rather than focusing on a single breed or weight class.

Beyond the central findings, the research highlights a circular‑economy element: Benicaros comes from carrot pomace, turning a processing byproduct into a functional ingredient for pet nutrition. The study was performed by ProDigest on behalf of NutriLeads and its partner.

Industry observers and pet food developers weighing new prebiotic ingredients can read an overview of the publication and its implications in Nutritionaloutlook, which reported on the study’s outcomes and experimental approach. It is worth noting that prebiotics like Benicaros are intended to support gut microbiota balance and SCFA production, which are associated with digestive wellness, although this particular in vitro study did not directly measure stool quality or clinical digestive outcomes in dogs.

The study is listed as published in Microorganisms; NutriLeads and its collaborators say their analyses support further exploration of Benicaros in canine diets.

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Original reporting: view the original article.