Everything You Need to Know about Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) for Dogs

 

Howdy, pet lovers! 

 

Keeping the pet’s diet balanced is very challenging especially if we “fall” on their cute eyes during our dinner time. We, at Jope, believe that a huge part of the animal’s health comes from nutrition, so our goal is to inform you about the best ways to keep your canines healthy. 

 

You have probably heard of prebiotics, but we are not sure if you are aware of its benefits. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are popular prebiotics that enhance the digestion and the overall gut health of animals. So, that is the reason why we did an in-depth research to discuss everything about FOS!  

 

Jump To: 

• Understanding FOS 
• Benefits of FOS for Canines
• FOS and Weight Management 
• Choosing FOS-Rich Foods for Your Dog
• Potential Side Effects and Precautions

 

Understanding FOS

What are Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)?

 

FOS is a form of water-soluble carbohydrate and dietary fiber that can be naturally found in many fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. It is not digested in the gastrointestinal tract, but it is something that beneficial bacteria use to feed on.

 

It contains fiber and the natural gut bacteria use it as an energy source. It can be often found by the names of oligofructose or oligofructan and it is often used as an alternative sweetener.

 

Sources of FOS in Dog Food

 

FOS is found in many foods and that is why veterinarians suggest a balanced and well-prepared nutrition plan for your furry buddy. Whenever your dog has some digestive issue, you can add it in the form of a supplement, however, giving this prebiotic by food is also highly recommended. 

 

This prebiotic can be found in plants like blue agave, chicory root, garlic, onion, and Jerusalem artichokes. Even if we consider that these vegetables (especially Jerusalem artichokes and chicory root) mostly contain inulin, FOS are smaller pieces of inulin and can be broken down into FOS by the intestinal bacteria (or by industrial processes).

 

Note: Although FOS can be found in onion and garlic, you should NEVER give your dog these vegetables, since they are toxic for pets and even life-threatening.

 

How FOS Works in a Dog's Digestive System?

These fructose chains are soluble fibers and they are not digested until they reach the large intestines. So, they are used as prebiotics that support the intestinal health of the animal. It serves as a food and nourishment for the gut bacteria and the intestinal microflora.

 

In the colon, FOS gets fermented by Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli into smaller molecules like acetate, propionate, and butyrate which are short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). This fermentation process stimulates the growth of the “good bacteria” in the animal’s gastrointestinal tract. This can be considered as a way to reduce the pathogens and harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal system. The intestinal microflora in the lower gut can ferment FOS, resulting in various benefits such as promoting calcium absorption and producing gases and short-chain fatty acids.

 

Additionally, SCFAs serve as an energy source for the colonocytes (colon cells) in the colon, reduce inflammation, and improve the immune response by boosting the activity of immune cells.

 

Now, let’s move on to the benefits of fructooligosaccharides for dogs!

Benefits of FOS for Canines

 

Before listing the benefits of FOS, remember that it is a prebiotic, and its main benefits are seen in the animal's intestinal tract. Though FOS are often used as sweeteners in human and dog food, they provide far more valuable benefits. Let’s take a look at the most common benefits!

 

Digestive Health and Gut Health

 

FOS is a powerful prebiotic that can be combined with other prebiotics to promote optimal digestive health and the growth of beneficial bacteria species.

 

You can also combine FOS with probiotics (living bacteria beneficial to digestive and gut health). This combination is sometimes called a synbiotic, as it synergizes the prebiotic power to directly feed the good bacteria you’re providing through the probiotic.

 

Studies have proven that FOS positively alters the gut microbial ecology and fecal protein catabolites. It was also found that other probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAC) are more efficient when used in combination with FOS (the synbiotic we were mentioning). The results from the same study showed that FOS resulted in lower (P = 0.08) Clostridium perfringens, which is bad bacteria, and greater fecal butyrate (P = 0.06) and lactate (P < 0.05) concentrations, which are the SCFA we mentioned before.

 

Another experiment was also included and the results showed that FOS increased (P < 0.05) bifidobacteria, increased lactobacilli (P = 0.08), increased fecal lactate (P = 0.06) (the good bacteria and SCFA) and butyrate (P < 0.05), and decreased (P < 0.05) fecal ammonia, isobutyrate, isovalerate, and total branched-chain fatty acid concentrations.

 

Overall, FOS in supplementation and food leads to rapid multiplication of the health-promoting bacteria. This helps in solving or reducing digestive issues and actively supports gut function.

