Beneo unveils sugar beet-derived low-glycemic ingredient to tackle dog obesity

28 Jul 2023 --- Instances of overweight and obese dogs have steadily increased over the last few decades and exceed 50% in Western countries, according to Beneo’s research. To address this growing pet health need, the company commissioned a series of in-vitro and in-vivo studies that demonstrate that isomaltulose – a vegan disaccharide – is a suitable low glycemic ingredient for use in dog food, which reduces the spiking of blood glucose levels after consumption.

This property of isomaltulose makes it an interesting solution for metabolic health and weight management support in dogs. Isomaltulose occurs naturally in honey and is composed of glucose and fructose. Beneo derives its isomaltulose from sugar beet.

“This research is of great importance as it offers the first comprehensive characterization of isomaltulose concerning its digestibility and metabolic effects in dogs,” says Dr. Maygane Ronsmans, product manager, animal nutrition at Beneo.

Three studies were carried out by researchers from Utrecht University and Wageningen University in The Netherlands. The studies evaluated the digestion of isomaltulose and its glycemic and insulinemic effects in dogs compared to other carbohydrates.

Being overweight is linked to metabolic and skeletal-associated disorders and impacts the quality of life of dogs and owners.

More than 85% of pet owners worldwide agree that on-pack communication about helping to control their pet’s weight naturally affects their purchase intention of a pet food product or has a lower impact on blood sugar levels.

Nutrient composition is canine king
The kind of carbohydrate used in dog food is an essential nutrient choice because overweight or obese pets are at risk of developing impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Low glycemic diets are proven to support weight loss and improve metabolic health in dogs. 

An in-vitro study of small intestinal tissue samples from three dogs evaluated the small intestinal hydrolysis of isomaltulose compared to sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, lactose and ɑ-trehalose.Isomaltulose in a dog's diet helps combat obesity.  

The objective was to confirm whether dogs can digest isomaltulose and compare it with other carbohydrate sources. 

Isomaltulose is a direct energy source that generates a more balanced blood glucose response, unlike high glycemic energy sources, such as heat-treated cereals and conventional sugars, such as dextrose. 

The findings showed that it can be digested by canine intestinal enzymes, with a lower enzyme activity than high glycemic carbohydrates, indicating a slower rate of hydrolysis.

Two other studies compared the effects of isomaltulose, sucrose and maltodextrin in an in-vivo set-up. One assessed the glycemic impact of the three carbohydrates in nine dogs. After an overnight fast, the blood glycemia and insulinemia were measured. The results showed that isomaltulose significantly lowered the dogs’ blood glucose and insulin responses compared to maltodextrin or sucrose.

“The results confirm that isomaltulose would be a suitable energy source in dog food, which contributes to a more stable blood glucose response, and may improve the dog’s metabolic profile and overall health,” Ronsmans explains.

Fast-tracking innovation

Last month, Beneo unveiled its pet nutrition toolbox for manufacturers and producers, featuring vital wheat gluten for texture and rice- and fava bean-based protein concentrates for growth. Each offering provides specific nutritional and technical benefits and can be incorporated into wet and dry formulations to meet the growing plant-based and hybrid pet food trends.

Bühler launched Sortex LumoVision, which uses a spectral scale to reduce mycotoxin contamination in pet food. Mycotoxins are byproducts from the metabolism of molds, often found in corn used in pet food, causing animal sickness and brand damage through market recall of products. 

Discoveries in the gut-brain axis are taking pet nutrition to the next level. Scientific evidence is increasingly suggesting that “super fats” in dogs’ diets can prolong the length and quality of the animal’s life, according to US-based dog nutrition brand Yumwoof. 

Meanwhile, Symrise Pet Food has transformed its nutrition ingredients brand from Nutrios to Nuvin to grow and advance sustainability for the complete offering of egg, chicken, hydrolyzed proteins and health solutions.

By Inga de Jong