(NM07) Differential Digestive Health Benefits of Fiber Blends Fed to Healthy Adult Dogs

Abstract:

Background: Dietary fibers and prebiotics confer health benefits to pets. Because fibers have different fermentation rates and soluble:insoluble ratios, blends may better improve digestive health parameters. Health benefits may be differential for dogs and cats depending on their ability to ferment dietary fibers and prebiotics.
Hypothesis/

Objectives: To determine if fiber blends provide a digestive health benefit in vivo.
Animals: Thirty-two colony-housed dogs were recruited for a randomized controlled feeding study. All dogs were apparently healthy and had not received antibiotics for at least 60 days prior to test start.

Methods: To stabilize the intestinal microbiome, a low fiber control diet was fed for 28 days minimum. Following stabilization, dogs were randomized to 1 of 4 test diets for an additional 28 days: Control, Blend 1 (inulin, psyllium, pumpkin), Blend 2 (inulin, oat fiber, beet pulp, pumpkin, citrus fiber), or Blend 3 (inulin, aleurone, pumpkin). Biological samples were collected to evaluate the impact of fiber blends on digestive and immune health. Parameters were compared to performance on the low fiber control using paired t-tests.

Results: Test diets were highly digestible. Blend 1 increased fecal IgA while decreasing total branched chain fatty acids, Clostridium perfringens, E. coli, and Streptococcus spp. (p< 0.05). Blend 2 increased Bifidobacterium spp. and Turicibacter spp. (p< 0.05). Blend 3 increased Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. (p< 0.05).
Conclusions and clinical importance: While all fiber blends performed well, dogs consuming the blend of inulin, psyllium, and pumpkin had improved the gastrointestinal environment.