Dog Diets Research Articles

A randomized, double-blinded crossover trial testing the benefit of two hydrolysed poultry-based commercial diets for dogs with spontaneous pruritic chicken allergy.

Hydrolysed protein diets are used to diagnose and treat dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFR). Little is known about what proportion of dogs hypersensitive to the native protein would react to its hydrolysed form. To determine the clinical allergenicity of hydrolysed poultry feather (RCU) and chicken liver diets (HZD) in dogs with chicken induced CAFR. In this randomized, double-blinded, crossover trial, ten dogs with chicken induced CAFR were selected after a positive oral challenge to chicken meat and a negative one to corn. Test diets were fed for 14days separated by a 14 day wash-out period. Owners rated pruritus daily with a Visual Analog Scale (PVAS). The challenge was ended if a flare in pruritus occurred (i.e. PVAS ≥5/10). The median PVAS scores before feeding RCU and HZD were 0.9 and 1.7, respectively (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P=0.46). Pruritus scores increased significantly after feeding HZD (Friedman's test, P<0.001) but not after feeding RCU (P=0.895). None of the dogs fed RCU, but four dogs fed HZD (40%), were withdrawn after a flare in pruritus developed (Fisher's test, P=0.04). The maximal PVAS score was significantly higher after HZD (median: 4.7) compared to RCU (2.5) (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P=0.01). One dog in each group was withdrawn due to diarrhoea. The hydrolysed poultry feather diet did not induce pruritus flares in dogs allergic to chicken in contrast to the hydrolysed chicken liver diet that led to pruritus flares in 40% of these dogs.

Garbage in the diet of carnivores in an agricultural area

AbstractHuman food waste is considered to be richer in carbohydrates, lipids and proteins than most natural food supplies; however, it is very well digested in scats. So, as an indication of this kind of food in the diet, we have used each indigestible, anthropogenic origin element found in faeces (e.g., glass, plastic, rubber, etc.). There are few studies discussing the importance of garbage in the diet of mammalian predators living in farmland; definitely, most focus on this issue in urban areas. We studied the contribution of garbage in the diet of raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), marten (Martessp.), polecat (Mustela putorius), stoat (Mustela erminea), American mink (Neovison vison) and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in the agricultural areas of western Poland in 2006-2010. In addition, we examined the spatial changes in the diet of red fox and polecat. The largest contribution of garbage was found in scats of raccoon dog (8.8%), red fox (4.8%) and marten (4.3%). The diet of polecat, stoat and Eurasian otter contained 2.5%, 1.7% and 0.2% garbage items respectively. The most frequent item was plastic. Our analysis showed that garbage consumption by red fox and polecat was greater closer to human settlements. The results reveal a continuous gradient in the garbage consumption that corresponds with the degree of synanthropization of particular species.

Inclusion of exogenous enzymes to feathers during processing on the digestible energy content of feather meal for adult dogs

This study was conducted to determine the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients and gross energy (GE), metabolizable energy (ME), coefficient of metabolizability of gross energy (CM of GE), and fecal characteristics of dogs fed diets with two levels of feather meal, with or without addition of an enzyme blend containing lipase and protease activity. Ten adult Beagle dogs (aged between 1 and 2 years and weighing 10.2±1.4 kg) were arranged in a 5 × 3 incomplete Latin square design with five treatments and three periods. The extruded basal diet was provided in equal amounts to all dogs (220 g/d), and 7.5 and 15% of hydrolyzed feather meal without enzymes (HFM) or HFM processed with addition of the enzyme blend (HFM EB) was added on top of the basal diet just before feeding. The contrast analysis showed that inclusion of 7.5 or 15% feather meal negatively affected CTTAD of crude protein (CP), GE, and ME of the diets with no apparent effect of the enzyme treatment. However, when both feather meal samples were evaluated, the HFM EB resulted in better CTTAD of GE and CM of GE (0.774 vs. 0.666) than HFM without enzymes (0.670 vs. 0.567), respectively. There was no effect of either feather meal on fecal score. Regression analysis showed that the enzymes added to the feathers during the digestion process increased digestible energy by 600 kcal/kg of dry matter in the diet containing HFM EB. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis demonstrated that feather meal had a low molecular weight, with about 95% of the molecules below 10,000 Da. Addition of enzymes during the feather hydrolysis process may improve the energy content of the feather meal when included in diets for adult dogs.

