Application of Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) in Pet Food
Naturally present in breast milk as gold-standard prebiotic
Selectively stimulates bifidobacteria and lactobacilli growth
Highly stable under acidic and high-temperature processing conditions
Low viscosity with excellent moisture retention properties
Application of Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) in Pet Food
What Are Galacare™Galacto-oligosaccharides?
Gold-Standard Prebiotic for Gut Health
Galacare™Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are functional prebiotics built from galactose units. Their molecular structure consists of one to seven galactosyl groups attached to a terminal galactose or glucose molecule, forming a complex mixture of more than fifteen distinct components. Among the three internationally recognized prebiotics, Galacare™GOS is the only oligosaccharide naturally present in breast milk and can be utilized simultaneously by multiple beneficial bacteria in the gut, earning it the reputation as the "gold-standard prebiotic."
GOS is a low-molecular-weight, water-soluble dietary fiber with low viscosity, strong moisture retention, and no mineral-binding effects. It delivers a clean taste with low caloric value and a sweetness of only 20 to 40 percent that of sucrose.
GOS demonstrates exceptional stability under both acidic and thermal conditions, resisting degradation at temperatures up to 180 degrees Celsius or at pH 3. It exhibits good browning properties, strong water-holding capacity, no undesirable texture or flavor, and is indigestible by host gastrointestinal enzymes while exhibiting potent bifidogenic activity.
Health Benefits
Stimulates Beneficial Bacteria Growth
Galacare™GOS serves as a selective fermentable substrate for bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, promoting their proliferation and helping maintain a balanced gut microbiota.
Improves Digestive Function
By increasing beneficial bacteria and suppressing pathogenic colonization, Galacare™GOS supports intestinal peristalsis, softens stools, and helps reduce common digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea.
Supports Immune Defense
Approximately 70 percent of immune cells reside in the gut. A healthy microbiota is essential for mucosal immunity, and Galacare™GOS indirectly supports normal immune function by preserving microbial balance.
Enhances Mineral Absorption
GOS fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids that lower intestinal pH, improving the solubility and absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Application Advantages
Ideal for Sensitive Digestion & Special Life Stages
As a widely validated prebiotic, Galacare™GOS effectively promotes the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the canine and feline gut, making it particularly suitable for pets with sensitive digestion, puppies, kittens, and senior animals.
Outstanding Processing Stability
GOS demonstrates outstanding acid and heat stability, remaining intact at 180 degrees Celsius and pH 3, which allows it to withstand extrusion, baking, retorting, and sterilization processes commonly used in pet food manufacturing.
Broad Formulatory Compatibility
Its low sweetness, clean taste, low viscosity, and absence of off-flavors ensure that Galacare™GOS does not interfere with product palatability or texture, making it easy to incorporate across formats.
High Safety & Market Recognition
As a naturally occurring component of breast milk, Galacare™GOS carries strong safety credentials and high consumer recognition, making it an ideal ingredient for premium pet foods, functional treats, and veterinary diets positioned around gut health. It also works synergistically with probiotics, inulin, and fructo-oligosaccharides to create synbiotic formulations.
Real-World Applications
Product Information
Brand: Inaba Tulle Drink | Company: Inaba Petfood (Parent: Inaba Foods)
Microwaveable liquid dog treat in a 120g metal steel bottle ($1.28 / JPY200). Features eco-friendly recyclable packaging and targets dental health and tartar prevention.
Key Ingredients
Galacare™GOS Application Value
In this liquid dog treat, Galacare™GOS appears as the seventh ingredient, functioning as a prebiotic alongside cyclodextrin and green tea extract. GOS helps regulate intestinal microbiota and improve digestive health, while its excellent water solubility allows it to disperse uniformly throughout the liquid beverage matrix without sedimentation or texture changes. The product is primarily positioned for dental care, with cyclodextrin and catechin targeting oral health; GOS provides complementary systemic support from within, as a balanced gut microbiome helps reduce bad breath, creating an inside-out freshness solution. GOS stability during sterilization and ambient-temperature storage ensures prebiotic activity is preserved throughout the shelf life of the metal steel bottle format.
Product Innovation Highlights
Innovative Beverage Packaging: Packaged in a 120g microwaveable metal steel bottle that brings the human "beverage" concept into the dog treat category.
Three-in-One Functional Pillars: Integrates dental care through cyclodextrin and catechin, gut health through Galacare™GOS prebiotic, and deodorization through green tea extract that absorbs odors from urine and excretions.
Sustainability & Convenience: The recyclable metal packaging aligns with sustainability trends, while ambient storage and microwaveability balance convenience and palatability at an accessible price point.
Product Information
Brand: PremieRpet PremieR Nutricao Clinica | Company: Grandfood Industria e Comercio
Super premium clinical dry dog food for adults and puppies in a 2kg flexible stand-up pouch ($18.64 / BRL91.9). Fortified with vitamins and minerals for digestive health.
