The first part of the report looks at the top groups of bacteria at genus level. Bacteria are divided into groups to make them easier to understand and identify, (see diagram below). Part One of this report identifies the major players and highlights the nutritional contributions and benefits made by them.

You will see how important certain bacteria are to your pets health. You will also see how by making some small changes to the diet, beneficial bacteria can be encouraged to increase in number, providing even more benefits. Some of the dietary changes mentioned are made by adding prebiotic ingredients to the diet. The definition of a prebiotic is ‘’a non-digestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon and thus improves host health. Probiotics are also mentioned these are live bacteria, rather than a food for the bacteria. Other recommended dietary changes will relate to imbalances between the groups of bacteria that feed or digest carbohydrates, fats and protein. Making small changes in the amount or quality of these major nutrients will significantly improve the health of the gut and prevent any future opportunity for inflammation and colitis.