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The primary
function and benefit of adequate dietary fiber is to maintain a proper
balance of bulk and
water in the intestinal contents.
It absorbs water in the case of diarrhea, and gives it up
in the case of constipation. Correct fiber amounts regulate transit time, helping to
regulate normal bowel function and maintain colon health. It helps
moderate insulin swings.
 Beet Pulp
Today science is touting the benefits of fiber in human
diets to prevent chronic disease. Fiber has similar benefits in pet food
diets. Pharmacological doses of fiber (1) (less than 5%), that contains
both rapidly and moderately fermentable fiber is recommended in foods
for healthy pets. Beet pulp fits that description better than any other
fiber. (1) Quality fiber aids in the management of diabetes, colitis and
constipation. It absorbs water or gives it up, as necessary, for good
health, and correct amounts regulate healthy transit time in the colon.
When used correctly in pet food formulas, beet pulp is an excellent
fiber source, a partial Prebiotic and aids in the prevention of the
diseases noted. Research suggests it may aid in fighting colon cancer,
decreases pathogenic bacteria and aids gut health. It is a recommended
fiber for pets suffering from gastrointestinal issues (1), IBD, etc.
Some manufacturers state that excess
fiber will mask some health issues, and this is true. However, note the
word excess. (One brand considers 12% as excessive.) Neither Eagle Pack
nor other brands use excess beet pulp. Eagle Pack uses less
than the 5% pharmacological percent noted above, and we use it for the
health benefits noted. Silver Charm, the 1996 Kentucky Derby winner, was
fed a special diet that contained Beet Pulp.
Beet Pulp gently massages intestinal
walls to remove mucus on a daily basis. If beet pulp is not used, very
often mucus builds up on the intestinal wall and inhibits nutrient
absorption. About every 30-days so much has built up, it lets go and
comes out in the form of mucus covered stools.
Beet Pulp is derived from sugar
beets, that are whitish in color. Beet Pulp used in Eagle Pack formulas
contain less than 1% sugar. The amount of sugar from beet pulp in the
final formula is 0.0003%, basically zero. Beet Pulp used by sugar
producers is 4-times more expensive than when we buy it. From a pure
economic standpoint, sugar producers want to extract as much sugar as
possible.
(1) “Small Animal Clinical Nutrition
IV”
Inulin
Inulin is a natural fiber, referred to in
human nutrition as a Prebiotic.
Research shows it encourages the growth of favorable bacteria (DFM's/Direct
Fed Microbials) such as Lactobacillus.
Source: Nutrient
Metabolism
Fructooligosaccharides and Lactobacillus
acidophilus Modify Gut Microbial Populations, Total Tract Nutrient
Digestibilities and Fecal Protein Catabolite Concentrations in Healthy
Adult Dogs¹
Kelly S. Swanson,* Chrstine M. Grieshop,†
Elizabeth A. Flickinger,† Laura L. Bauer,* JoMay Chow,**
Bryan W. Wolf,** Keith A. Garleb,** and George C. Fahey, Jr.*²
*Division of Nutritional Sciences and †Department
of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801 and **Ross
Products Division of Abbott Laboratories, Columbus, OH 43215
Oat Fiber
This is one of 3 fibers we use in our feline hairball formula. Because
it has a different micron size, it too helps pull hair through the cats
system by latching on to hair that the tomato Pomace misses.
Tomato Pomace
When the tomatoes are
delivered to the plant they go onto a water flow channel to transport
them through the plant. This washes them as well. They then go to a
pressure steam area where the skin is peeled off. In effect they are
washed again. This becomes the Pomace. The Pomace contains concentrated
Lycopene, considered one of today’s premier antioxidants. Antioxidant
benefits of Lycopene are improved with heat during the cooking process.
Tomato Pomace is an excellent amino acid source. Used correctly it is an
ideal fiber source. With its many benefits it is not filler.
Some people talk about the value of using whole
foods, in this case the entire tomato. There is no value in having
tomato juice in pet food. There is a lot of value in having Tomato
Pomace.
Tomato Pomace has an extra value in cat food. It
helps naturally adjust pH levels to help reduce crystals, it naturally
stimulates taste and it is an aid in our feline hairball formula by
helping to draw cat hair through the cats system.
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