Key Ingredients
Galacare™GOS Application Value
This veterinary-grade gastrointestinal diet from Brazil's premium pet food brand PremieRpet combines Galacare™GOS with FOS in a dual-prebiotic system within the secondary ingredient list. Hydrolyzed chicken protein as the first ingredient reduces allergenicity through protein pre-hydrolysis, making the formula suitable for dogs with food sensitivities or gastrointestinal distress. Galacare™GOS and FOS target different beneficial bacteria, Galacare™GOS primarily stimulating bifidobacteria while FOS promotes lactobacilli and a broader range of commensal microbes, providing complementary and wider-ranging microbiota modulation. Together with yeast cell wall (rich in beta-glucans and mannooligosaccharides) and cellulase, the formulation supports gastrointestinal recovery through three mechanisms: prebiotic proliferation, enzymatic digestion, and immune modulation. GOS extrusion stability ensures functional activity is preserved through the high-temperature manufacturing process of the 2kg dry kibble format.
Product Innovation Highlights
Hypoallergenic Base: Uses hydrolyzed chicken protein as the primary protein source to reduce gut irritation at the source.
Multi-Target Digestive Support: Combines Galacare™GOS plus FOS dual prebiotics, yeast cell wall, and cellulase for comprehensive microbiota modulation and digestive recovery.
Clinical Veterinary Standards: Includes taurine, phosphatidylcholine, and amino acid-chelated minerals in a resealable 2kg pouch backed by a 110 percent satisfaction guarantee.
Product Information
Brand: Daesang Dr. Nuto | Company: Daesang Pet Life (Parent: Daesang)
Original unflavored pet milk drink in 10 x 70ml flexible stand-up pouches ($12.45 / KRW17,000). Features a low-lactose, gluten-free, sugar-free, clean label formula with no additives or preservatives.
Key Ingredients
Galacare™GOS Application Value
This pet milk drink from Dr. Nuto, a brand of Korean conglomerate Daesang, combines GOS with FOS and IMO as the third, fourth, and fifth ingredients, creating a triple-prebiotic synergistic system. The product uses over 99 percent Korean domestic milk as its base but achieves a low-lactose claim through lactase addition, making it suitable for lactose-intolerant dogs. Each oligosaccharide targets different beneficial bacteria: GOS as the breast-milk gold-standard prebiotic primarily stimulates bifidobacteria; FOS promotes lactobacilli; and IMO provides mild prebiotic effects while improving mouthfeel. Colostrum powder supplies immunoglobulins and growth factors, and together with four heat-treated lactic acid bacteria strains forms a three-in-one gut health solution combining prebiotics, probiotics, and immune factors. Galacare™GOS dissolves readily in the liquid milk matrix without affecting the clean taste and remains stable through UHT sterilization and ambient storage.
Product Innovation Highlights
Human-Grade Milk Base: Made with over 99 percent Korean domestic milk and treated with lactase to remove lactose.
Triple-Prebiotic & Probiotic Complex: Synergizes GOS, FOS, and IMO with four heat-treated lactic acid bacteria strains and colostrum powder for gut and immune support.
Convenient Single-Serve Format: Packaged in 70ml single-serve pouches featuring Line Friends graphics for easy portion control and on-the-go hydration.
Product Information
Brand: Dog Cat Star x Matthew's Choice | Company: Planddo
All-natural, high-fiber pumpkin yogurt treats for both dogs and cats in a 22g flexible sachet ($4.39 / TWD139). Low-lactose, high-protein, with no added sugar, additives, or preservatives.
Key Ingredients
Galacare™GOS Application Value
In this yogurt cube treat suitable for both dogs and cats from Taiwanese company Planddo, Galacare™GOS is the sixth ingredient, paired with inulin to form a dual dietary fiber and dual prebiotic combination. The product is built on a fresh milk and lactic acid bacteria fermented yogurt base, with natural chicken enhancing palatability and 22g of high-fiber pumpkin supporting digestion and hairball elimination. Galacare™GOS and inulin act as short-chain and long-chain prebiotics respectively, with different fermentation rates and target organisms. Galacare™GOS acts quickly and primarily stimulates bifidobacteria, while inulin ferments more gradually with a broader microbial spectrum, together providing both rapid onset and sustained effect. Notably, the formula includes Lactobacillus crispatus KT-11, a patented probiotic strain for which Galacare™GOS serves as a preferred carbon source, significantly improving the survival and colonization rate of the probiotic and creating a synbiotic effect. Galacare™GOS low sweetness and low caloric value align perfectly with the no-added-sugar claim and do not mask the natural flavors of pumpkin and yogurt.
Product Innovation Highlights
Universal Multi-Pet Design: Formulated for both dogs and cats to serve multi-pet households seamlessly.
Co-Branded Human-Grade Formulation: Features fresh milk fermented yogurt, natural chicken, high-fiber pumpkin, and a clean label without added sugar or artificial preservatives.
Synbiotic & Hairball Solution: Combines GOS and inulin prebiotics with patented Lactobacillus crispatus KT-11 probiotic strain and high-fiber pumpkin for hairball control and digestive conditioning.
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