Inclusion of Yucca schidigera extract and zeolite in the diet and its relationship to the apparent digestibility of nutrients and urinary pH in adult dogs

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of Yucca schidigera extract and zeolite (Clinoptilolite) added to the diets for dogs and its effect on apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of diet components (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, acid hydrolyzed fat, and energy) and urinary pH. Twenty-one adult Beagles, males and females, body weight mean of 12.5±1.5kg and four and a half years old, distributed in a completely randomized design with seven replicates per treatment within three experimental treatments: control (no addition of Yucca schidigera and zeolite), Yucca schidigera (375ppm) and zeolite (1%), administered in the encapsulated form of the supplement. The ADC of diet components and urinary pH were not affected by the inclusion of additives (P&gt;0.05), except the ADC acid hydrolyzed fat showed reduction with Yucca schidigera supplementation compared to the other treatments (P&lt;0.05). The addition of 375ppm of Yucca schidigera extract reduced the digestibility of dietary fat by dogs and both Yucca schidigera extract and zeolite did not affect the urinary pH of dogs.

ДИНАМИКА МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ КРОВИ СОБАК ПРИ ДОБАВЛЕНИИ ДИГИДРОКВЕРЦЕТИНА

The purpose of research is to increase protective and adaptive reactions, the service and the working potential of an organism of dogs through the use of DHQ. The article presents the results of an experiment to the effect of DHQ on the dynamics of hematological parameters of dogs blood. Dihydroquercetin – an active antioxidant, a natural scavenger of oxygen free radicals, hepatoprotective, has anti-inflammatory action due to limitations of the formalin edema and histamine, and inhibits the formation of serous fluid, pain killers, immunocorrectional properties. Due to the high complexing properties it displays the body of heavy metals, including radionuclides, it helps to restore the tone of blood vessels, normalization of the lipid spectrum of the blood and slows the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Investigations were carried out in Dogs State Service Ministry of I A of Russia zonal center in Samara Region by clinically healthy of dog breed German Shepherd, age 2-4 years with an average body weight of 30 kg on the background conditions and feeding, adopted by the enterprise. Dogs experimental group received Dihydroquercetin to 0.001 g/kg body weight dose once a day with food. When added to the basic diet Dihydroquercetin dog experimental group show an increase in indicators such as red blood cells – by 18.3% (p&amp;#60;0.01), hemoglobin – by 11.7% (p &amp;#60;0.01) hematocrit – 7.1% (p&amp;#60;0.01), white blood cells – by 9.1% (p&amp;#60;0.05) compared to control data. The research results give reason to believe that the use of dietary supplements in Dihydroquercetin in dogs diet dose 0.001 g/kg allows significantly increase the morphological and physiological indicators of animal organism. In this case a significant increase erythrocytes and hemoglobin and hematocrit indicates increased oxidative metabolism and function of the intensity of the blood in dogs treated with the drug, and increase in the blood indicates an increase in immune status.

Dog-human dietary relationships in Yup'ik western Alaska: The stable isotope and zooarchaeological evidence from pre-contact Nunalleq

Historically and ethnographically dogs have been an important resource for Arctic and subarctic societies — providing protection, fur and meat, as well as aiding hunting and transportation. The close relationship between dogs and humans has also been used by archaeologists to draw inferences about human society (particularly in terms of diet and subsistence) from various analyses of their remains. Here, we apply the complementary approaches of stable isotope and zooarchaeological analysis to dog remains from the permafrost-preserved, pre-contact Yup'ik village site of Nunalleq (c. CE 1300–1750), in coastal western Alaska, specifically to investigate dog-human dietary relationships and the role that dogs played in this community. Zooarchaeological data indicate an abundance of dogs at the site, with butchery marks suggesting that they were processed for meat. Stable isotope analysis of multiple tissues indicates dog diet was largely based on fish (particularly salmonids), with possible short-term increases in marine mammal consumption. Comparison with data from contemporaneous human hair from Nunalleq indicates a close similarity between human and dog diets, supporting the use of dogs as a proxy for human palaeodiet in societies at high-latitude societies consuming significant amounts of animal protein.

