Goat Milk Plus is whole goat milk powder with added ‘good bacteria’ for dogs and cats which can be used to support their gut health and immune systems.

Goat milk is naturally rich in oligosaccharides which act as a prebiotic. But necessary pasteurisation to make it safe to consume, and legal to sell commercially, means that it doesn't contain any live cultures, or probiotics. These have been added to Karnlea's Goat Milk Plus – four beneficial strains – to provide enhanced health benefits.

Karnlea is launching the product at Edition Dog Live (25 August, at Stoneleigh, in Warwickshire – stand T2) but trade customers can pre-order via its website: www.karnlea.com/trade

The product comes in 200g tubs – providing up to 40 servings (depending on dog/cat weight) - and retails for £19.99.

Karnlea founder Lara McCullough said that she was really excited to be introducing this new product to the market.

“We believe that it’s a first for the UK and Ireland and could really bring benefits that pet owners are looking for.

“Although regular goat milk is really beneficial to a cat or dog’s diet – it’s extremely palatable, has better fat and protein distribution as well as essential minerals - it does not contain pro or postbiotics. This means that they need to be added back in, and those strains need to be proven as beneficial which ours are.

“By adding these cultures to our regular mix, we are providing a product with true ‘biotics’ that can support general health or specifically be used to improve gut health and immunity.”

Karnlea Goat Milk Plus can be used as part of a regular diet, used occasionally or alternated with Karnlea’s original Goat Milk. Goat Milk Plus can also be given to older or recuperating cats and dogs.

Postbiotics are the exciting new kids on the block and may be new to some. They are bioactive compounds – by-products which occur when probiotics consume prebiotics. These work alongside probiotics to increase health to support the immune system, reduce the symptoms of IBD, some allergies and prevent or treat diarrhoea.

Karnlea will also be stocking the product when it exhibits at PATS, Stand: P29, Telford International Centre – 29 September to 1 October.