Gut health
Achieving optimal gut health
Prebiotic fibers, for a balanced microflora
The use of chicory derived prebiotics is widely known in human diets. However also in animal nutrition, inulin and oligofructose have shown to be beneficial for both intestinal health and animal wellfare. Chicory derived prebiotics are fibers which can not be broken down by the animals intestinal enzymes. Contrarely to other fiber sources, they are however fermented by a limited number of bacteria, namely Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. The selective stimulation of these bacteria strains inhibits the growth of pathogens. In that sense prebiotics will lead to a healthy intestinal flora. This effect on bacterial composition in the gut is illustrated in this table below.
Total aerobes Total anaerobes Bifidobacteria Lactobacilli Clostridia 1% FOS + + + + (NS) + 6% GOS = = = = 0-5% Chicory + - 0,5% FOS, MOS, XOS = = = 0,5% MOS, FOS - (NS) - (NS) = + (NS) (MOS) = 0,25% lacto sucrose + = -
or 1% FOS
Table: Effect of oligofructose addition to the diet on bacterial composition in dogs
As prebiotics lead to a shift in microbial composition in the gut, also the fermentation pattern is changed. There is a switch from a proteolytic fermentation towards a more saccharolytic one. This shift implies also a reduction of odorous compounds, mainly originating from proteolytic fermentation.
This is especially important for carnivorous animals with high levels of dietary protein.
Glutamine and SCFA, fuel for gut cells
Both vital wheat gluten and prebiotics are beneficial for the gut development. The protein fraction of wheat is specifically rich in the amino acid glutamine. In the intestines, inulin and oligofructose are fermented to produce SCFA’s
Both glutamine and SCFA’s are widely known as excellent energy sources for the mucosal cells and are therefor beneficial for gut development. Various researchers have reported an increase of villus heighth and crypt depth both when glutamine or prebiotics are added to the diet, indicating an increase of absorption surface.
This benefits the absorption of vital nutrients from the gut and hence digestibility of the petfood.
Especially the positive effect on Ca-absorption is reported for inulin and oligofructose. This explains why these ingredients are beneficial for bone health and strength.