The United States is home to more than 70 million dogs and 74 Million cats. And those don’t include the feral ones. That equals a lot of happy animal owners! More and more pet parents are caring about what their animals ingest in order for them to live happy and healthy lives.
Some advances in canine and feline nutrition have begun to surface in terms of stool quality and overall digestion processes by way of dietary fibers. Fibers from sources such as cereal grains, whole grains and fruits have really brought the fervor and are gaining widespread notoriety.
So far, there is limited statistics and data proving the nutritional and nutraceutical advancements of alternative fiber stuffs such as corn fiber but there have been no negative effects as of yet.
Fibers from fruit and pomaces exude good water binding properties which are good for them doggies and kitties. Rice bran is also the bomb I’m hearing for dogs and may be a cheaper alternative to prebiotic supplementation. Although, that same type style increases the dietary requirement in cats. Barley is also the jam when it comes to the complex carbohydrate consumption
Barley up to 40% in a dry extruded diet is well tolerated by adult dogs.
In addition, consumption of complex carbohydrates has shown a protective effect on cardiovascular disease and oxidative stress. Alternative fiber sources are suitable ingredients for pet foods. They have been shown to be nutritionally adequate and to have potential nutraceutical properties. Pretty cool to be so smart right! Help a doggie out!