Fiber in Animal Nutrition

Fiber in Dog and Cat Food 68 Under controlled conditions of producing extruded cat food, it has been shown that the addition of different types of insoluble Arbocel fiber preparations within the inclu- sion range of 1 to 5% affects the textural characteristics of the kibbles (Millauer, 2011). There was a general trend towards larger volume, smaller pores, smoother surface and more homogenous shape. Depending on the type of fiber, the kibbles could be made more crusty or with longer or shorter bowl life (time required to squeeze the kibbles with constant force while softening in water). It is clear that the type of insoluble Arbocel fiber allows flexibility as to kibble texture so as to meet the manufacturers’ and pet owners’ wishes. Pressed petfood is becoming more popular among dog owners who believe that more gentle processing is healthier and tastier. Studies with pressed poultry feed have shown that hardness (fragmentation) and durability (abrasion) are influenced by the inclusion of fibrillated fiber (Ng, 2015). It is likely that the quality of pressed petfood can be steered by the use of fibrillated fiber. The inclusion of Arbocel lignocellulose has a positive impact on the production of chunk-in-gravy petfoods (J. Rettenmaier & Söhne, 2014). It was found that the fibril- lated fiber enhanced chunk strength. This effect can be utilized for cost effectiveness as it permits to reduce the amounts of meat ma- terial and dried blood plasma in the formula. For specific products it should be possible to optimize the amount of fibrillated fiber with regard to chunk quality, ingredient cost effectiveness and intestinal health of the target animals. 5.7 Conclusion Cellulose fiber is insoluble, but has high water-binding capacity while f ibrillated preparations form a network. It is neither digested nor fermented in the gut of dogs and cats and thus has zero-calorie value. The unique properties make cellulose an appreciated functional and technological ingredient of petfood. Cellulose can prevent diarrhea, reduce fecal volume, support dental care, inhibit hairball formation, help fight obesity and improve the food’s texture. © ERLING Verlag