Chicory root powder may have functional properties that support digestive health, immune responses and metabolic function in growing dogs, according to research results published in the journal Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology.
Chicory is already used in commercial dog and cat foods, primarily as a source of prebiotic fiber, including inulin and fructooligosaccharides, that support beneficial intestinal bacteria. Pet food manufacturers incorporate dried chicory root, chicory-derived inulin and extracts into formulations to promote digestive health and support the gut microbiome.
Chicory supplementation supports digestive health markers
Researchers evaluated 16 Labrador puppies divided into four groups receiving homemade diets containing zero, 5, 10 or 15 grams of chicory root powder per kilogram of dietary dry matter.
Chicory supplementation significantly increased fiber digestibility and populations of beneficial intestinal bacteria, including bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Meanwhile, populations of clostridia and coliform bacteria declined.
Dogs receiving higher supplementation levels also exhibited increased production of short-chain fatty acids, including acetate, propionate and butyrate, which are products of intestinal microbial fermentation.
However, chicory supplementation reduced dry matter, organic matter and nitrogen-free extract digestibility compared with the control diet.
Researchers also observed lower plasma glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in puppies fed chicory compared with the control group. Certain measures of cell-mediated immunity increased, while the highest supplementation level raised immunoglobulin G concentrations, which the researchers associated with immune function.
Researchers identified 10 grams per kilogram, equivalent to 1% of dietary dry matter, as the optimal overall inclusion level.
Potential applications in pet food formulation
The findings suggest whole chicory root powder could serve as an alternative to purified prebiotic ingredients in dog food formulations, potentially providing additional functional compounds.
However, the study involved only 16 puppies consuming homemade diets. Further research is needed to establish whether these benefits extend to commercial pet foods and adult dogs.
What is chicory?
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the sunflower family, native to Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa. Recognizable by its blue flowers and deep taproot, chicory grows in temperate climates and tolerates relatively dry conditions. Cultivated varieties are grown for their leaves and roots, with the latter harvested for food ingredients, coffee substitutes and commercial inulin production.
