ADVANCING PET DIGESTIVE CARE: LEADERS IN VETERINARY GASTROENTEROLOGY EXPLORE MICROBIOME MODULATION AND TARGETED NUTRITIONAL THERAPIES

RHODES, Greece – May 6, 2026– Purina® PRO PLAN® successfully hosted the official Pre-Eurogut Symposium “navigating microbiota dynamics applicable to pet nutrition”. This landmark event brought together key opinion leaders to focus on the latest scientific insights into gut health, the microbiome, and the role of targeted nutritional strategies for managing chronic enteropathies in dogs and cats.

The Use of Biomarkers for Gut Health Dr. Jan S. Suchodolski analyzed the intricacies of the gut microbiome, highlighting the critical differences between acute and chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction. Addressing the persistent challenges revealed by markers such as the dysbiosis index, he noted: "Chronic GI disease, again, appears to represent a subset of animals that remain persistently abnormal in some markers".

Microbiota Modulation Through the Diet Dr. Kelly S. Swanson explored how different feeding practices, dietary fibers, prebiotics, and probiotics can modulate the gut microbiome. He warns nutritionists that not all fibers are created equal, and their characteristics and physiological effects can vary significantly, explaining: "what sugars are there what linkages are there so fiber it gets really really complicated".

Targeted Nutritional Strategies for Chronic Enteropathy Dr. Aarti Kathrani focused on exploring nutrition both as a potential causative factor and a core therapeutic strategy, such as through the use of hydrolyzed and fiber-enriched diets. Emphasizing the importance of a thorough dietary evaluation before pursuing other medical interventions, she noted: "It's really important that when we're seeing these cases we invest the time to consider whether nutrition could be acting as a role in terms of their pathogenesis". Regarding the implementation of diet trials, she added: "this is a trial and error process there is no amount of algebra maths formulas to pick that first correct diet".

The Power of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) Dr. Linda Toresson presented compelling evidence on Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) in dogs with chronic enteropathy. She emphasized that the benefits go well beyond simply resolving gastrointestinal signs, stating: "the most common clinical improvement in our studies was improving faecal quality and increased activity level". She urged clinics to adopt the practice, adding: "If you don't have your own faecal bank I will strongly recommend you start your own as soon as possible because it's an amazing tool".

Caring for the Veterinary Professional: Thank You Vets The symposium concluded with a powerful session led by Viktoriia Sabluk, addressing the importance of mental well-being and a healthy work-life balance for the veterinary sector. Reaffirming Purina's commitment to supporting the professionals who care for our pets, she announced: "We partnered with experts across Europe to provide resources and emotional support dedicated to the veterinarians".

Visit the Symposium page to learn more—watch the recordings, read the proceedings, and review the speakers’ presentations: Purina PRO PLAN Symposium 2026 | Vet Center

About Purina® PRO PLAN® Purina® PRO PLAN® is dedicated to improving the lives of dogs and cats through the power of ground-breaking nutrition. Supported by a global team of over 500 scientists and veterinarians, the brand sets high standards in pet care to anticipate the evolving needs of pets worldwide.