The gut is one of the most influential systems in an animal’s body. Research suggests that around 70% of the immune system resides in the intestine, and that the gut produces most of the body’s serotonin — the hormone associated with feelings of wellbeing. In other words, the digestive tract is closely tied to how a pet defends itself against illness and how it feels day to day.

When the gut loses its balance, the consequences reach well beyond digestion. Pets may become prone not only to digestive upsets but also to weakened immunity, poorer nutrient absorption, and a gradual decline in overall health. For pet owners, gut health is therefore best understood as a foundation for long-term wellbeing rather than a narrow digestive concern. Recognising this, Vietnam Food Joint Stock Company (VNF) turned to shrimp raw material as a source of bioactive ingredients that can address the problem at its root.

Vietnam Food Joint Stock Company (VNF) pairs shrimp-derived Peptides with Chitosan to act on three fronts

From shrimp raw material, Vietnam Food Joint Stock Company (VNF) developed its Peptides & Chitosan duo to support pet gut health through three main mechanisms. Peptides provide an easily absorbed source of hydrolysed protein that helps optimise digestion and limit the formation of harmful substances in the gut. Chitosan, in turn, helps balance the microbiome, keep harmful bacteria in check, and strengthen the protective barrier of the intestinal lining.

Scientific literature points to the combined value of the two ingredients. In studies on dogs and cats, Chitosan was reported to increase beneficial bacteria by up to 18 times, reduce harmful bacteria by up to 70%, and cut damage to the gut barrier by nearly 50%. In a separate study, Peptides supported a 50% rise in antibodies and improved immune-activating cytokines by up to 200% — contributing to better gut health and stronger overall health in pets.

Gut-focused nutrition points to healthier pets overall

Taken together, these findings show that Peptides & Chitosan act not only within the gut but also help improve a pet’s overall health, working through three foundations: a balanced microbiome, a reinforced intestinal barrier, and optimised digestion. As pet owners increasingly look for nutrition backed by evidence, ingredients that support the gut are moving to the centre of how the industry thinks about animal wellbeing.

With more than a decade of experience developing shrimp-derived biological ingredients, Vietnam Food Joint Stock Company (VNF) continues to pursue science-based nutrition solutions aimed at sustainable pet health. Readers can explore more in-depth content on shrimp-derived nutrition solutions such as Peptides and Chitosan on the VNF website.