Nestle Purina urges communication on probiotic effectiveness

Nestle Purina PetCare wants veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons to consider the evidence supporting the probiotics they advocate. To this end, the company is offering complimentary PROPLAN FortiFlora pillow packs and a countertop unit so that veterinary professionals can explain the benefits of probiotics to their clients.

A member of Nestle Purina PetCare, stated: “Studies carried out on diets claiming to contain probiotics have previously found that they generally did not meet the label claim when evaluated.”

Purina’s UK & Ireland Veterinary Technical Affairs Manager, Libby Sheridan, stated: “The efficacy of probiotics was thought to be strain specific and recommended clinicians critically assessed the evidence for the particular strain and preparation of probiotics stocked or used. The quality and efficacy of probiotics can vary and while in some cases there is strong evidence for efficacy in the targeted species, for others the evidence is scant. Having experienced it myself, I know it’s not always easy when working in a busy practice to take the time to ensure the evidence is there, but the studies back up that we should assess these things carefully before making a robust recommendation to our clients.”