2. Beneficial Aspects of Inulin Supplementation as a Fructooligosaccharide Prebiotic in Monogastric Animal Nutrition – A Review

Abstract Inulin is widely used as a prebiotic additive in the nutrition of farm animals and pets. This fructooligosaccharide demonstrates a beneficial effect on host health by stimulating the growth and development of commensal bacterial species inhabiting the large intestine. Used for example in the feeding of piglets, inulin greatly enhances their daily body weight gains and also reduces the risk of anemia (Tako et al., 2008). In poultry, in the case of meat breeds, inulin provides better feed utilization, increases the daily gains and the final carcass weight (Ammerman et al., 1988). In laying hens, it positively stimulates the production of eggs (Chen et al., 2005). The addition of prebiotics in the diet of dogs has a positive effect on the concentration of the end products of sugar and protein fermentation in the colon, thus contributing to the health status and good condition of the animal (Flickinger et al., 2003 b; Middelbos et al., 2007). Moreover, inulin beneficially affects the efficiency of the immune system of the organism (including the anticarcinogenic properties) (Kelly-Quagliana et al., 1998), as well as lipids and the cholesterol metabolism by effectively reducing their concentrations in the blood serum (Grela et al., 2014 a). This paper characterizes inulin as a prebiotic additive in the diet of selected species of monogastric animals. In addition, data about the hypolipidemic and immunostimulatory properties of inulin are presented.

A prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on the clinical signs and erythrocyte membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations in dogs with osteoarthritis

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) in dogs is a prevalent and serious condition. The most common treatment for the clinical signs of OA in dogs is the administration of nonsteroidal antiiflammatory pharmaceuticals. Omega-3 (n−3) fatty acids have been shown to reduce the clinical signs of osteoarthritis in dogs. ObjectiveThe primary goals of this study were 1) to determine the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the clinical signs of OA in dogs, 2) to evaluate the effects of supplementation on the arachadonic acid (ARA)/ (EPA+DHA) algorithm and 3) to correlate alterations in the ARA/(EPA+DHA) with changes in the clinical signs of canine OA. MethodsSeventy-eight client owned dogs were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial. Dogs were randomized to placebo oil or triglyceride n-3 oil (providing an average dose of 69mg EPA+DHA/kg/day). Orthopedic examinations and blood analyses were performed at baseline, day 42, and day 84. A single investigator confirmed a diagnosis of OA of the coxofemoral joints and/or stifle joints in all dogs. ResultsSeventy-four dogs completed the trial. All clinical outcomes for measuring discomfort, lameness, and joint severity at day 84 and all blood metrics at day 42 and day 84 significantly (p<0.05) improved compared with placebo. No major side effects were observed. Conclusion and clinical relevanceThis study demonstrated that the daily supplementation of a dogs diet with EPA and DHA shifts the blood fatty acid concentrations correlating to relief of clinical signs associated with OA in dogs.

Determination of mammalian deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in commercial vegetarian and vegan diets for dogs and cats.

The determination of undeclared ingredients in pet food using different analytical methods has been reported in recent years, raising concerns regarding adequate quality control, dietary efficacy and the potential for purposeful adulteration. The objective of this study was to determine the presence or absence of mammalian DNA using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on diets marketed as vegetarian or vegan for dogs and cats. The diets were tested in duplicate; two samples were purchased approximately 3 to 4months apart with different lot numbers. Multiplex PCR-targeted mitochondrial DNA with two species-specific primers was used to amplify and sequence two sections of the cytochrome b gene for each of the 11 mammalian species. Half of the diets assessed (7/14) were positive for one or more undeclared mammalian DNA source (bovine, porcine, or ovine), and the result was repeatable for one or more species in six diets. While most of the detected DNA was found at both time points, in some cases, the result was positive only at one time point, suggesting the presence may have been due to unintentional cross-contact with animal-sourced ingredients. DNA from feline, cervine, canine, caprine, equine, murine (mouse and rat) and leporine was not identified in any samples. However, evidence of mammalian DNA does not confirm adulteration by the manufacturer nor elucidate its clinical significance when consumed by animals that may benefit from a vegetarian or vegan diet.

