Abstract-based review · 2016
Beet pulp and taurine status in dogs on low-protein diets
Taurine concentrations declined in all groups and were lowest with beet pulp. Protein digestibility was lower and bile acid excretion higher in that group.
Review scope
Abstract-based review. Full methods, complete statistical results and product equivalence have not been appraised. This is research context, not an individual feeding or treatment recommendation.
Study question and design
Medium and large mixed-breed dogs. Low-protein purified diets with beet pulp, cellulose or rice bran for 12 weeks.
Main findings
Taurine concentrations declined in all groups and were lowest with beet pulp. Protein digestibility was lower and bile acid excretion higher in that group.
Limitations and applicability
This formulation-specific experiment did not measure clinical heart disease. One beet-pulp dog was withdrawn after excessive weight loss.
Ingredients investigated
Direct ingredient investigations
Beet pulp
Direct · dog. 18 medium-to-large mixed-breed dogs fed low-protein purified diets.
Tested form: Dietary beet pulp in a low-protein purified diet. Dose: Not reported in reviewed abstract (Fibre source incorporated in the diet; inclusion level not reported in the reviewed abstract). Duration: 12 weeks; one beet-pulp-fed dog withdrawn at 10 weeks after excessive weight loss. Comparator: Low-protein purified diets using cellulose or rice bran as alternative fibre sources.
Measured finding: Taurine concentrations fell in all diet groups. Beet-pulp-fed dogs had lower plasma and whole-blood taurine and lower protein digestibility than the cellulose and rice-bran groups, with greater faecal bile-acid excretion.
Limitations: Small groups and deliberately low-protein purified diets; one withdrawal. Taurine and digestion findings cannot be generalized to all commercial diets or used as a clinical heart-disease outcome.
Cellulose
Direct · dog. 18 medium-to-large mixed-breed dogs fed low-protein purified diets.
Tested form: Dietary cellulose in a low-protein purified diet. Dose: Not reported in reviewed abstract (Fibre source incorporated in the diet; inclusion level not reported in the reviewed abstract). Duration: 12 weeks; one beet-pulp-fed dog withdrawn at 10 weeks after excessive weight loss. Comparator: Other experimental low-protein fibre diets containing beet pulp and rice bran.
Measured finding: Taurine concentrations fell in all diet groups. Beet-pulp-fed dogs had lower plasma and whole-blood taurine and lower protein digestibility than the cellulose and rice-bran groups, with greater faecal bile-acid excretion.
Limitations: Small groups and deliberately low-protein purified diets; one withdrawal. Taurine and digestion findings cannot be generalized to all commercial diets or used as a clinical heart-disease outcome.
Rice bran
Direct · dog. 18 medium-to-large mixed-breed dogs fed low-protein purified diets.
Tested form: Dietary rice bran in a low-protein purified diet. Dose: Not reported in reviewed abstract (Fibre source incorporated in the diet; inclusion level not reported in the reviewed abstract). Duration: 12 weeks; one beet-pulp-fed dog withdrawn at 10 weeks after excessive weight loss. Comparator: Other experimental low-protein fibre diets containing beet pulp and cellulose.
Measured finding: Taurine concentrations fell in all diet groups. Beet-pulp-fed dogs had lower plasma and whole-blood taurine and lower protein digestibility than the cellulose and rice-bran groups, with greater faecal bile-acid excretion.
Limitations: Small groups and deliberately low-protein purified diets; one withdrawal. Taurine and digestion findings cannot be generalized to all commercial diets or used as a clinical heart-disease outcome.
Evidence.pet interpretation
Apply this result only within its species, preparation and study conditions. An ingredient listing alone does not establish that a commercial product reproduces the tested intervention.
Funding and conflicts
Not established from the reviewed abstract.
Ingredient references
Beet pulp, Cellulose, Rice bran.
These are research references. The tested form, dose and formulation must be matched before using a result to support a product claim.
Source
Ko KS; Fascetti AJ. Dietary beet pulp decreases taurine status in dogs fed low protein diet. Journal of Animal Science and Technology. 2016. DOI: 10.1186/s40781-016-0112-6.
Primary source record (PMID 27489723) · Publisher DOI
Reviewed 2 October 2026 · Next review 2 January 2027.