OSCAR Featured Ingredient: Lignocellulose

This month we are looking more closely at Lignocellulose to explain what it is, why we have it, and how it can benefit our pets.

What is Lignocellulose?

Lignocellulose is the scientific term for dietary fibre. It is a natural compound of Lignin and Cellulose, found in the cell walls of plants, with a high fibre content and an even higher water- binding capacity. Lignocellulose is added in a powdered form and combined with other ingredients when creating OSCAR products.

Why do we have it?

Lignocellulose is a very useful ingredient and can be found in a number of OSCAR diets and chews. It is mainly used to dilute the calorie content of certain diets; resulting in a reduced energy content that is more suited to the ‘plodders’ and ‘lounging laggers’ of the pet world. Due to its ability to absorb water, not only can Lignocellulose be used in this way, but also to create that wonderful feeling of fullness from a smaller amount of food, keeping our hungry hounds happy and less aware of a reduced feeding rate. (Sneaky.)

How can this benefit my cat?

Neutered Cat contains Lignocellulose for the sole purpose of aiding the movement of unwanted hair through the digestive tract. Our cat’s digestive tract can cope with a small amount of hair, often ingested from grooming, although larger amounts can cause an issue and can collect in the gut and trigger the hairball process to begin. As larger amounts of hair collect, this can be more difficult to pass resulting in hairballs. Adding just 2 to 4% of Lignocellulose into dried kibble significantly reduces the risk of these horrid hairballs, improving digestive health and reducing unnecessary stress for our fretful felines.

How can this benefit my dog?

OSCAR add Lignocellulose to our High Fibre Lite, Pinnacle Plus, and our Pinnacle of Life diets, not only to aid keeping hunger at bay but also to increase stool quality. The high fibre content of Lignocellulose can result in a firmer more manageable (and smaller) stool output and increase the efficiency of the digestive tract.

How else can this help my pets?

Lignocellulose also benefits oral health by increasing the elasticity in both kibble and chews. Due to this feature, it has been proven that dogs or cats eating chews and kibble containing Lignocellulose often chew for longer, increasing the cleaning effect on their teeth and gums. For this reason, it has led to the increase of dental chews and kibble being formulated with Lignocellulose.

Why not have a look at the OSCAR Whimzee Chew range to help keep on top of those pearly whites?

Do you need further advice?

If you need any further advice, please contact the OSCAR Helpline Team on our freephone number 0800 195 8000 or email helpline@oscars.co.uk.