The embodiments described herein provide a method for improving bowel health by increasing short chain fatty acid concentration in the colon of a mammal including administering to the mammal a composition having from about 0.1 grams to about 50 grams of a treated bran product. After administration, the treated bran product results in an increased short chain fatty acid production during fermentation in the colon as compared to untreated bran fermented in the colon.