Middelbos, I.S. et al.
2007
Journal of Animal Science

Through a 6x6 latin square design, this study sought to evaluate the impact of 6 different diets (containing either no supplemental fiber, beet pulp, cellulose, mixtures of cellulose, fructooligosaccharides, and yeast cell wall added at 2.5% of the diet) in physiological aspects for dogs. As the design of the study states it, six leal-cannuted dogs were given 175 g of the assigned diet twice a day.

They key outcome measures were associated to nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial populations, fermentative end products, and immunological indices, using chromic oxide as a digestibility marker. The results showed that dog foods containing mixtures of fermentable and non-fermentable carbohydrates have a similar effect to those containing beet pulp as a source of fiber, and therefore, this mixture could be used as a substitute in dog foods.