Independent study appraisal · 2019
Beet pulp, cellulose and Miscanthus in dog food: a fibre comparison
Fibre source changed stool characteristics and digestibility; there was no single winner across every endpoint.
Question and design
12 adult Beagles; replicated 3 × 3 Latin square. Diets with 10% beet pulp, cellulose or Miscanthus; 14 days per period. Comparator: Three fibre sources in a similar base ration.
What was measured?
Apparent digestibility and stool quality.
Main findings
Beet-pulp stools were softer: mean score 3.15 versus 3.68 for cellulose and 3.64 for Miscanthus, on a 1–5 scale. Beet pulp produced less wet faecal output but lower apparent protein digestibility.
Strengths and limitations
Controlled crossover comparison and faecal collection. Equal ingredient inclusion did not mean equal total dietary fibre. Short, healthy-dog trial; not a weight-loss study.
Researchers’ conclusion
The authors considered Miscanthus a possible alternative to cellulose.
Evidence.pet interpretation
An ingredient’s value depends on the formulation objective. Softer stools or lower digestibility are measurements, not universal good-or-bad scores. These findings do not prescribe an amount to add at home.
Funding and conflicts
Renew Biomass sponsored the work; Aldrich disclosed prior consultancy for the sponsor.
Source and connected records
Donadelli RA, Aldrich CG. The effects on nutrient utilization and stool quality of Beagle dogs fed diets with beet pulp, cellulose, and Miscanthus grass. Journal of Animal Science. 2019;97:4134–4139.
Read the primary source · DOI record
STU-027. Checked 24 September 2026. Next review 24 December 2026. Full-text editorial appraisal; broader ingredient review ongoing.