164 Digestibility, fecal characteristics, and blood parameters of adult dogs fed high fat diets

Abstract

Abstract Pet foods may be formulated with decreased starch to meet consumer demands for less processed diets. Fats and oils may be added to low starch diets to meet energy requirements, but little information is known about its effects on canine health. The study objective was to evaluate the effects of feeding adult dogs increasing levels of fat in low carbohydrate diets on apparent digestibility, fecal characteristics, and overall health status. Eight adult beagles were used in a 4x4 replicated Latin square design. Dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 fat levels within a phase: 32.1% (TRT1), 37.1% (TRT2), 41.9% (TRT3), and 46.5% (TRT4). Fat levels were adjusted with the inclusion of canola oil to a commercial diet. Each dog was fed to exceed their energy requirement based on NRC recommendation for maintenance. Dogs were fed their respective diet twice daily for 15 d with ad libitum water. In each phase, total fecal collections were done d 11–15 and blood samples were taken on d 15. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with diet and room as fixed effects; period and dog were random. Covariates of baseline, initial body weight, and/or initial body condition score were dependent on trait. Digestibility improved linearly with fat level for dry matter (P = 0.021), organic matter (P = 0.019), and fat (P = 0.001). Fecal output decreased as levels of fat increased in the diet (P = 0.002). There was no effect of fat level on stool quality or short chain fatty acid and ammonia concentrations in fecal samples (P > 0.1). Blood samples were analyzed for complete blood counts and chemistry profiles. All parameters remained within normal reference intervals. Blood urea nitrogen levels decreased with increased fat level (P = 0.03). Overall, the increase of dietary fat improved digestibility, did not disrupt fecal characteristics, and maintained the health status of each dog.