Chicory root fibre is a dietary fibre sourced from natural chicory roots. It contains inulin, which has significant scientifically-proven health benefits for pets, as well as people.
Inulin
Inulin (or oligofructose) is a natural fibre produced by many plants. Plants make inulin to store energy. It is also important in the plant’s defence against the cold. Inulin is usually found in the roots of plants. More than 36,000 different types of plant contain inulin, including wheat, onions, bananas, garlic, asparagus, and chicory. Commercially, it is most often extracted from chicory roots.
Health benefits
Inulin has functional properties that benefit the health of humans and animals. It is a carbohydrate made from many units of fructose joined together (a polysaccharide). Due to specific bonding of the fructose molecules within inulin, which the enzyme systems in our digestive tracts are not able to break down, it acts as a dietary fibre. It boosts the fibre content of foods and promotes bowel health. With ‘natural’ sweetness, inulin in the form of chicory root fibre reduces the amount of processed sugar and fat needed within food products, and can help improve blood sugar management. Due to a low calorie content (half the calories of sugar), it supports weight loss and enhances the taste and texture of foods.
Pet food
While many scientific studies show how inulin can benefit human health, there are fewer studies that explore effects of inulin in the diet of pets. However, the body of evidence in animals is growing. The use of chicory root fibre inulin in pet food is currently based on its proven functional benefits in humans; the evidence emerging from studies in pets indicates that these benefits also apply in animals.
The latest articles
Finnish pet food start-up to build largest Nordic online retailer
Alvar Pet has recently acquired online player Verkkokauppa Kivuton after securing a capital injection.
€80 million: the impact of Purina’s new investment in Italy
Nestlé is set to build a new wet pet food facility in the northern region of Lombardy. GlobalPETS learns more.
The pet industry in Australia
A 2024 overview of what the pet industry in Australia looks like, with the latest data and trends.
Weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date
Discover what’s happening in the pet industry. Get the must-read stories and insights in your inbox.