IMBY GI Sensitive Dog Food

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) provide complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and a variety of micronutrients including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. These nutrients contribute to normal metabolic processes and help maintain healthy tissues. 

Dietary fiber supports normal gastrointestinal function and helps maintain digestive balance. At the same time, carotenoids and vitamin C contribute to antioxidant defenses that help protect cells from oxidative stress. 

Because of their balanced nutritional profile and natural palatability, sweet potatoes are often included in pet nutrition to provide digestible energy and support overall vitality, including healthy skin and coat condition (Waisundara et. al., 2017). 

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a nutrient-rich microalgae known for its high protein content and abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant pigments. It contains essential amino acids as well as bioactive compounds such as phycocyanin and beta-carotene. 

These pigments have been widely studied for their antioxidant properties and their role in supporting healthy tissues and cellular protection. Antioxidants help maintain normal skin integrity and support hair follicle health, both important factors for a healthy coat (Aksoy, 2024). 

Because skin and coat condition often reflect overall nutritional balance, spirulina is sometimes included in pet nutrition as a natural source of protein, micronutrients, and antioxidant compounds that contribute to overall vitality (Cabrita, 2025).

Sugar beet pulp is a highly fermentable fiber often used in horse diets to support healthy hindgut fermentation and provide steady energy without the starch load of many grains. Research in horses has evaluated beet pulp inclusion for digestibility and metabolic responses, supporting its reputation as a useful “super fiber” for condition, older horses, and horses needing more calories from fiber. It must be introduced gradually and balanced within the full ration. ScienceDirect

Brewer’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a functional yeast ingredient naturally rich in nutrients and yeast-derived compounds such as beta-glucans, mannan-oligosaccharides, and fermentation metabolites. These components are studied for their role in supporting digestive health, immune function, and overall wellbeing in dogs.

In canine studies, Saccharomyces cerevisiae products have been shown to positively influence the gut microbiota, including increased beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, while also supporting immune markers and normal inflammatory balance.

Research in dogs also links Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products to skin and coat support, including effects on skin sebum, antioxidant status, and immune responses. This makes brewer’s yeast especially relevant in formulations aimed at supporting gut health, skin resilience, and coat quality (Jouany et al., 2009; Davenport, 2023; Lin, 2019; Wilson, 2022).

Sunflower oil derived from sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus) is a natural source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that plays an important role in skin health.

Linoleic acid contributes to maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier, helping the skin retain moisture and supporting normal skin function. A well-functioning skin barrier is important for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat in dogs.

Because essential fatty acids cannot be synthesized by the body in sufficient amounts, they must be provided through the diet. For this reason, oils rich in omega-6 fatty acids such as sunflower oil are commonly included in pet nutrition to support healthy skin and coat condition while contributing to overall nutritional balance (Verhelst, 2025).

Choline is an essential nutrient involved in several important physiological processes in animals. One of its key roles is serving as a precursor for phosphatidylcholine, a major phospholipid that forms part of cell membranes and contributes to maintaining normal cellular structure and function.

Choline is also involved in lipid metabolism. It helps transport fats within the body by supporting the formation of lipoproteins, which are responsible for moving lipids through the bloodstream. Proper lipid metabolism is important for maintaining normal metabolic balance and supporting the function of organs involved in nutrient processing. Kenny et. al., 2025

In addition, choline contributes to the synthesis of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter involved in nerve signaling. Through these roles in cell membrane structure, metabolism, and nervous system function, choline supports normal physiological processes in growing animals as well as in animals with higher nutritional demands. Nutrients, 2020

Because animals cannot always produce sufficient amounts themselves, choline is commonly included in complete nutritional formulations to support cellular health, metabolic balance, and overall physiological function.

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino monosaccharide that serves as a building block for glycosaminoglycans and other structural molecules in the body. Glycosaminoglycans are important components of connective tissues such as cartilage and also contribute to the structure of mucosal surfaces throughout the body.

These molecules help maintain the strength, elasticity, and structural integrity of connective tissues. In biological systems, glucosamine participates in pathways that support the synthesis and maintenance of these structural components, which are essential for maintaining normal tissue function.

Glycosaminoglycans and related molecules also contribute to the protective mucosal layers found in the gastrointestinal tract. These layers help maintain barrier integrity and support the interaction between the intestinal lining and the microbiome, which is important for digestive stability and overall physiological balance.

