Tasco^® is a marine plant-based ingredient that has the properties of a functional food. Recent research has shown Tasco^® to have potent prebiotic activity in a wide variety of animal species. These prebiotic effects act to improve gastro-intestinal (GI) tract health in a variety of ways.

Improving GI Tract Health
The single most evident effect of Tasco^® is the increase in beneficial GI micro-organisms after the ingredient is added to an animal’s food ration for a short time. This is referred to as the prebiotic effect. Recent scientific developments exploring how GI tract microbial populations interact with each other and with the host animal are leading to a new appreciation of the importance of this factor for an animal’s health and well-being.

Beneficial GI tract bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus are able to synthesize metabolites including natural antibiotics, proteases, acidifiers such as lactic acid, proteins, and other metabolites that exhibit immunomodulating activity.¹ Along with the increase in benefi cial micro-organism populations, a reduction in pathogenic GI tract micro-organisms such as Salmonella and Clostridia often occurs.

When Tasco^® is added to pet food, we typically see responses such as increased GI tract health that’s reflected in a reduction in soft stool, improved feed intake and digestion. In dogs, there is often considerable flatulence and restlessness associated with pathogenic GI tract micro-organisms such as Clostridia. In addition to reducing these symptoms, Tasco^® often improves an animal’s general disposition. Improved GI tract health contributes to improved GI tract integrity, both of which contribute to better food digestion.

Building Stronger Defenses
Recent research into immune system function has discovered that approximately 70% of the immune status of an animal is dependent on the health of the GI tract.² Apparently, a delicate balance exists between GI tract microbe populations and the host’s immune system. Improved immuno-competency reduces the infectivity of diseases, reduces the severity of disease, or prevents the establishment of the disease in the host animal. The pet simply is healthier and more resistant to diseases.

When Tasco^® is fed to animals, not only are beneficial effects exerted on micro-organisms, but there is also a reduction in and general resistance to parasite infection. In pets, parasite infection results not only in weaker health in the animal, but can also pose a health risk to owners. Although the mechanism for parasite reduction in Tasco^®-fed animals is not exactly known, it may be associated with the animal’s increased immune competency. Alternatively, much research is being focused on the bioactive compounds contained in the product, with the possibility that the complex polyphenol or tannin compounds could have potent anti-parasitical effects.³

Altering Metabolism
Other research shows that a variety of potential bioactive compounds found in Tasco^® may act directly on the animal’s metabolism, as well as through its GI tract micro-flora. This has the effect of altering metabolism in a way that has the potential to improve general health. For example, in a recent scientific paper, Tasco^® was shown to shift fat accumulation in adipocytes (fat cells) from saturated fatty acids to a more unsaturated fatty acid structure. This is associated with a lowered incidence of heart attack, cardiac death, heart failure, and stroke.⁴ This may be an important factor in improving the health, longevity and activity of pets that are fed Tasco^®. This is particularly beneficial to housebound dogs and cats that are frequently overfed and inactive.

Creating Healthier and Happier Pets
Overall, when pets are fed Tasco^®, their improved GI tract health, improved immune status and disease reduction all result in general health improvement. Typically this is seen as increased body condition, fine, glossy hair and fur coats and smooth body appearance. The improved GI tract health is also associated with improved alertness, less nervousness and anxiety, and a better general mood and disposition.
 

The fact is, all of these benefits can accrue from including Tasco^® in pet food applications. Even at low inclusion rates, research suggests great potential for Tasco^®, not only for promoting animal health, but also for the organic, sustainable, and natural attributes consumers embrace.

1. Ushakova et al. 2006 Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology V42(3) 252-257
2. Choct, M. 2009 Brit. Poultry Sci. V50(1) 9-15
3. Wang et al. 2008 Anim. Feed Sci. Tech. V145 375-395
4. He et al. 2009 Lipids V44 125-132