Fibres and minerals for pets - Healthy cat food and dog food

BEET PULP

It is a moderately fermentable fiber source, used by the large intestin microflora, that fermentates and originates short-chain fatty acids (acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid), which represent an important source of energy for intestinal cells.

Several studies have shown the various benefits of this type of fiber.
The beet pulp has strong retention properties and a good balance between soluble and insoluble parts, which facilitates the production of short-chain fatty acids.

CHICORY

The chicory is a good source of Inulin and FOS (fruict-oligosaccharides), which are part of the large group of those plant fibers that are not absorbed from the intestine and are useful to restore the intestinal bacterial flora (prebiotics).

The combination of inulin and other non-absorbable plant fibers, such as flax seeds, enhance the regular function of the intestine, with an increased amount of water in stools, that are therefore softer and easier to evacuate. This combination is useful both in puppies and adult dogs.

A very recent study indicates that Inulin promotes intestinal absorption of calcium and its fixation in bones, and helps to combat osteoporosis. The same study confirms that inulin does not reduce the intestinal absorption of iron and vitamins.

PEAS

The pea fibre can retain up to 5 times its weight in water and up to 2 times in oil, it improves stool consistency and counteract intestinal disorders.

The micronization to which it is subjected increases the water retention capacity.

FLAX SEEDS

PREBIOTICS

Prebiotics are natural sugars largely found in various plants (artichoke, chicory, onion, bamboo sprouts etc.) that stimulate the selective growth of bacteria (probiotics), causing a beneficial effect on  intestinal health.

Prebiotics (Inulin and F.O.S) are important for the normal physiological functions and they help preventing illnesses caused by the transformation of some compounds in harmful products.

They can therefore reduce or remove intestinal disorders and unpleasant flatulences.When dogs are feeded with oligosaccharides,  the composition of the intestinal microflora is better, the intestinal mucous membrane grows larger and the absorbing surface is bigger (better digestion and assimilation).

PREBIOTICS AND WEANING

The loss of maternal protection factors through the transmission of milk, together with the change of diet, cause imbalances in the intestinal microbial ecosystem, which can easily cause enteric infections in puppies.

The principal aim of the integration of prebiotics in weaning food is to help the puppy's intestine maintain a protective flora during the stressful weaning time, improving the digestion, the assimilation and strengthening the immune defences.

• they provide support to the skeleton;
• they improve the water balance of the body;
• they improve the nervous system and muscle contraction;
• they trigger the catalyzed reactions of enzymes;
• they are part of some transport proteins and some hormones.