Guide Dogs UK has announced a partnership with AI canine gut health test and supplement brand Biome9 to optimise the gastrointestinal health of puppies during training.
The project will examine gastrointestinal health for puppies following two different primary vaccination protocols involving their first vaccinations. The initial test sample will use Biome9’s GutDiscovery test technology with 100 labradors and golden retriever puppies.
Guide Dogs’ puppies are born in volunteer homes and enter the organisation’s National Centre at approximately seven to eight weeks of age. They remain at the centre for a week before travelling nationally to puppy raising homes, and Guide Dogs are keen to understand more about their puppies’ gut health to help support them on their journeys.
Biome9’s GutDiscovery test uses AI to analyse bacteria in a dog’s gut microbiome, producing a report including personalised feeding and supplement recommendations. The insights are designed to improve digestion, skin health, immunity, behavioural markers, and joint health.
Rachel Moxon, senior canine science associate at Guide Dogs UK, said: “We are thrilled to be working with revolutionary test Biome9 to give us an insight into our pups’ gut health for the first time.
“The knowledge gathered from the test will help us to make informed decisions about each puppy’s journey. It is critical to monitor and understand health and wellbeing in puppyhood so our pups can have the best possible start to becoming life-changing guide dogs.”
Biome9 co-founder Asher Nathan added: “Gut health represents a pioneering frontier in science, and our commitment to ongoing research continues our learning.
“We are thrilled to be working with Guide Dogs UK to assess the impact of their puppies’ vaccinations. Our aim is to offer recommendations that ensure these dogs can lead longer, happier lives, supporting the invaluable care they provide to those they will go on to assist.”
