SPECIAL STORY FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2023 59 is required, a multi-pronged approach that combines exercise along with energy-restricted diets is often key. In the context of obesity, the choice of nutrients in pet food can also make a difference, and including functional ingredients in a pet’s diet - such as slow-release carbohydrate isomaltulose and prebiotic chicory root fibres - can help with weight and blood glucose management. CARBOHYDRATE CHOICE MATTERS Carbohydrates are an inherent part of our pets’ diet nowadays. Though, carbohydrates have not been created equal and they differ in composition, digestive properties and therefore glycaemic effects. A case in point is that high glycaemic carbohydrates, such as sucrose or cooked starches, are rapidly digested and absorbed in the first part of the small intestine, resulting in a fast and high blood glucose response. Low glycaemic carbohydrates on the other hand, are digested more slowly and lead to a lower blood glucose response. Having a slower blood glucose supply results in more balanced glycaemia, lower insulin peaks and overall better metabolic health. A 2012 study with dogs has further shown that low glycaemic diets can support weight loss. For pet food producers looking for low glycaemic carbohydrates, isomaltulose can become a key part of their ingredient toolbox. Isomaltulose is a disaccharide of glucose and fructose derived from sugar beet that is characterised by a stronger glycosidic bond than that of standard sugar. Due to this specific linkage, it is more resistant to enzymatic hydrolysation in the intestine, therefore inducing lower glycaemic and insulin responses than regular sucrose as demonstrated in many species (e.g., humans, rodents and pigs). A more recent publication from 2023 about three studies from Corbee et al., has confirmed that isomaltulose is a suitable low glycaemic ingredient for use in dog food, triggering a lower blood glucose rise after consumption. The trials evaluated the digestion of isomaltulose as well as its glycaemic and insulinaemic effects in dogs, compared to other relevant carbohydrate sources. An in-vitro study of small intestinal tissue samples from three dogs showed that isomaltulose can be digested by canine intestinal enzymes, with a lower enzyme activity compared to high glycaemic carbohydrates, indicating a slower rate of hydrolysis. In addition, two in-vivo studies compared the effects of isomaltulose, sucrose and maltodextrin in dogs. The results showed that isomaltulose significantly lowered blood glucose and insulin responses, compared to maltodextrin or sucrose – even after continuous feeding. All in all, this property makes isomaltulose a particularly interesting solution with the potential to support metabolic health and weight management in dogs. THE POWER OF CHICORY ROOT FIBRES Other functional ingredients that enable blood sugar management in dogs, as well as weight management in pets are BENEO’s natural chicory root fibres Orafti® Inulin and Oligofructose. These inulin-type fructans belong to the very few scientifically proven prebiotics, that support a pet’s intestinal health and are linked with nutritional benefits that go beyond the gut. For example, studies show that including Orafti® Inulin and Oligofructose in a pet’s diet can curb their appetite, improve satiety and hence decrease voluntary food intake. In doing so,
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