How MuttGut Is Tackling Pet Gut Heath

Michelle Griffin: MuttGut and KittyGut are the first retail products launched by The Culture Club, which I founded in 2017. My company created the patent-pending Urban Flora, a unique, fermented formula that came out of my own diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, a rare life-threatening neuromuscular, autoimmune disease. Today, The Culture Club specializes in microbiome technology.

I joined forces with Gitte Jensen, Ph.D., to establish an efficacious supplement to manage my own immune response. As an avid animal lover, I shared the product with my pets and found the results equally outstanding, leading to the creation of MuttGut and KittyGut.

MuttGut and KittyGut both contain 100 percent organic, human-grade ingredients, are non-GMO and grain free, and were formulated and tested in the U.S. in FDA-approved laboratories.

Tell us about MuttGut’s microbiome support system and how it works.

Griffin: MuttGut and KittyGut provide a three-in-one prebiotic, probiotic and postbiotic formula for dogs and cats that is sprinkled on the top of food. These help improve overall health by establishing symbiosis in the microbiome.

Our proprietary formula is fermented with 270 billion CFUs of diverse, beneficial bacteria. To supercharge antioxidant protection, we include turmeric. Our spray-dry process stabilizes the metabolites naturally produced during fermentation to deliver long-term gut support that’s simple to serve.

What sets MuttGut apart from similar products on the market?

Griffin: There is really nothing like it available today. It combines key ingredients for a multilevel effect, including high-quality bentonite clay to detoxify the gut lining. The products are veterinarian recommended, human grade, organic, and non-GMO, with no preservatives, fillers, or grains.

MuttGut and KittyGut are scientifically formulated to:

• Promote normal digestive function
• Support a healthy immune system
• Promote a healthy microbiome and gut flora
• Provide antioxidant protection
• Promote cellular reproduction

Does MuttGut have a company philosophy?

Griffin: Our philosophy is that “it all begins in the gut.” The Culture Club’s mission is to tackle imbalances at the root cause. A simple sprinkle of the formula can alleviate symptoms such as irregular digestion, runny poop, "booty scoots," excessive gas, paw licking, and sensitive skin.

How has pet owners' approach to health changed?

Griffin: Pet owners are far savvier than ever before. We are the first and only gut health company to bring a three-in-one product to market that addresses overall gut health, making life more convenient for pet parents who are often confused by the massive amount of supplements available.

How does MuttGut support independent pet retail partners?

Griffin: Independent retailers are key. They take the time to educate pet owners and know their consumers' real issues. At SuperZoo, we were told repeatedly that the majority of requests for recommendations were for gut health products. The independent retailer plays a huge role in educating the consumer on these solutions.

Tell us about the key people at your company.

Gitte Jensen, Ph.D., founded NIS Labs in 1999. Her background in cancer research and immune surveillance provides a unique bridge between traditional medicine and novel nutritional developments.

Investor David Levy is a serial entrepreneur in the pet industry with 24 years of experience. Currently the CEO of Pet Product Innovations, David has had an immeasurable impact on our company as we navigate the startup journey.

Lord Roderick Balfour will help with our expansion into the U.K. and Europe. As an investor in the brand Scrumbles, he plays a key role in our international distribution.

What should retailers know about your company?

Griffin: Our product is backed by years of research and human-grade ingredients. We never compromise on quality. We stand by our product and provide a 100 percent refund if you are not satisfied. We build our relationships on trust and integrity.

What does the future look like for MuttGut?

Griffin: This is just the beginning. We look forward to creating more innovative gut-related health products and treats that help pets live longer, healthier lives.