THE INFLUENCE OF SUGAR-BEET FIBER, GUAR GUM AND INULIN ON NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY, WATER-CONSUMPTION AND PLASMA METABOLITES IN HEALTHY BEAGLE DOGS

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of three fibr es (sugar-beet fibre, guar gum and inulin) incorporated in the basal d iet of healthy dogs at 7 per cent of dry matter (DM). Parameters exami ned included stool output, water consumption, nutrient digestibility a nd fasting and postprandial plasma metabolites. All fibres increased w et faecal output; an increase in faecal DM output being observed with sugar-beet fibre only. Sugar-beet fibre and inulin increased daily wat er consumption. Sugar-beet fibre and guar gum decreased DM digestibili ty. The three fibres diminished organic matter and crude protein diges tibility while ether extract digestibility was decreased by guar gum a nd inulin. Guar gum induced lower postprandial insulin, a-amino-nitrog en and urea plasma concentrations. Guar gum also lowered fasting chole sterolaemia. Sugar-beet fibre and inulin showed no metabolic effects. These physiological properties suggest that guar gum would be a suitab le ingredient for dietary therapy of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidaemia in the dog.