In 2021, 87 million American households spent $44.1 billion on pet food and treats. If only we spent that much to feed and nurture the trillions of microbes that live inside of us and are a major defense against chronic disease.

But alas, prebiotics — the foods that your microbes thrive on — are not on everyone's shopping list.

According to a presentation at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, dandelion greens, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, leeks, and onions are the most prebiotic-dense foods, and do the most to promote microbiome (gut) wellness.

What's in these five foods?

One cup of raw dandelion greens: 25 calories, 1.5 grams protein, 5.1 grams carbohydrates, 1.9 grams fiber, vitamins A, K, C, folate, calcium, and potassium.

One clove of garlic: a bit of magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins A, E, C, and the Bs.

Garlic, along with leeks and onions, also offers allium with flavonols that are anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and protect your heart and nervous system.

Jerusalem artichokes? They contain a dietary fiber called inulin that helps regulate digestion, balance blood sugar, control blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol, and protect against some cancers.