A 2024 study by researchers at Brazil’s Federal University of Paraná examined the effects of Finnish brand Enifer’s PEKILO Pet, a mycoprotein ingredient that’s rich in beta-glucan, on cancer risk in dogs. The six-week study on 16 beagles demonstrated that PEKILO Pet increased the production of short-chain fatty acids and improved gut microbiome diversity. In doing so, the researchers said, the mycoprotein not only improves gut health, but also decreases the concentration of harmful bacteria that have been linked to certain cancers.

Enifer noted that previous research has established the importance of gut health in pets, with the gut microbiome impacting the absorption and metabolism of nutrients. According to Enifer cofounder and business development manager Heikki Keskitalo, other studies have shown that probiotic administration in pets helps to support healthy growth, prevent stress, and modulate the immune system.

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