Nature produces milk oligosaccharides across species for good reason. GlycoActiveTM milk oligosaccharides translate that natural bioactive potential into a functional ingredient solution for the pet nutrition market.
The pet nutrition market has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. As companion animals increasingly become integral members of the family, pet owners are applying the same standards to their pets' nutrition as they do to their own, seeking science-backed, premium ingredients that actively support long-term health and wellbeing. This humanisation of pet nutrition is driving significant growth in the functional pet food and supplement segment, with gut health, mobility, and immune support emerging as the most compelling benefit areas for both formulators and consumers. For ingredient suppliers, this shift represents a meaningful opportunity to bring nature-identical, scientifically credible bioactives to a market that is ready for the next generation of functional pet nutrition.
FROM GUT TO JOINT
Functional ingredients for lifelong companion health
Milk oligosaccharides are naturally present in the milk of dogs, cats, and many other companion animals, reflecting their fundamental biological importance across species 1. GlycoActiveTM milk oligosaccharides bring these same bioactives to pet nutrition, with scientific evidence supporting benefits across three key health areas. In the gut, similar as in humans, milk oligosaccharides may act as precision prebiotics, selectively supporting beneficial gut bacteria and contributing to a healthy intestinal environment, supporting digestive health and resilience in companion animals of all ages. Emerging evidence also suggests a role in supporting immune function, with preclinical data pointing to immune modulating activity relevant to companion animal health.
Most distinctively, GlycoActiveTM milk oligosaccharides offer a unique positioning in joint health and mobility, an area of significant and growing interest in the pet nutrition market. Scientific evidence from animal in vivo models and in vitro cell lines supports the use of a proprietary GlycoActiveTM MO blend for supporting joint health and helping to improve the pet's mobility, substantiated by studies at multiple levels, including in vitro cell culture, in vivo disease models and studies in target animals 2.
GlycoActiveTM milk oligosaccharides offer formulators commercially ready bioactive ingredients for the full spectrum of pet nutrition applications. Their odourless, taste-neutral profile, high solubility and exceptional heat stability make them well-suited for integration across a wide range of pet food and supplement formats, including dry kibble, wet food, functional treats, chews, and powdered supplements for dogs, cats, and other companion animals. Whether targeting gut health, immune support, or joint mobility, GlycoActiveTM milk oligosaccharides offer a versatile and scientifically compelling ingredient solution for the pet nutrition market.
References
1 Wrigglesworth et al. (2020). High-throughput glycomic analyses reveal unique oligosaccharide profiles of canine and feline milk samples. PLoS ONE, 15(12), e0243323.
2 Unpublished, proprietary Inbiose data.
APPLICATIONS
Discover all applications
Regulatory-approved ingredients serving the widest range of nutritional applications for every stage of life in both humans and animals.
Early life nutrition
The most established market for HMOs, covering infant formula,
follow-on milk and complementary foods. Six regulatory-approved
ingredients, supported by an extensive body of publicly available
scientific and clinical literature.
Dietary supplements
GlycoActiveTM HMOs offer formulators fully compliant ingredients, versatile across capsules, powders and functional formats, with a well-established scientific foundation across multiple health areas. A fast-
growing market where science and consumer trust go hand in hand.
Functional food and beverages
Consumer demand for functional food and beverages is accelerating. GlycoActiveTM HMOs are odourless, taste-neutral, highly soluble, and heat-resistant, making them easy to incorporate across a wide range of product formats.
Medical nutrition
Patients with specific medical and nutritional needs require ingredients with the highest quality and regulatory standards. GlycoActiveTM HMOs meet those standards and can aid to support their recovery, health
and well-being.
Pet nutrition
The nutritional market for companion animals is growing, with increasing demand for science-backed ingredients. GlycoActiveTM milk oligosaccharides offer a unique positioning in gut health and joint mobility.
Animal feed
Mammals have their own arsenal of milk carbohydrates to support the healthy development of young animals. GlycoActiveTM milk oligosaccharides bring those same nature-identical glycans to animal feed, with evidence in supporting gut health, immunity, and infection prevention.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about Inbiose and our HMO ingredients, applications, health benefits and technology platform.
Are milk oligosaccharides naturally present in companion animal milk?
Yes. Milk oligosaccharides are naturally present in the milk of dogs, cats, and many other companion animals, reflecting their fundamental biological importance across species. GlycoActiveTM milk oligosaccharides are nature-identical to these naturally occurring structures.
Are GlycoActiveTM milk oligosaccharides suitable for all companion animals?
GlycoActiveTM milk oligosaccharides are suitable for use in nutritional products targeting a wide range of companion animals, including dogs, cats, and other species. Milk oligosaccharides are naturally present in the milk of many companion animal species, reflecting their fundamental biological importance across the animal kingdom. Scientific evidence supports the relevance of milk oligosaccharides across companion animal species, with the underlying biological mechanisms broadly applicable beyond any single species. Please contact our team to discuss suitability for your specific target species and application.
What pet food formats are GlycoActiveTM milk oligosaccharides compatible with?
GlycoActiveTM milk oligosaccharides are compatible with a wide range of pet food and supplement formats, including dry kibble, wet food, functional treats, chews, and powdered supplements. Their heat stability, neutral sensory profile and high solubility make them straightforward to incorporate.
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Regulatory-approved ingredients serving the widest range of nutritional applications for every stage of life in both humans and animals.
