Guide Dogs UK has embarked on a pioneering trial involving 100 guide dog puppies to test a revolutionary AI gut health test. The initiative aims to enhance the long-term health of their working dogs across the country.
Guide Dogs UK has partnered with BIOME9, a leading AI canine gut health test and supplement brand, to optimise the gastrointestinal health of their puppies. This collaboration will provide unique insights to improve digestion, skin health, immunity, behavioural markers, joint health, and more. The mission of Guide Dogs UK is to help people with sight loss live independently, and the health and wellbeing of their guide dogs are essential to this goal.
Examining Gut Health Through Vaccination Protocols
This innovative project will assess the gastrointestinal health of puppies following two different primary vaccination protocols. Using BIOME9’s GutDiscovery® test technology, the initial sample will include 100 Labrador and Golden Retriever puppies. These puppies are born in volunteer homes and enter the National Centre at seven to eight weeks old, staying for a week before moving to puppy-raising homes nationwide. Guide Dogs UK aims to gain a deeper understanding of their puppies’ gut health to support their development.
The BIOME9 GutDiscovery® test uses InvisibleHealth® AI to analyse millions of bacteria in a dog’s gut microbiome, helping owners manage their pet’s gut health. Each report includes personalised feeding recommendations and a bespoke BiomeBites® supplement programme, designed to give dogs the nutrients they need to thrive.
Rachel Moxon, Senior Canine Science Associate at Guide Dogs UK, commented, “We are thrilled to be working with BIOME9 to gain insights into our pups’ gut health. The knowledge gathered from the test will help us make informed decisions about each puppy’s journey. Monitoring and understanding health and wellbeing in puppyhood is crucial to ensuring our pups have the best possible start to becoming life-changing guide dogs.”
Positive Outcomes and Future Research
Asher Nathan, Co-Founder of BIOME9, added, “BIOME9 GutDiscovery® is an easy, at-home test that helps dog owners make science-backed feeding decisions to improve long-term health. Following our report recommendations, 80% of customers have seen noticeable improvements in their dog’s wellbeing within eight weeks. Gut health is a pioneering frontier in science, and our commitment to ongoing research continues our learning. We are excited to work with Guide Dogs UK to assess the impact of their puppies’ vaccinations and offer recommendations to ensure these dogs lead longer, happier lives, supporting the invaluable care they provide to those they assist.”
This collaboration between Guide Dogs UK and BIOME9 represents a significant step forward in understanding and improving the gut health of guide dog puppies. The insights gained from this trial will help Guide Dogs UK optimise the health and development of their puppies, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future roles as guide dogs. The use of cutting-edge AI technology in monitoring gut health underscores the innovative approaches being adopted to enhance the welfare and effectiveness of guide dogs nationwide.
