IAMS PH
How Beet Pulp Ingredients Are Used in Our Dog Foods
How Beet Pulp Ingredients Are Used in Our Dog Foods

adp_description_block192
How Beet Pulp Ingredients Are Used in Our Dog Foods

What Is Beet Pulp?

  • Share

Beet pulp is the material that remains after sugar is extracted from sugar beets—not red beets. Beet pulp is a source of fiber in dog diets.

Fiber and Beet Pulp

Fiber can be classified as nonfermentable and fermentable. Nonfermentable fiber remains undigested as it passes through the intestines, thereby providing bulk to move wastes out. Cellulose is a nonfermentable fiber.
 

Fermentable fiber is broken down in the intestines into short-chain fatty acids that provide energy for cells lining the intestine.
 

Moderately fermentable fiber does both: It provides bulk to move waste and provides energy for cells lining the intestine. Beet pulp is a moderately fermentable fiber.

 

Myths About Beet Pulp

'Beet pulp is harmful.'
 

Beet pulp contains no toxins and is a very safe fiber source.
 

'Beet pulp affects coat color.'
 

There is nothing in beet pulp that can affect coat pigment. The inside is light in color. The outside peel, which is dark, is not used.
 

'Beet pulp contains sugar.'
 

By definition, beet pulp is the material that remains after the sugar is removed from sugar beets. Therefore, beet pulp contains no sugar.
 

'Beet pulp causes bloat.'
 

Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV) is related to a stomach defect that delays emptying. It is believed that bloat is not related to diet or ingredients, such as beet pulp. However, the cause of bloat remains unknown.

  • Understanding Antioxidants in IAMS™ Dog Food
    Understanding Antioxidants in IAMS™ Dog Food
    adp_description_block480
    A Pet Parent’s Guide To The Best Antioxidants For Dogs

    • Share

    Antioxidants are chemicals that the body uses to combat free radicals. And free radicals are substances that might harm the body if they exceed a certain level. Antioxidants are also beneficial for your pets, especially your dogs. Your dog needs antioxidants to help promote a healthy immune system. Hence, every IAMS™ dog formula contains optimal levels of these nutrients.

    Antioxidants are naturally occurring essential nutrients that help maintain your dog’s health by slowing the destructive oxidative process of cellular molecules. IAMS™ research has been focusing on advancing antioxidant nutrients for senior dogs — and the benefit is improved immune function. Discover how the antioxidants in IAMS™ products can benefit your dog’s health in a number of ways.


     

    Benefits of antioxidants for dogs

    Antioxidants are found naturally in fruits and vegetables. Common antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and certain compounds called carotenoids (like lutein and beta-carotene). When antioxidants are a part of a dog’s complete diet, they can provide the following benefits:

    •  Slowing the oxidative process of cellular molecules.
    • Reversing decreases in immune-cell function in senior dogs
       

    How antioxidants work

    As cells function normally in the body, they produce damaged molecules called free radicals. These free radicals are highly unstable and steal components from other cellular molecules such as fat, protein, or DNA, thereby spreading the damage.

    This continues in a chain reaction and causes cells to die. This process is called peroxidation. Peroxidation is useful because it helps the body destroy cells that have outlived their usefulness, and it kills germs and parasites. However, when left unchecked, peroxidation also destroys or damages healthy cells.

    Antioxidants help prevent widespread cellular destruction by willingly donating components to stabilize free radicals. More importantly, antioxidants return to the surface of the cell to stabilize other cellular components.

    When there are not enough antioxidants to hold peroxidation in check, free radicals begin damaging healthy cells, which can lead to problems. For example, free radical damage to immune cells can lead to an increased risk of infections.


     

    Antioxidants in IAMS™ adult dog and puppy foods

    Antioxidants offer countless benefits to our furry friends. And it is imperative that their food is loaded with it. Want to know why? Read on.

     

    Why do dogs need antioxidants?

     

    Antioxidants are a must for dogs as they are exposed to significantly more toxins than humans. These antioxidants work like protective agents within the dog’s body, battling free radicals that cause symptoms and diseases like skin problems.

    Furthermore, giving liver antioxidants for dogs will boost liver health and eliminate toxins from their body more efficiently. The liver will convert fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble toxins to easily flush them from your pet’s body through the GI tract and kidneys.

    Recent research has examined the benefits of certain antioxidants on the immune response of dogs, and the results of these studies indicated that antioxidants are important in helping dogs maintain a healthy immune system.

    IAMS™ adult and puppy formulas contain optimal levels of antioxidants such as:

     

     

    Antioxidant

    Source

    Function

    Vitamin E

    Plant oil extract and tocopherols

    Optimises immune system’s T-cell activation

    Beta-carotene

    Vitamin premix, corn meal, chicken by-product meal and chicken fat

    Optimises types of cells present in the blood,
    increases antibody levels in the blood

     

    Now that you know how dog food with antioxidants can benefit your dog, here’s a list of the best antioxidants for dogs:

    Best antioxidants for dogs

    Vitamin C

    • One of the most essential vitamins for a dog's health
    • Aids in wound healing and reducing inflammation
    • Provides energy so your dog can enjoy playing outside all day

     Vitamin E

    • One of the best antioxidants for dogs with cancer
    • Provides a natural boost to the immune system
    • Supports healthy blood vessels and protects against diabetes and heart disease

    Beta Carotene

    • It is a fantastic dietary addition for your dog.
    • Helps boost the number of antibodies in blood and offers additional protection against diseases in older dogs

    Polyphenols

    • Excellent antioxidants for dogs as they help maintain your pet’s health and strength for many years
    • Shields from diseases like cancer or diabetes

     

    Sources of antioxidants for dogs

    You can find natural antioxidants for dogs in the following:

     

    Fruits and Vegetables

    The antioxidant content of plant-based foods is high. Foods that are highest in antioxidants are fruits and vegetables as they are loaded with vitamins and beneficial in countless ways. Some examples of excellent sources of antioxidants are blueberries, strawberries, pears, red cabbages, and kale. Make sure to check which fruits and vegetables are safe for your dog to consume.

    Supplements

    Give your dog the best vitamins you can, so your pooch stays healthy. It is crucial that dogs receive a supplement that is specifically designed for their life stage. 

    Look for dog food with antioxidants and nutrients that are bioactive and bioavailable so that these get absorbed properly into your dog’s body. Make sure that the supplement you choose has the ideal ratio of natural elements for your pet’s needs. That can be accomplished by looking for a combination of prebiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

    For a healthy body from the inside, you can also feed your pooch IAMSTM Proactive HealthTM dog food. Find the products that are best for your dog by shopping based on your pet’s age.

     

     

    article understanding antioxidants in article dog food header
Close modal