Applications of Fructooligosaccharides in Pet Food
Natural prebiotic fiber promoting beneficial gut bacteria
Low caloric value with mild sweetness at thirty to fifty percent sucrose
Excellent thermal stability during extrusion and retort processing
Synergistic effects with probiotics and mannooligosaccharides
Applications of Fructooligosaccharides in Pet Food
What is Frulyte™Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)?
Natural Prebiotic Carbohydrate
Frulyte™Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), also known as oligofructose, are functional oligosaccharides composed of fructose units linked by beta-glycosidic bonds, with a terminal alpha-D-glucose group and a degree of polymerization ranging from 3 to 9, or without a terminal glucose group and a degree of polymerization from 2 to 9. They occur naturally in a variety of plants, including chicory, garlic, onion, artichoke, and banana.
Commercial FOS is primarily produced through enzymatic conversion of sucrose or extraction from chicory roots. It appears as a white crystalline powder with a sweetness approximately 30-50% that of sucrose.
As a naturally occurring prebiotic carbohydrate, FOS has become an important functional ingredient in the pet food industry, delivering unique health benefits that go beyond basic nutrition.
Health Benefits
Optimizing Gut Microbiota
As a premium prebiotic, FOS significantly promotes the proliferation of Bifidobacteria and other beneficial bacteria, increasing their population in the gut and improving the intestinal microecological environment. It helps prevent and alleviate digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea. In pet food, a healthy gut microbiota is the foundation of digestive absorption and overall well-being.
Enhancing Immune Function
By improving the balance of gut microbiota, FOS indirectly enhances immune function, increases disease resistance, and reduces the risk of infections. For pets, a robust immune system means fewer illnesses and a more active, vibrant life.
Improving Mineral Absorption
FOS promotes the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, particularly enhancing calcium uptake in both the small intestine and colon, thereby supporting bone health. This is especially important for growing young pets and senior pets experiencing joint and bone degeneration.
Application Advantages
Intestinal Microecology Regulation & Odor Reduction
FOS prebiotic properties effectively regulate the intestinal microecology of pets, improving stool quality and reducing odor, which is a top concern among pet owners.
Synergistic Synbiotic Strategy
FOS demonstrates synergistic effects with probiotics (such as Bacillus coagulans) and mannooligosaccharides (MOS), enabling a "prebiotic + probiotic" synbiotic strategy that provides comprehensive gut health support.
Excellent Thermal Stability
The excellent thermal stability of FOS allows it to withstand processing conditions such as dry food extrusion and wet food retort sterilization, making it suitable for various product formats including dry food, wet food, and treats.
Natural Clean Label Positioning
FOS is naturally derived from plants such as chicory, aligning with the growing consumer trend toward "natural, clean label" pet food and helping brands build a healthy, transparent product image.
Real-World Applications
Product Information
Brand: Ready Pet Go! | Company: Ready Pet Go!
Pack Size: 240.98g (8.5 oz, 60 soft chews) | Pack Type: Stand-up pouch (resealable) | Retail Price: $15.00 | Launch Date: October 2024
Key Ingredients
Frulyte™Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) Value
FOS is included as the 8th ingredient in the formula, with each soft chew containing 250mg of FOS. In this product, FOS serves as a prebiotic fiber, working in concert with Bacillus coagulans (500 million CFU per chew) and pumpkin seed powder to form a "probiotic + prebiotic + dietary fiber" triple gut support system. FOS provides a fermentation substrate for the probiotic, promoting its colonization and proliferation in the intestine while directly nourishing beneficial gut bacteria. This synbiotic approach helps balance intestinal microflora, aids digestion and nutrient absorption, and supports the immune system.
Product Innovation Highlights
Synbiotic Functional Treat: Combines probiotics (500 million CFU per chew) with prebiotic FOS and pumpkin seed fiber in a delicious soft chew format, delivering triple support for digestive, immune, and bowel health.
Clean Formula: Grain-free and soy-free, with no artificial colors or flavors, suitable for sensitive dogs.
Palatability Design: Cheese-flavored soft chews, easy to administer, suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes.
Convenient Packaging: Resealable pouch containing 60 chews, ideal for daily storage and portability.
Product Information
Brand: Life Pet | Company: Cosmax Pet
Pack Size: 420g (30 x 14g individual packs) | Pack Type: Strip pouch | Retail Price: $27.52 | Launch Date: December 2024
Key Ingredients
Frulyte™Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) Value
FOS is listed as the 6th ingredient, working alongside chicory extract (a natural FOS source) to provide prebiotic support for feline intestinal health. In this product, the dual value of FOS lies in two aspects: on one hand, it optimizes gut microbiota to promote digestive function, complemented by bromelain for further protein digestion support; on the other hand, a healthy gut environment helps reduce hairball accumulation in the digestive tract, and combined with the lubricating effect of chicory extract, achieves an "inside-out" hairball management strategy. FOS works synergistically with aloe vera (respiratory health) and milk thistle (liver health) to build a multi-dimensional feline health management formula.
Product Innovation Highlights
Dual-Function Positioning: Breath freshening + hairball care, precisely addressing two common feline concerns.
Liquid Format Innovation: Functional liquid treat with salmon and chicken base, excellent palatability, suitable for direct feeding or mixing with food.
Multi-Botanical Synergy: Aloe vera (bronchial health), chicory (hairball elimination), bromelain (digestive aid), and milk thistle (liver health), four plant-based functional ingredients.
