We want our pets to live as long as possible. We also want to ensure that the life we cherish is delightful. Making sure your pet's regular meal contains essential nutrients is the most effective approach to ensure they live a happy, healthy, and long life.
Many of these nutritional elements can be obtained in your pet's food, depending on the quality of their diet, but for some, you may need to supplement. Beta-glucan is one of these critical immune-boosting fibres for your dog's health, a cellular component found naturally in certain plants, fungi, and yeasts.
What are Beta-Glucans?
Before you contemplate giving this product to your dog, you must first grasp what Beta-Glucan is. Beta-Glucans are polysaccharides, which are essentially polymeric carbohydrate molecules made of monosaccharides that are bonded together, or in simple terms, glucose or a type of fibre.
Experts distinguish between soluble and insoluble kinds of dietary fibre. Soluble fibre can be dissolved, particularly in water, whereas insoluble fibre cannot be dissolved and cannot be broken down or absorbed by our bodies. Beta-Glucan, in particular, is a type of soluble fibre.
Where Can You Find Beta-Glucans?
It is naturally found in the cell walls of cereals, mushrooms, yeasts, seaweed, and algae, according to Today's Dietitian. The highest concentration is found in barley, followed by oats. The fibre will remain intact for eating whether the dish is cooked or not.
Because polysaccharides are derived from various natural sources, it is vital to remember that they are not all created equal. For example, cereals, such as oats, are more likely to be used in weight control, whilst other types of fibre can be consumed to combat malignant cells.
Although not everyone enjoys consuming fibre organically, whether you or your dog are not a fan of cereals or allergic to mushrooms or seaweed, it is available in supplement form.
How Do Beta-Glucans Work?
According to the Better Way Health page, when Beta-Glucan is consumed, it stimulates the immune cells known as Macrophages. Macrophages are unique in detecting, capturing, and destroying foreign substances in the body.
The immune system becomes more receptive to foreign intruders when these Macrophages are activated. Beta-Glucan helps to strengthen and smarten the immune system, preparing it to deal with whatever comes it's way.
Because Beta-Glucan is a soluble fibre, so it can impede the passage of food through your dog's intestines. The longer it takes for the body to digest the food travelling through, the slower it moves.
When the digestion of food slows, so does sugar digestion and absorption. This is beneficial for anyone with diabetes or high blood sugar, including pets, because it helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. It also takes cholesterol with it, lowering an individual's or animal's cholesterol levels.
What are the Advantages of Beta-Glucan?
Although it is most commonly touted for its immune-boosting properties, it also offers additional health benefits, as mentioned in Today's Dietitian. It can also help to lower insulin resistance and blood cholesterol while affecting an individual's or animal's obesity.
According to Healthy Dog For Life, a dog who takes Beta-Glucan daily will be less allergic, have reduced stress, be more resilient, and be able to fight off infection from germs, viruses, and bacteria.