Influence of a blend of fructo-oligosaccharides and sugar beet fiber on nutrient digestibility and plasma metabolite concentrations in healthy beagles.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate effects of a blend of fructo-oligosaccharides and sugar beet fiber (4:1) at 3 incorporation rates on nutrient digestibility and plasma glucose, insulin, alpha-aminonitrogen, urea, cholesterol, and triglycerides concentrations measured weekly in nonfed dogs and during a 360-minute period after a meal.


METHODS
8 castrated 1- to 1.4-year-old young adult male Beagles weighing 10.0 to 13.5 kg.


METHODS
Diets containing 2 incorporation rates of a blend of fructo-oligosaccharides and sugar beet fiber (5 and 10% on a dry matter basis [diets B and C, respectively]) were compared with a control diet without additional fiber (diet A). The 3 diets were evaluated for ability to modify digestibility of dry and organic matter, protein, fat, and ash and for effects on plasma glucose, insulin, alpha-aminonitrogen, urea, cholesterol, and triglycerides concentrations. Each diet was fed for 6 weeks; plasma samples were collected weekly before feeding and after feeding on the last day of the period. During 1 week at the end of the 6-week period, dogs were kept in metabolic cages. Each period of the block was followed by a 4-week washout period.


RESULTS
Incorporating the blend of fructo-oligosaccharides and sugar beet fiber in the diet was associated with greater passage of wet feces (diets B and C) and lower protein digestibility (diet C). Postprandial glucose (diet C), urea (diets B and C) and triglyceride (diets B and C) concentrations were significantly (P < 0.01) decreased. Weekly preprandial measurements were characterized by decreased urea (diets B and C), cholesterol (diet C), and triglycerides (diets B and C) concentrations (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic consumption of fermentable fiber is associated with mildly decreased protein digestibility and with metabolic effects in nonfed or fed dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
A blend of fructo-oligosaccharides and sugar beet fiber should be tested as a dietary aid for treatment of chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidemia, in dogs.
Diez
M
M
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Belgium.
Hornick
J L
JL
Baldwin
P
P
Istasse
L
L
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D019663:Chenopodiaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000378:metabolism; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004063:Digestion / Q000187:drug effects*; D004285:Dogs / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D005632:Fructose / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009844:Oligosaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D013997:Time Factors; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D014508:Urea / Q000097:blood
D001786:Blood Glucose; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D007328:Insulin; D009844:Oligosaccharides; D014280:Triglycerides; D005632:Fructose; D014508:Urea; D002784:Cholesterol