The Power of Fiber

In this lecture, Dr. Adam Rudinsky, MS, DACVIM reviews the properties of dietary fiber and how they can be implemented in small animal practice. The systemic health of animals and maintenance of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) homeostasis heavily relies on influences from dietary fiber. Dietary fiber includes a diverse assortment of non-digestible carbohydrates. Primary roles of dietary fiber in the GIT include physically altering the digesta, modulating appetite and satiety, regulating digestion, and acting as a microbial energy source through fermentation. Beyond the GIT, dietary fiber also has widespread systemic effects throughout the body. This review will cover fiber function, health benefits, reporting in pet foods, and the clinical utility of modifying fiber in dogs and cats with gastrointestinal disease. The goal being to provide clinically relevant information for practical application in clinical practice. Join us to get a clinical update on appropriate strategies to identify and manage your fiber-responsive gastrointestinal patients.