Cellulose

Cellulose is the scientific term for dietary fibre. It can come from the cell walls of all plants and is almost entirely indigestible to dogs which is good as its undigested form provides a wide range of benefits. Despite the benefits cellulose can have, it can be a controversial ingredient. As I mentioned above, cellulose is present in all plant cells and is abundant in many vegetables, fruits and grains. Some vegetables like sugar beet contain a very high proportion of fibre and are used as good quality, whole-food fibre supplements. Pure cellulose, on the other hand, is a white, odourless powder most often made from paper or wood pulp! (it really is!). Cellulose is found in many light diets since it helps to bulk out the diet whilst providing almost zero calories. As fibre supplements go, cellulose powder is not the best and some nutritionists recommend avoiding it altogether.