HACCP-Certified Quality: Produced by Cosmax Pet, a leading Korean pet food manufacturer, following HACCP food safety management standards.
Product Information
Brand: Fórmula Natural Fresh Meat | Company: Adimax Indústria e Comércio de Alimentos
Pack Size: 2500g (2.5kg) | Pack Type: Stand-up pouch (Velcro closure) | Retail Price: $23.35 | Launch Date: May 2025
Key Ingredients
Frulyte™Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) Value
FOS is included as a key prebiotic component in the "other ingredients" section, at a level of no less than 220mg/kg. It works alongside mannooligosaccharides (MOS, min 220mg/kg), inulin (min 100mg/kg), and beta-glucan (min 500mg/kg) to form a quadruple prebiotic matrix. In this super-premium grain-free formula, the core value of FOS is reflected in three aspects: first, it works synergistically with yucca extract to balance intestinal microecology and reduce stool volume and odor; second, it promotes calcium and magnesium absorption, supporting joint and bone health in combination with collagen, chondroitin, and glucosamine; third, it complements natural antioxidants such as rosemary, green tea, and peppermint extracts to build a comprehensive health protection system. The precise inclusion level of FOS at no less than 220mg/kg ensures effective daily intake.
Product Innovation Highlights
Super-Premium Grain-Free Formula: Uses cassava as a grain alternative, with 0% cereals and 0% transgenic ingredients, suitable for grain-sensitive dogs.
Quadruple Prebiotic System: FOS + MOS + inulin + beta-glucan in synergy, combined with yucca extract for intestinal microecological balance and stool odor reduction.
Natural Antioxidant Matrix: Rosemary extract, green tea extract, and peppermint extract combination, replacing artificial preservatives.
Microalgae Omega-3: Schizochytrium microalgae biomass provides EPA + DHA for joint and cardiovascular support.
Multiple Sustainability Certifications: Eureciclo (recyclable), I'm Green Bio-Based (bio-based), and EcoPhane certifications.
Veterinarian-Developed: Formulated by a veterinary team, with Velcro press-lock closure for freshness.
Product Information
Brand: Green Petfood FairCat | Company: Foodforplanet
Pack Size: 85g | Pack Type: Stand-up pouch | Retail Price: $1.43 | Launch Date: November 2019
Key Ingredients
Frulyte™Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) Value
FOS is listed as the 5th ingredient, forming a dual prebiotic combination with mannooligosaccharides (MOS) that provides core digestive support in this sensitive wet food formula. FOS selectively promotes the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria, while MOS prevents pathogen colonization by binding to harmful bacteria, together maintaining intestinal barrier function. The combination of FOS with fennel (a traditional digestive herb) and psyllium seed husks (soluble dietary fiber) creates a "prebiotic + herbal + fiber" triple digestive support system, particularly suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs. Additionally, the mineral absorption-enhancing properties of FOS, combined with Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil, provide a nutritional foundation for coat and skin health.
Product Innovation Highlights
Climate Positive Positioning: Achieves climate positivity through forest preservation projects in Tanzania, going beyond carbon neutrality.
70% High Meat Content: Uses chicken from higher-welfare husbandry standards, with a single protein source suitable for sensitive cats.
Dual Prebiotic + Herbal Digestive Support: FOS + MOS combined with fennel and psyllium seed husks for comprehensive sensitive stomach care.
Ethical and Sustainable Philosophy: 100% fair pet food, no animal testing, grain-free formula, embodying the dual value proposition of "good for pets, good for the planet".
Company Introduction
Leading Global Manufacturer of Functional Sweeteners Since 1997
Baolingbao Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is a leading global manufacturer specializing in the R&D, manufacturing, and solution services of functional carbohydrates. Founded in 1997, we are focused on enzyme engineering and fermentation engineering, serving customers across more than 100 countries and regions worldwide.
In 2009, we became the first functional sugar company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 002286) in China's A-share market. Today, we have established deep strategic partnerships with major global customers including Coca-Cola, Danone, Yili Group, and Perfect (China).The company operates on a site spanning 300 acres, with an annual production capacity of 600,000 tons and a workforce of 1,300 employees.
Advanced R&D Capabilities
Possessing 9 R&D platforms including national enterprise technology center, national-local joint engineering lab, and postdoctoral research workstation. Expert team composed of academicians, Taishan Scholars, and overseas experts.
Global Market Presence
Products exported to over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Strategic partnerships with majority of core customers across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and dietary supplement industries.
World-Class Manufacturing
Baolingbao's production infrastructure is characterized by a high degree of automation, intelligence, and digitalization. The company has made substantial investments in key facilities, including drying towers, pharmaceutical-grade sugar production lines, digital erythritol plants, and intelligent stereo warehouses. Featuring internationally sourced technologies and advanced control systems, these initiatives have enhanced production efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and enabled full traceability across the supply chain.In support of sustainable operations, Baolingbao manages 40,000 mu (approximately 2,667 hectares) of regenerative agricultural planting bases and generates 10 million kWh of photovoltaic power annually.
Comprehensive Quality Assurance
First batch to pass FDA on-site audit. Certified with GMP, GRAS, HALAL, Kosher, Organic (US & EU standards), ISO9001/22000/14000/45001. End-to-end food safety from farm to table.
Innovation & Industry Leadership
Over 260 patent applications submitted with 97 patents granted and more than 70 core technologies developed. Actively participated in formulation of 1 international standard and over 30 national standards.
Contact Us
baolingbao@blb-cn.com
