Evaluation of Miscanthus grass as a fiber source in pet foods

Donadelli, R. A. (2019). Evaluation of Miscanthus grass as a fiber source in pet foods (Doctoral dissertation, Kansas State University). Retrieved from https://krex.k-state.edu/dspace/handle/2097/39915.

A Closer Look at Miscanthus Grass for Dogs and Cats

A 2019 dissertation by Renan Antunes Donadelli at Kansas State University explored whether Miscanthus grass could be a healthy and practical fiber source in pet foods for dogs and cats. The study compared Miscanthus grass to cellulose (a common fiber additive) and beet pulp (a highly fermentable fiber) to understand how it impacts digestion, stool quality, and overall pet food processing.

What Is Miscanthus Grass and Why Use It?

Miscanthus grass is a fiber-rich plant that has gained attention as a potential ingredient in pet food due to its sustainability and low cost. Fiber is a crucial component in pet diets, not because it provides nutrients, but because it helps with digestion, stool quality, and overall gut health.

The study aimed to determine whether Miscanthus grass could be a viable alternative to traditional fibers like cellulose and beet pulp, each of which serves different purposes:

• Cellulose: Offers bulk but low fermentation, often used in weight management diets or for firmer stools.
• Beet Pulp: A highly fermentable fiber that can support gut health by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which nourish the gut lining and promote softer stools.

How Was the Research Conducted?

The research involved two key parts:

1. Kibble Production and Processing

The research team created dry kibble for dogs and cats using Miscanthus grass, cellulose, and beet pulp as fiber sources. They tested how well the kibble held together during extrusion, a process where ingredients are cooked, shaped, and dried to form crunchy pet food.

• Extrusion Efficiency: Kibble with Miscanthus grass required less mechanical energy to process and resulted in lighter, less dense kibble compared to those with beet pulp.

2. Digestibility and Gut Health Testing

The study also involved feeding trials with dogs and cats to measure how well they digested nutrients from each type of kibble. Researchers observed stool quality, nutrient absorption, and gut health markers.

• Stool Quality: Pets fed Miscanthus grass and cellulose diets had firmer stools, while beet pulp diets led to softer stools, which can sometimes indicate higher fermentation.
• Digestive Health: Miscanthus grass and cellulose produced lower levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—beneficial compounds produced when fiber is fermented by gut bacteria—compared to beet pulp.

Key Findings and Practical Insights

Nutrient Digestibility

• Similar Digestibility to Cellulose: Dogs and cats on Miscanthus grass diets showed similar nutrient absorption to those on cellulose diets, though beet pulp had higher overall digestibility.

Stool Quality and Gut Health

• Firm Stools: Miscanthus grass may be useful in situations where firmer stools are desired, such as in weight management diets or for pets with loose stools.
• Fermentation Considerations: While beet pulp offers higher fermentation and may support gut health, the lower fermentability of Miscanthus grass could be beneficial for pets with sensitive stomachs or in situations where reduced fermentation is preferred.

Processing Benefits

• Efficient Kibble Production: Miscanthus grass required less energy during production, potentially making it a cost-effective option for pet food manufacturers.

Key Takeaways for Pet Parents

• Miscanthus grass is a safe and effective fiber source for dogs and cats, offering:
  • Firm stool formation, which can benefit pets with loose stools or in weight management diets.
  • Comparable digestibility to cellulose, with good nutrient absorption.
  • Efficient processing benefits, including lower energy needs in kibble production.
• Choosing the Right Fiber: Different fibers offer unique benefits:
  • Miscanthus grass: Supports stool firmness and gentle digestion, ideal for pets with sensitive stomachs.
  • Beet pulp: Produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which support gut health, but is not the only source of digestive support.
  • Cellulose: Provides bulk with low fermentation, often used in weight management and hairball control diets.
• When to Consider Miscanthus Grass:
  • If your pet needs firmer stools or reduced fermentation.
  • When looking for a sustainable and cost-effective fiber source.
  • As an alternative to highly fermentable fibers, especially for pets with sensitive digestion.
• Supporting a Holistic Approach:
  • Understanding the different roles of fiber can help pet parents make informed decisions.
  • Whether for digestive health, weight management, or stool quality, there is no one-size-fits-all solution—it’s about matching fiber types to your pet’s specific needs.