Because of its role as a structural precursor in connective tissues and mucosal systems, glucosamine is often included in nutritional formulations aimed at supporting tissue maintenance, gastrointestinal integrity, and overall physiological resilience. ScienceDirect

Mealworm protein derived from Tenebrio molitor larvae is an alternative animal protein source increasingly used in pet nutrition. It provides a highly digestible source of essential amino acids that contribute to normal muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and overall metabolic function.

Because insect proteins differ from traditional animal proteins such as beef or chicken, they are often used in nutritional strategies designed for pets with food sensitivities. Using a novel protein source can help support balanced nutrition in animals that may react to more common protein ingredients.

In addition to its nutritional value, mealworm protein contains beneficial fatty acids, micronutrients, and highly bioavailable proteins that contribute to overall health and vitality in dogs and cats. Because of its digestibility, nutritional quality, and sustainability, insect protein is increasingly used as a complete protein source in modern pet foods.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism. These minerals are important for maintaining normal bone formation and overall structural support.

Beyond its role in mineral metabolism, vitamin D3 also contributes to immune system regulation. Immune cells contain vitamin D receptors, and adequate vitamin D levels support normal immune responses and physiological balance.

Vitamin D is also involved in cellular growth and differentiation, including in tissues such as the skin. These processes contribute to maintaining skin integrity and overall tissue health.

Because of its role in immune function, skin health, and metabolic balance, vitamin D3 is commonly included in nutritional formulations designed to support overall wellbeing and resilience in dogs (Chrobak-Chmiel, 2023; Dogru, 2017; Hattangdi-Haridas, 2019; Mostafa, 2015).

Vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopherol) is an essential fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cell membranes from oxidative stress. Because these membranes are rich in fatty acids, they are particularly sensitive to oxidative damage, making antioxidant protection important for normal cellular function (ScienceDirect, 2014).

Vitamin E plays an important role in maintaining muscle cell integrity and supports normal nerve function. It also contributes to immune function and helps maintain healthy tissues such as skin and coat (Fagan, 2018).

Horses naturally obtain vitamin E from fresh grass, but intake can be limited when pasture access is restricted, making additional supply relevant (University of California, 2019).

Vitamin E can occur in different forms (tocopherols), each with specific antioxidant properties. A combination of these forms provides broader antioxidant support compared to a single form alone. As a fat-soluble vitamin, delivering vitamin E in an oil-based form supports its natural absorption (Quigley, 2021).

Yucca (Yucca schidigera) is a plant extract naturally rich in saponins, compounds known for their supportive role in digestion (Veterinary Herbal Medicine, 2007). These compounds interact with by-products formed during normal digestive processes in the gut.

During digestion, certain substances can contribute to stronger stool odors. Yucca extract helps limit the formation of these compounds, supporting more neutral-smelling stools.

In addition, yucca is often included in nutritional formulations to support overall digestive balance and gut comfort. A well-functioning digestive system contributes to more consistent stool quality and overall wellbeing.

Because of these combined effects, yucca is commonly used in pet nutrition to support digestion while helping keep stools more manageable and pleasant (Giffard et. al., 2001)

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Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions throughout the body. It plays a key role in cellular metabolism, immune function, and tissue maintenance.

In the skin, zinc contributes to normal cell turnover and supports the structural integrity of skin tissues. Adequate zinc intake is therefore important for maintaining healthy skin and coat condition.(Schwartz et. al., 2006; Glutsch et. al., 2019).

Zinc is also involved in immune system activity and antioxidant defense mechanisms that help protect tissues from oxidative stress. Because of these roles, zinc is commonly included in pet nutrition to support immune balance, skin health, and overall physiological function (Animals, 2021).

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a natural ingredient that provides a range of vitamins and minerals important for overall health. It contains nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, which contribute to normal physiological processes in the body.

These nutrients play a role in maintaining cellular function, supporting the immune system, and contributing to normal muscle and nerve activity. Potassium and magnesium, for example, are involved in fluid balance and muscle function, while vitamin C supports antioxidant processes.

By supplying essential micronutrients, potato contributes to maintaining overall wellbeing and supports the body’s daily nutritional needs.

Linseed is valued for alpha-linolenic acid (aplantomega-3) and is commonly used in horses and dogs to support healthy skin andcoat. It is especially relevant when animals eatmainly hayor processed diets with less natural omega-3 compared with fresh forage. Linseed also provides gentle mucilage-like fibers that many owners associate with digestive comfort. Sembratowicz et al., 2020