New Study Demonstrates Consistent and Targeted Prebiotic Effects of Benicaros®
NutriLeads’ precision prebiotic consistently modulates gut microbiome composition and metabolic activity across dog sizes
WAGENINGEN, Netherlands – August 7, 2025 – NutriLeads, a leader in plant-based precision prebiotics, today announced a new peer-reviewed in vitro study, conducted in collaboration with dsm-firmenich, demonstrating that its proprietary ingredient Benicaros® (carrot rhamnogalacturonan-I, or cRG-I) can potentially deliver consistent gut microbiome benefits in dogs.
Published in Microorganisms, the study found that Benicaros® significantly increased levels of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and selectively stimulated Phocaeicola vulgatus—a keystone SCFA-producing species found in the canine gut. Notably, Benicaros® delivered consistent effects across a diverse population of dogs, regardless of size, breed, or baseline microbiota composition.
‘Benicaros® delivered consistent effects across a diverse population of dogs, regardless of size, breed, or baseline microbiota composition.’
“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, Ph.D., Nutrition & Health Manager at NutriLeads. “These findings highlight Benicaros®’ value as a next-generation precision prebiotic for companion animal health.”
Study Design and Key Findings
The in vitro study evaluated changes in gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity from 18 healthy dogs representing multiple breeds with small (5–10 kg), medium (10–27 kg), and large (27–45 kg) size categories. Each fecal sample was treated with Benicaros® and compared to treatment with inulin (a commonly used prebiotic with a simple molecular structure and low selectivity) or xanthan (a high-selectivity fiber).
Benicaros® stood out for its ability to:
- Consistently stimulate microbial activity and SCFA production—particularly acetate and propionate—across small, medium, and large dog breeds. Notably, these effects were observed with a low dose and mirror earlier findings in humans.
- Selectively and consistently increase levels of P. vulgatus, a keystone gut microbe, associated with benefits related to gut barrier integrity and immune function in all dog sizes, also mirroring earlier findings in humans.
- Reduce interindividual differences in microbiome response, enabling more consistent and predictable health benefits across diverse dog populations.
In contrast, inulin showed more variable responses across donors, while xanthan had limited fermentability and fewer measurable effects.
SCFAs: A Foundation for Gut and Immune Health
Short-chain fatty acids—particularly acetate, propionate, and butyrate—are microbial metabolites that can fuel cells lining the gut, strengthen gut barrier function, and help regulate inflammation and immune responses. By promoting consistent SCFA production, Benicaros® can support a resilient gut ecosystem that contributes to digestive comfort, immune defense, and overall health and well-being in dogs.
“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,” said Jeff Alix, Global Head of Business Development, Palatability & Microbiome at dsm-firmenich. “The ability of cRG-I to selectively enrich beneficial species while reducing variability across different dog sizes is promising. 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. Benicaros® is upcycled from carrot pomace—a valuable side stream of vegetable processing—which directly supports our strategic objective of revalorizing production side streams into high-impact, science-backed ingredients. Through this approach, we advance both pet health and environmental stewardship.”
“Benicaros® will allow pet nutrition developers to formulate with confidence, knowing they’re delivering consistent, science-backed benefits,” said Joana Carneiro-Wakefield, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of NutriLeads.
Benicaros® is effective at a low daily dose, offering formulation advantages for supplements, treats, and functional pet foods. The study was initiated by NutriLeads in collaboration with dsm-firmenich and performed by ProDigest.
Download the study here:
Website: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/8/1825
PDF Version: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/8/1825/pdf
About dsm-firmenich
As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With a comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, dsm-firmenich works to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company with dual headquarters in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland and Maastricht, Netherlands, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, dsm-firmenich brings progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people.
About NutriLeads BV
NutriLeads develops and supplies award-winning, plant-based, precision prebiotic fibers that improve human health. Benicaros® is clinically proven to support immune function and modulate the gut microbiome. NutriLeads partners with manufacturers to create innovative, science-based functional foods, beverages, and supplements. The company is based in Wageningen, the Netherlands, a hub for nutrition and health research. For more information, visit www.nutrileads.com.