
An introduction to the canine microbiome
The community of organisms that live within the digestive tract are known as the gut microbiome, and there are literally trillions of them.
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At BIOME9, our mission has always been to push the boundaries of canine gut health research and deliver the best microbiome testing and veterinary support.
Today, we’re excited to announce a new chapter in that journey: a collaboration with Pooch & Mutt.
This fresh new approach will continue to bring accessible, reliable, microbiome testing - paired with the same great supplements and expert advice you trust.
As BIOME9 evolves, we’re focusing even more on cutting-edge research, professional veterinary services, and bespoke health plans that truly support dogs’ wellbeing at a deep level.
To do that best, we’re transitioning from selling directly to pet owners (D2C) to working more closely with veterinary clinics, behaviourists, and nutritionists (B2B).This shift enables us to focus on what we do best - pioneering science and personalised care.
From August, you as a pet owner will continue to receive the highest-quality products and support through Pooch & Mutt, powered by BIOME9.
Good science is about building on what’s come before.
Pooch & Mutt’s Gut Health Test uses proven methods and technology, drawing on BIOME9’s extensive database of over 1,400 dogs, to provide you with reliable, easy-to-understand results.
While BIOME9’s GutDiscovery® test uses detailed, long-read sequencing to provide species-level insights and pathogen analysis, Pooch & Mutt use short-read 16S sequencing focused on the middle region of the 16S gene. This means:
Analysis at the genus level (core bacterial families)
Validated scores consistent with BIOME9’s standards
A test designed for accessibility and ease of use without compromising on quality
The same trusted supplements: The Pooch & Mutt Gut Health Test pairs with the exact BIOME9 supplement formulations you’ve come to rely on for supporting your dog’s gut health.
Consistent scoring and recommendations: The Gut Health Test uses BIOME9’s AI-driven expertise and deep experience to deliver actionable insights and personalised plans.
Continued professional support through BIOME9: Our flagship GutDiscovery® service will continue to be available exclusively through vets, behaviourists, and nutritionists, so your dog can benefit from the highest level of professional care if you choose to go deeper with your analysis.
This acquisition from Pooch & Mutt means more dog owners will have access to scientifically grounded microbiome testing and products, all backed by BIOME9’s research and expertise.
We’re proud to support this new model where professionals and pet parents alike can feel confident they’re getting the best care possible, with clarity, accuracy, and simplicity.
If you’ve used BIOME9’s service before, don’t worry - Pooch & Mutt will provide the same excellent experience, quality supplements, and trusted insights you value.
We’re confident this collaboration will open doors for even more dogs to live happier, healthier lives.
For professional partners interested in BIOME9’s advanced GutDiscovery® service, please contact us to learn more about working together.
For individual pet owners interested in taking the first step towards better gut health for their dog, this journey will now begin with Pooch & Mutt from August onwards.
Science is at the heart of everything we do and alongside Pooch & Mutt, we’re excited to take dog gut health to the next level.
Thank you for your continued support on this journey.
Dr Bushra Schuitemaker
Head of Science and Research, BIOME9
The microbiome is the name given to the collection of microbes, mostly bacteria, but also fungi and protozoa, that exist within your dog’s gut. It is a diverse and complex microbial community which can directly affect health and wellbeing. We know that 90% of a human’s body cells are microbes, with only 10% being human cells – it’s just that human cells are markedly larger than the microbes. It’s similar for our four-legged friends. Testing the microbiome gives us an idea of exactly which bacteria are present in your dog’s gut and this can help indicate existing or future health problems.
A healthy diversity within the microbiome has been found to be an accurate indicator of overall health and wellbeing. If your dog appears healthy, but has an imbalance in their microbiome, then this could be an indicator of a potential future health issue. If your dog has any existing health complaints, then improving the health of their microbiome can help to improve immune system health and overall wellbeing, as well as improving disease symptoms.
Testing and treatment have the potential to help with a whole range of different health complaints. The immune system is very closely associated with the gut, so any imbalance in the microbiome can influence immune system health, overall vitality and wellbeing. Our supplement recommendations are also tailored to your individual dog, with specific ranges designed to help with gastrointestinal inflammation, joint problems, allergies and skin complaints, to name a few.
All you need to do is order a kit online and fill in our questionnaire about your dog and their general health. We will then send the kit out to you by post. You then just need to collect a sample and return it to us, again by post. Once the test is performed, we will email the results directly to you.
You do not need to get your vet’s permission to test, or talk to them about performing the test beforehand. We do recommend that you pass on a copy of your test results to your regular vets, as it may help them in understanding your pet’s current health, and any future complaints they may have.
Get in touch with our team to talk about our microbiome test kit, precision supplements, and more.
The community of organisms that live within the digestive tract are known as the gut microbiome, and there are literally trillions of them.
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