 

Improving Gut Flora with Beneficial Bacteria

 

Well-balanced meals lead to optimal health in dogs, however, reaching that might be very challenging, especially if you have a dog that is a picky eater. There are many commercially available dog food brands that contain FOS, you just need to carefully read the label. But if your dog’s diet needs further improvement, you can include FOS supplements in a powder or chewable form. These are the forms that can be added to your dog’s food easily.

 

You might be wondering why veterinarians push the usage of prebiotics in dog diets, so we are going to explain in simple words!

 

Prebiotics positively alter the gut flora and the mechanism is very simple: increasing the number of “good” bacteria, while at the same time decreasing the number of the “bad” bacteria. This is an important factor to improve healthy digestion and reduce the risks of gastrointestinal upset. Prebiotics like FOS help regrow gut microbe populations that have become imbalanced, promoting a diverse microbiome and gut health in pets.

 

One study included twelve healthy adult dogs that received either high-protein diets, low-protein diets, or diets that included FOS. These diets contained silica as a digestion marker. During the study, fecal samples were taken from dogs at 0, 21, and 28 days of each feeding period.

 

The results showed that higher fecal ammonia concentrations were observed both when dogs received the HP diets (p <  0.001) and the supplementation with FOS (p <  0.05). Higher fecal ammonia observed after consuming FOS-supplemented diets might be due to the shift of nitrogen excretion from urine to feces.

 

To be simple, FOS helps with the good things and supports gut flora and gut health in general.

 

Reducing Diarrhea and Constipation

 

Since this prebiotic is not digested by the dog’s enzymes and safely reaches the large intestines, it separates into SCFAs and leads to multiple health benefits in the digestive tract.

 

Diarrhea is very common in dogs and if your dog never had it, consider yourself as a happy pet parent. The reasons behind it are various and sometimes include a systemic disease, intoxication, poisoning, virus, bacteria, or even travel-induced diarrhea. However, the most common factor for diarrhea in dogs is an imbalance of the gut microbiota, when harmful bacteria outnumber the beneficial bacteria. It can also be a consequence of the other reasons mentioned.

 

FOS can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that lead to diarrhea and also has anti-inflammatory properties due to the SCFAs. Prebiotics positively affect nutrient digestibility but can also improve water absorption which can lead to a normal solid stool. This can promote better overall digestion due to increased nutrient uptake and the ability to maintain regular bowel movements. Additionally, FOS aids in regrowing gut microbe populations, which is crucial for maintaining a balanced gut microbiota and overall gut health.

 

Since this prebiotic is a soluble fiber, it adds bulk to the stool and improves bowel mobility which can improve conditions of constipation.

 

Studies show that dogs that were supplemented with FOS at levels between 0.5 and 1% of DM had a decrease (P< 0.05) in fecal numbers of C. difficile, (a bad bacteria) and an increase (P< 0.05) in fecal numbers of Lactobacillus (a good bacteria), as well as a decrease (P< 0.05) in fecal odor.

 

Immune System Support and Combating Infections

 

Prebiotics are becoming increasingly popular in the food industry of both animals and humans, especially due to the immune health benefits and the ability to reduce the risks of infections.

 

SCFAs in the large intestines have the ability to induce the proliferation of Bifidobacteria and some Lactobacillus species which inhibit the potentially pathogenic bacteria. They also improve the activity and proliferation of B cells which lead to increased antibody production.

 

Someone wise said “You are what you eat” and as veterinarians, we couldn’t agree more. A healthy gut also means reduced chances of infections and improved overall health. Ensuring all the beneficial members of the gut microbiome get enough of the right food, such as prebiotic supplements or food that contains prebiotics, might reduce the chances of infections.

 

Also Read: Is Turmeric (Curcumin) Helping Dogs With Osteoarthritis?

FOS and Weight Management

 

Like humans, dogs also struggle with obesity, and prebiotics are often used to regulate body weight. Of course, this has to be combined with optimal physical activity and balanced meals.

 

Role of FOS in Weight Regulation

 

FOS affects the release of appetite-regulating hormones like GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and PYY (peptide YY), which promote fullness and reduce appetite. 

 

When animals have increased levels of these hormones, weight management becomes easier, particularly for obese pets, and metabolic health improves.

 

FOS also produces SCFAs in the large intestines, increasing fat oxidation and reducing fat accumulation.

 

Gluconeogenesis, an essential process in animals, requires propionate (an SCFA), which helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduce fat accumulation. SCFAs ensure a steady glucose supply and aid in converting excess carbohydrates into fat.

 

How FOS Can Aid in Weight Loss? 

 

As mentioned before, this prebiotic might help in the weight loss process by releasing the satiety hormones and dogs have a reduced desire to overeat. This will lead to consuming fewer calories and optimal meals.

