Fiber and its influence on the intestinal function of dogs
Adequate intestinal function depends on the gut microbiota, which is essential for nutrient metabolism and absorption. As well as for the correct assimilation of other compounds consumed by small animals. A healthy microbiota is characterized by a delicately balanced high diversity of microbial genera. Which in turn confers the animal an increased metabolic capacity within the intestine.
The population dynamics of gut microbiota can be altered by factors such as:
Age;
Nutrition;
Stress;
Bacterial infectious diseases;
Hygiene;
Consumption of pre and probiotics.
The composition of macronutrients and the addition of some specific ingredients in the diet can help modulate the microbiota and its metabolites, which benefits dogs’ overall health.
Among the various compounds that can act as modulators of the microbiota, the immune system and the intestinal integrity of dogs, fiber stands out.
Dietary fiber includes polysaccharides and other substances associated with the cell wall of plants. These compounds are resistant to the action of mammal digestive enzymes due to the presence of β-type bonds (Van Soest, 1994).
Although these fibers a not digestible by the animal’s own enzymes, dogs contain certain microorganisms that are capable of fermenting fiber. This type of fermentation produces metabolites that contribute towards beneficial physiological changes, disease prevention as well as generating alternative energy sources for cells of the intestinal mucosa. This phenomenon is especially notorious within the colon.
It is worth noting that the fermentation of dietary fiber is more variable than the digestion of other macronutrients like: starch, fat and protein. This variation is mainly due to changes in the physicochemical properties of fiber. Including:
Volume;
Viscosity;
Solubility;
Water retention capacity;
Degree of fermentability.
Fiber in dog diets
The use of fiber in dog diets has been questioned mainly due to the lack of knowledge regarding its nutritional function and by the fact that this species lacks the enzymes to digest these compounds.
However,new research has shed light on the importance of fiber and its role within dog nutrition. Associating its inclusion with positive effects in: intestinal transit regulation, maintaining intestinal integrity and function, as well as in the modulation of gut microbiota.
Studies have shown that these compounds are also capable of inf...
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