The plant cell wall contains cellulose. It is a dietary fiber but indigestible for dogs. Pure cellulose is different from fiber content of whole veggies and fruits. This odorless, white powder is actually a processed wood pulp in dog food which makes no nutritional value for them. So powder cellulose in dog food is an artificial ingredient which although has zero calories but makes stool bulky. But cellulose richness found in beet pulp and psyllium husk makes a strong safe side for dogs.
Lemme give the complete notes if it is safe for dogs or not!
Is powder cellulose safe for dogs?
Cheap filler_powdered cellulose is an artificial ingredient in dog foods. Actually it is a refined wood pulp of cotton or paper. However, this artificial ingredient has some nutrients which affects your dog’s health negatively.
This dehydrated powder comes by water removal from baking the wood. Even if you read that it is organic or natural but actually it is a sawdust (processed wood pulp). Cellulose is non-fermentable and insoluble in water_so it is indigestible for dogs. As cellulose is unfermentable, it cannot be converted into prebiotic to nourish the useful bacteria in the gut. Raw diet contains natural moisture so it doesn’t need much water, but if your canine takes cellulose, it absorbs the water content when it passes through the digestive tract_so the stool becomes bulky.
In order to increase the content of dog foods, cellulose addition is the cheapest and least functional source of fiber content. Cellulose addition in dog food is approved by the FDA but it doesn’t make the healthy and beneficial side for your dog.
In dog food, the cellulose source is unclear. Conversely, ingredients such as tomato porace or beet pulp on the label give fiber origin. The best cellulose fiber source is veggies in a canine diet, even if it’s a processed one. In this way, cellulose won’t be labeled in the ingredient list as it is naturally derived from veggies for dog diet.
Is cellulose gum ok for dogs?
Anything you are giving your dog, consider the ingredient list. Prevent methylparaben, xylitol, cellulose gum and baking soda_present in dog’s toothpaste. Xylitol as a sweetener is also toxic for our dogs.
Can dogs eat plant materials?
Dogs and wolves are carnivores but some plant materials can be included in their diet, especially in scarcity times. But meat is the fundamental food to meet their nutritional values. Although powdered cellulose is safe but has no benefits in dog foods, you should consider the overall list of ingredients. Natural works best. So if you want fiber in dog food, go for natural sources rather than artificial ones.
Is fiber a need for dogs?
It’s a yes and no because in reality, physiologically dogs don’t need fiber_however it is beneficial for them. Minimal fiber is present in natural dog food_however soluble fiber fermented by bacteria in the gut, gives strength to the immune system and improves gut health. Fiber improves the anal gland problems, controls diabetes and manages the weight.
Pumpkin, leafy greens, mushrooms, kelp, fruits, berries, micro greens and broccoli are some whole food options as a fiber source. To support vitamin production and food break down, fiber is helpful for dogs with processed food. But there’s no nutritional content in powdered cellulose. Powdered cellulose increases the stool volume, but still not desirable or beneficial.
Alternatives for powdered cellulose
Psyllium husk and beet pulp are the rich fiber sources to feed your dog but in the right quantities.
- Psyllium husk is useful to treat constipation and diarrhea in dogs.
- On a dry matter basis, 7.5% beet pulp addition boosts fecal quality.
For a particular dietary proposal according to your dog health conditions, diet, breed and age_consult your vet or dietary nutritionist.
Conclusion
Mostly present in light dog diets, cellulose has zero calories yet makes stool bulky by absorbing water from the digestive tract. Majorly the vets and dietary nutritionists don’t recommend powder cellulose as a fiber source in dog food. So they might give you alternatives of powder cellulose to make the nutritional content.
