Soybean hulls as a dietary fiber source for dogs.

A series of experiments was conducted to determine the feeding value of soybean hull in dogs. The first study was to analyze the composition of soybean hull samples from nine sources. Differences in total dietary fiber (63.8 to 81.2%); ratio of insoluble to soluble fiber (5.0:1 to 15.4:1); and crude protein levels (9.2 to 18.7%) were found. Increasing soybean hulls in a reference diet had a negative linear effect on dry matter, organic matter, total dietary fiber, gross energy and metabolizable energy values, however, crude protein and fat digestibilities were not altered. There were also no differences in nutrient digestibilities between diets containing soybean hulls or a diet containing beet pulp. The authors conclude that the lack of negative effects on nutrient digestion support the use of soybean hulls in premium dog food formulations.

Cole, J.T. and co-workers. 1999. Soybean hulls as a dietary fiber source for dogs. Animal Sci. 77:917-924.