Reduction of the energy density of cat foods by increasing their fibre content with a view to nutrients' digestibility

Indigestible compounds are useful for reducing the energy density of food for obese cats, but the acceptance and digestibility of such components must also be taken into consideration. In this trial, dried apple pomace was investigated as a compound having sweet taste, aromatic flavour and high fibre content (207 g/kg dry matter). It was mixed in a meat-based diet at a ratio of 10, 20, and 40%. These diets were fed to adult cats in digestibility trials. As could be predicted, by increasing the percentage of apple pomace in the mixtures the digestibility of nutrients significantly decreased (p < 0.01; p < 0.001). However, the digestibility of ether extract decreased much less than that of the other nutrients. The addition of apple pomace to the diets at an inclusion rate of 10 or 20% reduced their energy density but only slightly changed the digestibility of fat. However, the digestibility of crude protein decreased considerably. According to the present findings, the energy density of mixed diets decreases proportionally to the percentage of apple pomace added. However, due to the much lower digestibility, the protein supply to the cat will be worse. It was concluded that the addition of palatable fibrous components is the best method for reducing the energy content of food for obese cats, as it maintains a normal level of food intake. When calculating the required protein content of a diet supplemented with a fibrous component, in addition to the degree of dilution the reduced protein digestibility must be taken into account.