Fiber-blend supplement shows promise for gut health in study

A powder supplement containing a multi-fermentable fiber blend was found to help improve canine and feline stool consistency and microbiome balance, in a recent study. The research was presented the 2026 ACVIM Forum in Seattle, Washington, hosted by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.¹

The main objective of the investigation was to evaluate the effect that Fiber Biome Blend, developed by biotech company Animal Biome, has on fecal consistency for dogs and cats after use of the product for 30 days. The study also sought to evaluate the supplement’s effect on the fecal microbiome of these animals.¹

Launched on the market in 2025, Fiber Biome Blend was designed to nourish beneficial bacteria and support healthy digestion, according to Animal Biome.² The product contains a blend of organic beets, larch arabinogalactan and mannan-oligosaccharides.¹

“It has slow, medium, and fast fermenting fibers, because we know that fast fermenting fibers just kind of get stuck in the top of the GI tract, and they really don't pay attention to the microbes and everything else going on throughout the rest of the GI tract,” Carly E. Pomeroy, BS, a research professional for Animal Biome, told dvm360.

Pomeroy authored the study with Connie A. Rojas, PhD, director of field trials and a senior scientist for Animal Biome; and Holly H. Ganz, chief science officer for Animal Biome. The investigators recruited 75 dogs and 50 cats that were owned by clients from the company’s customer base.¹

The team collected fecal samples pre- and post-supplementation. These samples were analyzed to evaluate changes in gut microbial composition, using full-length PacBio 16S rRNA gene sequencing.¹ For additional insight, pet owners were asked to complete surveys before and after use of the supplementation.

Results of the testing showed improved fecal consistency for dogs presenting with diarrhea or soft stools, and for those with constipation (P=0.004). The surveys revealed that 54% of dog owners in the study reported less scooting with their canines, and 40% of cat owners reported fewer hairballs in their felines, after using the supplementation for 30 days.¹

Analysis of the microbiome in the enrolled pets showed positive modulation of the gut microbial community. This included decreases in bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Streptococcus, and increases in Peptacebacter hiranonis.¹

The investigators found that supplementation with Fiber Biome Blend to be associated with improved or maintained stool quality in both cats and dogs, which supports the promotion of gut health for these animals.¹ “I think it improved stool quality in general, and pet parents seemed to be really happy with it, so it's very promising,” Pomeroy said.

The gut microbiome responds to diet and nutrition, environment, aging, long-term health stress and medications that include antibiotics. These factors can cause shifts in bacterial balance and lead to symptoms of imbalance.³ “It's been shown that the nutrition, microbiome can affect so many things. It can help with behavioral issues, skin issues,” Pomeroy said.

Pomeroy noted that previously published research indicates that a balanced microbiome may improve symptoms associated with certain illnesses including gastrointestinal issues. “The microbiome is just so essential, so very important, and a lot of more people are paying attention to it, which is great,” she added.

References

1. Pomeroy CE. Microbiome responses to 30 days of fiber supplementation in dogs and cats. Presented at: ACVIM Forum 2026; Seattle, WA. June 11, 2026.
2. Fiber Biome Blend for cats and dogs. Animal Biome. Accessed June 11, 2026. https://www.animalbiome.com/products/complete-fiber-blend
3. Causes of early signs of a microbiome imbalance. Animal Biome. Accessed June 11, 2026. https://www.animalbiome.com/pages/on-the-edge-for-dogs