<p>There are many different fibres and just as many ways they are used in pet food formulations. Fibre is sometimes not considered an essential nutrient in diets for dogs and cats, because pets do not derive a lot of energy from it. However, it is a very important ingredient that helps to support digestive health and improves stool quality. Digestive health is essential, because a healthy gut allows for a good absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It also helps to prevent pathogens to enter the body.</p>
<h2>What are fibres?</h2>
<p>Fibres are polysaccharides which are not hydrolyzed by the endogenous enzymes in the small intestine of monogastric animals, but are fermented in the colon by microorganisms. The fibre content of an ingredient can be analyzed in different ways. The common way is to analyze crude fibre, but with this method mainly cellulose is analyzed and only part of the hemicellulose and lignin. This results in an underestimation of the real fibre content. To have a better idea about the real fibre content and how it functions in the animal, it is better to analyze soluble and insoluble fibre.</p>
<h2>The difference between soluble and insoluble fibre</h2>
<p>Soluble and insoluble fibres have different characteristic and benefits. Each is suitable for <a href="/duynie-ingredients/ingredients/why-plant-based-pet-food-is-both-healthy-and-sustainable/" title="Why plant-based pet food is both healthy and sustainable">plant-based pet food</a> in a different way. We explain the difference below. </p>
<h3>Soluble fibres</h3>
<p>Soluble fibre are fibres that dissolve in water. This includes pectins, fructans, β-glucans, guar gums, inulin, FOS, GOS and some hemicelluloses. Some of them can increase viscosity in the gastrointestinal tract. This delays the emptying of the stomach, which slows down digestion and absorption of nutrients, which can help to prevent wide swings in blood sugar levels.</p>
<p>Some of these fibres (FOS and inulin for example) are fermented in the colon and have a prebiotic effect. They serve as a nutrient for bacteria that positively influences the intestinal flora. In particular, the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli is stimulated which results in a good intestinal health. By the fermentation of the fibres short chain fatty acids are formed in the colon, mainly butyrate. This causes a pH reduction in the intestine and prevents growth of pathogenic bacteria, such as E. Coli. Butyrate is also the main energy source for epithelial cells in the colon.</p>
<h3>Insoluble fibres</h3>
<p>Insoluble fibre are fibres that do not dissolve in water. This includes most of the hemicelluloses, cellulose and lignin. Insoluble fibre is not fermented in the colon and therefore not usually a source of energy for cats and dogs. The insoluble fibre stimulate peristalsis to maintain intestinal passage and helps to get a desirable stool consistency to prevent constipation or diarrhea.</p>
<p>Insoluble fibre does not contribute to weight gain. That is why it can be used in diets formulated for weight management to provide bulk and improve satiety. Insoluble fibres increase stool volume, which can be unfavorable to the perception of diet quality for pet owners. There is an optimal quantity of insoluble fibre required to promote laxation, but prevent excessive fecal volume.</p>
<h2>The benefits of fibre in pet food</h2>
<p>- Improves stool quality<br />- Promotes the growth of good bacteria<br />- Supports gut health and digestion<br />- Provides a feeling of saturation</p>
<h2>The best ingredients for high fibre pet food</h2>
<p>There are many different plant-based dietary fibre sources available for use in pet food. Ingredients such as <a href="/duynie-ingredients/" title="Duynie Ingredients">potato</a>, <a href="/petfood/carrots/" title="Carrots">carrot</a>, <a href="/petfood/chicory/" title="Chicory">chicory</a>, <a href="/petfood/sugar-beet-pulp/" title="Sugar Beet Pulp">sugar beet</a> and <a href="/petfood/vegetables-fruit/applefibre/" title="AppleFibre">apples</a> contain both soluble and insoluble fibres in different ratios. Be it potato fibres or chicory fibres, these ingredients should be part of a healthy well-balanced diet for cats and dogs. Duynie Ingredients is an expert in natural pet food ingredients. Our experts can give you advice about our ingredients to create the perfect pet food formula. <a href="#" title="Contact">Contact</a> us for tailor-made advice!</p>

Why is fibre so important in pet food?

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Why is fibre so important in pet food? Read more about fibres and why they are important here.

Fibers in pet food | Duynie Ingredients 