Dietary carbohydrates are not considered essential nutrients for dogs and cats,<ref name="NRC" /> but all animals have a '''metabolic requirement for glucose'''. Additionally, the by-products of bacterial fermentation of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides <font color="red">(short-chain [[Fatty Acids Overview - Nutrition|fatty acids]])</font color> support '''optimal intestinal function and health'''.
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Dietary carbohydrates are not considered essential nutrients for dogs and cats,<ref name="NRC" /> but all animals have a '''metabolic requirement for glucose'''. Additionally, the by-products of bacterial fermentation of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides (short-chain [[Fatty Acids Overview - Nutrition|fatty acids]]) support '''optimal intestinal function and health'''.