Effect of feeding black soldier fly larvae meal based diet on canine skin barrier function, organic antioxidant defence and blood biochemistry

Abstract

ABSTRACT Black soldier fly meal in pet diets is gaining acceptance. This study aimed to assess the use of black soldier fly larvae defatted meal (BSFL) and its impact on blood parameters, biochemical markers, organic antioxidant capacity, skin barrier function and skin and coat quality. A cross-over study involved eight beagle dogs with two periods of 50 days each and a washout period of seven days in between. Two approximately iso-nutritive extruded diets were evaluated, the first containing 29.5% BSFL meal and a control diet containing 26% poultry by-product meal (PBP) as protein source. Skin and coat evaluations and blood collections were conducted before and after each period. Skin barrier function was assessed by measurement of trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) in belly and pinna of the dogs on days 0, 15, 30, and 45 of each period. A trend for higher antioxidant effect was found for BSFL diet trough malondialdehyde and Vitamin E measurement in dog’s serum. When fed PBP diet dogs exhibited reduction in serum cholesterol and LDL levels after 50 days. TEWL was significantly reduced in pinna over time when dogs were fed BSFL, and TEWL in belly was significantly lower in dogs fed BSFL in comparison to PBP. SCH was also higher for the BSFL group along the feeding period in comparison to PBP, indicating improved ability of the dogs to retain water and keep skin moisture. Improved skin barrier function could be related to fatty acids from BSFL and increased sebaceous lipids in skin. These are responsible for to avoid water loss and to improve skin protection against microbial insults. Inclusion of BSFL as protein source did not promote negative changes in blood biochemistry and had minor antioxidant effect in healthy dogs. However, it proved effective in improving skin barrier function, making BSFL a valuable alternative protein source for dogs, particularly those with sensitive skin or allergies manifesting on the skin.