Feline colonic microbes and fatty acid transport: Effects of feeding cellulose, beet pulp and pectin/gum arabic fibers

Studies were undertaken to determine the effects of dietary fiber (i.e., ce llulose, beet pulp or a pectin/gum arabic blend) on colonic transport of SC FA and fecal microbial populations of adult, female cats. Selection of test fibers was based upon that seer's ability to be degraded (fermented) withi n the gut of the domestic cat (i.e., cellulose - generally non-fermentable, beet pulp-moderately fermentable, pectin/gum arabic - highly fermentable). A non-fiber control diet was also included in the study. The pectin/gum ar abic blend was noted to induce a reduction in food and water intake, result ing in body weight loss. Colonic fluid recovery was significantly reduced i n those cats receiving the pectin/gum arabic blend. For cats receiving the beet pulp fiber, an increased SCFA (acetate and butyrate) absorption and a sustained, reduced fecal microbial population were noted, relative to those cats receiving non-fiber, cellulose or the pectin/gum arabic blend diets. Based upon the data presented, and observations previously reported for dog s and cats, it is concluded that if fiber is to be included in the diet of the domestic cat, a moderately fermentable fiber (e.g., beet pulp) would be the dietary fiber of choice. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc.