Biotics research in pet evolving as needs grow

Pre-, pro- and postbiotics are all taking the stage as studies become more nuanced and pet owners ask for more for their animals’ health and wellness.

September 15, 2026

Colorful illustration of bacteria and microorganisms with curved rod shapes and spherical cells on dark blue background

eila_divine | iStock.com and Harpreet Singh | iStock.com

Probiotics have been around for much longer than we’ve known what to call them. Any civilization that consumed fermented food or drink had exposure to probiotics; soured (fermented) milk in particular has been consumed for thousands of years, but other ancient foods such as beer and cheese can also be added to the list. In the 1990s proper gut microbiome research began, and a new era of health and wellness was launched.

Today, research has expanded to prebiotics and postbiotics, and biotics are a hot topic in both the human and companion animal spaces.

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