ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2022 29 Protein is just one nutrient involved in digestibility, but when it comes to dogs and cats, it could be argued that protein receives the most attention. Many of us know that absorbing the proper levels of essential amino acids is crucial for good health, and since our pets typically eat the same things day in and day out, it is important that their protein requirements are met by their everyday diet. That being said, when it comes to protein, it is important to consider not only how digestible the source of the protein is but also what happens to protein once it has been ingested. Protein digestion in dogs and cats begins in the stomach with hydrochloric acid and pepsin, which break down protein into polypeptides. As the polypeptides travel to the small intestine, the pancreas is triggered to release more digestive enzymes, which break the polypeptides into tripeptides, dipeptides and single amino acids. These small peptides and amino acids are absorbed through the walls of the small intestine and travel to the liver, which distributes amino acids throughout the body. If there is an excessive amount of protein in the diet and not all of it can be digested, it will be excreted by the animal. Additionally, if there is an excess of amino acids in the liver, the body will begin to deaminate them or break them down into a carbon skeleton and ammonia. The ammonia will then enter the urea cycle and will eventually be excreted from the body in the form of urine. Overall, protein can be an expensive ingredient both in the bag and for the environment, which is why using additives to improve pet food digestibility may be a viable solution. YUCCA SCHIDIGERA IS RICH IN STEROIDAL SAPONINS The Yucca schidigera plant is native to Mexico and has been used medicinally in various ways in both humans and animals for many years. Many of the yucca plant’s effects are attributed to its various physiologically active compounds, such as steroidal saponins and polyphenols like resveratrol. Saponins are substances that foam up when added to water, which is why they are often added to soaps. When ingested in small quantities, it is thought that saponins have a “scrubbing” effect on the mucous membranes of the GI tract, which can aid in the assimilation and absorption of nutrients. Saponins also have binding abilities; it has been suggested that they are able to bind to ammonia in a saponin-ammonia complex and pass through the GI tract unabsorbed and into the feces. While more research is needed to better understand these mechanisms, it is certainly an interesting solution for helping reduce ammonia concentrations and odor in feces and urine. Furthermore, polyphenols, especially in combination with steroidal saponins, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-protozoal properties, which indicates that using YSE in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions could be beneficial.
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