MOS & FOS Explained

Mannan-oligo-saccharide (MOS) and Fructo-oligo-saccharide (FOS) are nutritional supplements which have become more popular in dog foods due to their beneficial pre-biotic effect. They both encourage the growth of 'friendly bacteria' in the large intestine which promotes over-all gastro-intestinal health. MOS is derived from the cell wall of yeasts and is a type of short chain carbohydrate called an 'oligosaccharide'. FOS occur naturally in many plants and is extracted from fruits and vegetables such as chicory and some grains like barley and wheat and are a type of carbohydrate called 'oligosaccharides' that are composed of short fructose chains. MOS and FOS are not digested but are fermented once they reach the large intestine where the subsequently released molecules can promote a healthier environment for good bacteria in dogs and cats.