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 an d sugar beet fiber (4:1) at 3 incorporation rates on nutrient digestib ility and plasma glucose, insulin, alpha-aminonitrogen, urea, choleste rol, and triglycerides concentrations measured weekly in nonfed dogs a nd during a 360-minute period after a meal. Animals-8 castrated 1 to 1 .4-year-old young adult male Beagles weighing 10.0 to 13.5 kg. Procedu re-Diets containing 2 incorporation rates of a blend of fructo-oligosa ccharides and sugar beet fiber (5 and 10% on a dry matter basis [diets B and C, respectively]) were compared with a control diet without add itional fiber (diet A). The 3 diets were evaluated for ability to modi fy digestibility of dry and organic matter, protein, fat, and ash and for effects on plasma glucose, insulin, alpha-aminonitrogen, urea, cho lesterol, and triglycerides concentrations. Each diet was fed for 6 we eks; plasma samples were collected weekly before feeding and after fee ding on the last day oi the period, During 1 week at the end of the 6- week period, dogs were kept in metabolic cages. Each period of the blo ck was followed by a 4-week washout period. Results-Incorporating the blend of fructo-oiigosaccharides 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 si gnificantly (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). Conclu sion-Chronic consumption of fermentable fiber is associated with mildl y decreased protein digestibility and with metabolic effects in nonfed or fed dogs. Clinical Relevance-A blend of fructo-oligosaccharides an d sugar beet fiber should he tested as a dietary aid for treatment of chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidemia, in dogs .