Pet Food Processing - January 2025 - 34

INGREDIENTS
Pumpkin and sweet
potatoes are common
vegetables
included in pet
food formulations
to aid in digestion
and help prevent
diarrhea.
©Ladda-stock.adobe.com
Not all fibers are created equal
It took a pandemic to get people interested in how digestive
health influences overall wellness. Many are still
learning about the role dietary fiber has in gut health.
Science shows that abundant, flourishing good gut
bacteria (probiotics) promote a healthy immune system
by staving off foodborne pathogens and viruses.
Prebiotics are the fuel for probiotics to proliferate
in order to positively impact the body.
Prebiotics are frequently equated with dietary
fibers, but only a subset of dietary fibers actually
qualify as prebiotics.
" For decades, the role of the large intestine
and gut microbes was completely misunderstood, "
said Trevor Faber, director of
companion animal nutrition and technical
service, Trouw Nutrition USA, Highland,
Ill. " We now know the significance the gut
plays in health and wellbeing of the aniNatural
Balance's Health Protection recipes
include prebiotic fiber and probiotic-coated
kibble, as well as ingredients such as brown
rice and pumpkin to deliver additional fiber.
Natural Balance Pet Foods
34 PET FOOD PROCESSING | Jan-Feb 2025 | www.petfoodprocessing.net
ample, recently rolled out Health Protection. Developed
with veterinarian and pet nutrition experts, the kibble
supports six key health benefits: digestive health, skin and
coat, heart support, bones and teeth, immune system, and
hips and joints. The recipes include prebiotic fiber and
probiotic-coated kibble, alongside gentle ingredients like
brown rice and pumpkin that deliver additional fiber to
promote optimal digestion.
mal, including immune and cognitive function. We must
properly feed the microbes to promote the growth and
diversity of beneficial microbes.
" That 'cheap filler' was actually serving as a good food
source for the microbes, but pet owners didn't realize the
value and nutritionists likely didn't fully appreciate the
true functionality, " Faber said. " In today's diets, we are
just more conscious of dietary fiber type, variety and
supplement with prebiotics in an effort to enhance overall
gut health. The 'filler' ingredients are just viewed with
a different perspective now. "
Copeland added, " Prebiotic fiber in pet food becomes
more attractive as consumer awareness of its benefits
grows. Some pet parents are prebiotics-curious. Our
survey of US pet parents showed that about 17% said
they have spent more than an hour researching prebiotics
in the prior year. "
Exploring fiber options
While many whole plant foods are inherent sources
of soluble and insoluble fiber, most pets are not interested
in cut-up apples or a side of green beans. To
ensure an adequate amount, formulators rely on fiber
ingredients.
" Veterinarians have long recommended [fiber-rich]
foods like pumpkin and sweet potatoes to address diarrhea
and other gastrointestinal issues, " said Thom King,
chief innovations officer, Icon Foods, Portland, Ore.
" This isn't new information, but the growing awareness
among consumers about the connection between fiber
and overall wellness - both for themselves and their
pets - has brought fiber ingredients into the spotlight.
This shift shows that fiber isn't just a filler. It's a valuable
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