Fiber in Animal Nutrition

67 Cellulose as technological ingredient diet was found to lower the incidence of vomiting, retching and coughing by 79, 91 and 70%, respectively. Four studies have demonstrated that the addition of cellulose to the diet of cats incre- ases the excretion of hair with feces (Baucells and Villaverde, 2011; Davenport et al., 2008; Loureiro et al., 2014; Ludolph, 2007). The cellulose effect appears to be specific as it was seen when compared with either beet pulp or sugar-cane fiber. Other studies with undisclosed fiber types have also shown that high versus low fiber intake stimulates fecal hair excretion (Tournier et al., 2005, Weber et al., 2015). 5.5.3 Diabetes mellitus Dietary treatment of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats aims at diminishing the glucose- induced stimulation of the pancreatic beta- cells and making it easier to set the insulin dosage. Remission is the paramount aim, followed by adequate glucose control using the minimum possible insulin dose. The addition of cellulose to a wet food at 15% in the dry matter reduced both postprandial plasma glucose and the 24-hour mean glucose concentration in dogs with alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus (Nelson et al., 1991). This suggests that dietary cellulose may contribute to improved control of glycemia in diabetes mellitus. A cross-over study has examined the impact of dietary cellulose on glycemic control in cats with naturally acquired diabetes mellitus (Nelson et al., 2000). Wet foods without or with 12% (on a dry-matter basis) powdered cellulose were used. After 24 weeks, the cellulose-containing food had reduced the required insulin dose by 20%. A similar cellulose effect was found in dogs with diabetes mellitus (Nelson et al., 1991). 5.5.4 Fiber-responsive colitis Colitis is an inflammation of the colon, cau- sing minor bouts of diarrhea which can be accompanied by signs of blood or mucous in the stool. Dietary treatment generally consists of a hypoallergenic and/or high-fiber diet. Although colitis generally is considered a fiber-responsive disease, there is little expe- rimental evidence. Lecoindre and Gaschen (2011) have reported the results of a study in dogs with chronic, idiopathic large-intestinal diarrhea. Treatment with commercial high- fiber dry foods containing 11 or 15% crude fiber was successful in 12 out of 19 animals. The study did not involve a low-fiber diet, so that the relevance of high fiber intake remains uncertain. Simpson (1998) has compared a hypoallergenic and high-fiber diet and concluded that the latter was less suitable for dogs with colitis. 5.5.5 Constipation Dogs or cats with constipation pass stools infrequently or exhibit tenesmus when de- fecating. In practice, constipation is often managed successfully by feeding diets rich in insoluble fiber. In the public domain there are no published controlled trials on dietary treatment of constipation. 5.6 Cellulose as technological ingredient Combining an increased content of cellulose with a kibble size and shape that promote chewing and contact with teeth is crucial for dental health benefit. In dental foods and treats, cellulose acts as technological ingredient to obtain proper texture. For the manufacturing of other petfoods such as ex- truded, pressed and chunk-in-gravy products, fibrillated cellulose also has advantageous textural effects. © ERLING Verlag