Petfood Industry - June 2015 - 39
www.petfoodindustry.com | 39 and may require higher temperatures and longer times to gelatinize than wheat. The amylose composition varies in buckwheat from low teens to nearly 45% of the starch with normal values in the 21-27% range. Buckwheat contains a variety of flavonoid compounds, mostly in the hull. However, because the hull also contains anti-nutritional compounds such as fagopyrin and filloerythrin which are photosensitizing, the hull has to be removed before consumption. Some of the beneficial flavonoids such as rutin and isovitexin are still found in the starchy endosperm. The dehulling required to prepare buckwheat flour for consumption is performed commercially by two distinct processes: dry milling or hydrothermal. Once milled into flour, buckwheat behaves in a manner similar to that of traditional grain flours during cooking processes. It can be extruded and will expand in a manner similar, but with a slightly higher density, to that of wheat or other flours commonly used to produce pet foods. Buckwheat flour creates a slightly heavier and nutty flavor upon heating or baking, but no data are available regarding its acceptability by pets. WHILE THERE ARE increasing reports of buckwheat use in human foods, no publications are easily obtainable in the peer-reviewed nutrition literature relating to its use in pet foods. This void alone might qualify it as a novel ingredient. Based on available information in human foods, buckwheat might find use in pet specialty or therapeutic elimination diets. The seed holds promise for low-glycemic diets, diets intended for use in diabetes management or glucose control, and may even have benefit for animals experiencing issues with gluten or other hypersensitivities. Buckwheat should factor well into extruded and baked pet foods and treats where high-quality proteins and functional starches are desired presuming that cost and availability issues are not a factor. However, data describing its palatability, digestibility and effects on nutritional health in pets should be gathered. ■ Process Planning Today Cost Savings Tomorrow 1 Solution Group 100 Airport Road Sabetha, Kansas 66534 Phone: 785-285-8411 Fax: 785-284-3143 jherbster@1solutiongroup.com www.1solutiongroup.com
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