 

SCFAs in the large intestines also lead to increased energy and this prevents excessive weight gain. Although fructooligosaccharides are used as food sweeteners, they are nondigestible and do not have a negative effect on blood sugar levels.

 

One study shows that FOS, when associated with a calorie-reduced diet, can help reduce weight and cholesterol in dogs. This prebiotic also has a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism and might be used as a strategy to lower cholesterol in animals.

 

Our advice: DO NOT use only fructooligosaccharides to reduce the body weight of your dog. This is a complex process that requires optimal physical activity and most of all balanced meals.

 

Also Read: Chondroitin for Dogs - 5 Things You Need To Know - Vet’s Expert Advice

Choosing FOS-Rich Foods for Your Dog

 

The hardest part for every dog owner is deciding the best for their buddy. So, we will help you how to find the best FOS supplement!

 

Reading Dog Food Labels for FOS Content

 

First things first, read the food label before buying anything. Many commercially available foods contain FOS, but some dogs need additional supplementation with powders or chewable supplements that contain the same prebiotic.

 

Before you decide about any supplement, our advice is to consult a veterinarian so you can get individualized advice. They can let you know what is the most suitable supplement for your dog based on its specific needs.

 

Natural Sources of FOS for Homemade Diets

 

There are many natural sources of FOS that you can add to your homemade diets specialized for dogs. This includes the following: 

• Burdock root 
• Yacon root 
• Blue agave 
• Bananas 
• Asparagus 
• Leeks 
• Grains and cereals 
• Jerusalem artichokes 

 

These are the most common plants that contain FOS, however, the blue agave, Jerusalem artichoke, and yacon root contain the highest amount of concentrations of FOS.

 

Our tip: Consult a veterinarian before you include any of these food sources in your dog’s diet. This is still “human food” that needs to be consumed with caution.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

 

Like any other supplement and ingredient, this one can also lead to some side effects and risks, especially if consumed in higher than the recommended dosages. 

 

Most of the side effects are gastrointestinal and include diarrhea, gas, bloating, or stomach upset. Allergic reactions can also occur and you need to be very careful when including something new to your pet’s diet.

 

Recommended Dosage of Dietary Fiber and Fructooligosaccharides for Dogs

 

The recommended dosage depends on few factors including: 

• Dog’s size 
• Health status 
• Specific dietary needs
• Age 
• Sex

 

The general dosage guideline should be based on the following: 

• Small dogs should have the lowest dosages when compared to medium and large dogs. 
• Pet owners should start with lower dosages and then slowly increase it 

 

Disclaimer: Always consult with a veterinarian before giving your dog any new supplement.  

 

Be careful, as this needs to be adapted to your dog. We recommend checking with your veterinarian first and starting with a smaller dose, then gradually increasing it. This dose will also depend on the other ingredients you are using. For example, in a supplement with other prebiotics and probiotics, you might want to use a lower dose.

 

Monitoring for Allergic Reactions

 

Allergic reactions due to new foods might lead to serious and even life-threatening consequences, so that is why it is important to introduce your dog to the supplement slowly. Dogs are mostly allergic to proteins, so there's a lower risk of them developing an allergy to other ingredients. However, it is recommended to start with a small amount and monitor your dog's response. If you notice that your dog is getting used to the supplement, you can slowly increase the dose. Observe for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, redness, or gastrointestinal upset, and discontinue use if any symptoms occur. Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

 

If you use FOS supplements, always follow the recommended dosage recommendation based on the dog’s weight and needs. 

 

Each dog reacts differently to new supplements, so the best thing to do is to test the dog’s tolerance. If there are not any allergic consequences, you can continue supplementing your dog.

 

Note: If you notice any side effects, stop giving the supplement and check with your veterinarian.

 

Consulting with a Vet

 

Always consult with a veterinarian before you introduce your dog to any supplement. This way you can ensure the supplement is good and safe for your dog. Veterinarians can also give you individualized advice based on your dog’s specific needs.

 

Also Read: Is Uc-Ii® a Better Dog Supplement Than Chondroitin and Glucosamine?

Conclusion

 

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) offer a natural and effective way to support your dog's digestive health and overall well-being. By promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, FOS helps maintain a balanced and healthy microbiome, leading to numerous health benefits. Whether through specially formulated dog foods or supplements, incorporating FOS into your dog's diet can be a great step toward ensuring a happy, healthy pet.

 

We are curious if you have ever offered your dog some prebiotics to relieve gastrointestinal upset! If yes, let us know in the comments what was the outcome!