The nutritive value of selected commercial dry dog foods

Received: 2015-11-03 | Accepted: 2015-11-06 | Available online: 2016-03-24 dx.doi.org/10.15414/afz.2016.19.01.25-28 The goal of this study was to analysed and compared the nutrients content of dry dog foods with nutrient content, which is declared by the manufacturer of the dry dog foods. 15 dry dog foods bought in the Slovak republic were analysed for dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, nitrogen free extract and ash concentration. Nutrients analysis of dry dog foods were realised in Laboratory of Quality and Nutritional Value of Feeds. We found, that only 6 from 15 dry dog food samples were in interval ± 5% from declared crude protein concentration; no sample was in interval ± 5% from declared crude fat concentration; only 2 from 15 dry dog food samples were in interval ± 5% from declared crude fiber concentration; only 4 from 15 dry dog food samples were in interval ± 5% from declared ash concentration. Analysed dry dog food samples have very different nutritive value in comparison to declared nutritive value on bale. The highest shortage was detected by the fat concentration. The highest excess was detected by the fiber concentration. Keywords : dogs, dry food, nutrients concentration, evaluation References ALVAREZ, E. and SANCHEZ, P. (2006) Dietary fiber. Nutricion Hospitalaria , vol. 21, Suppl., pp. 60-71. BAUER, J.E. 2006. Facilitative and functional fats in diets of cats and dogs. In Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association , vol. 229, pp. 680-684. CASE, L. et al. (2011). Canine and Feline Nutrition: a resource for companion animal professionals . 3. ed. Missouri: Elsevier. HANUSOVSKÝ, O. (2014). Changes in minerals in colostrum of sows. In XX. scientific conference of students of Faculty of agrobiology and food resources. Nitra 23.4.2014 . Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, pp. 29 (in Slovak). HARLOW, J. (1997) US pet food trends. Proceedings of the pet food forum . Chicago: Watts Publishing, pp. 355-364. HERKEĽ, R., VARGA, B. and MAJLAT, M. (2014). The analysis of fatty acids content in different plant oils. In IX. Scientific conference of PhD.-students with international participation. Nitra 14.11.2014 . Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, pp. 34-37. KALLFELZ, F.A. (1989) Evaluation and use of pet foods: general consideration in using pet foods for adult maintenance. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice , vol. 19, pp. 387-403. KRONFELD, D.S. (1982) Protein quality and amino acid profiles of common dog foods. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association , vol. 18, pp. 679-683. LASEK, O., MILEJSKA, P. and KOWALSKI, Z.M. (2013) The use of gas-test techniques to study the fermentation process in the intestines of dogs. In DORSZEWSKI, P. et al. (eds.) Proc. conf. XLII Scientific Conference CAN CAS PAS. Bydgoszcz 18-20.9.2013 . Bydgoszcz: University of Technology and Life Science, pp. 165-166. MUDŘIK, Z. et al. (2014). Specification of calculating the energy needs for dogs used for a dogtrekking and canicross. In Lazar days of nutrition and veterinary dietetics XI. Kosice 2-3.9.2014 . Kosice: University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, pp. 179-182. (in Czech). PISOVA, A. 2015. Organic matter digestibility of corn silage for horses. In XXI. scientific conference of students of Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources. Nitra 22.4.2015 . Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, pp. 48 (in Slovak). SAMUELSON, A.C. and CUTTER, G.R. (1991) Dog biscuits: an aid in canine tartar control. The Journal of Nutrition , vol. 121, pp. S162. TVAROŽKOVA, K. (2015) Evaluation of the nutritional content of the granules and comparison of the composition of selected rations for dogs. In XXI. scientific conference of students of Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources. Nitra 22.4.2015. Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, pp. 49 (in Slovak). TVRDA, E. et al. (2013) Mineral nutrients and male fertility. Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Food Science , vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 1-14. VARGA, B. (2014) Profile of fatty acids in olive and hemp oils. In XX. scientific conference of students of Faculty of agrobiology and food resources. Nitra 23.4.2014 . Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, pp. 40 (in Slovak). Regulation of the Slovak Ministry of Agriculture no. 2145 / 2004 - 100 (2004) about sampling of feeds and about laboratory testing and evaluation of feeds, pp. 342 (in Slovak).

ДИНАМИКА ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ БЕЛКОВОГО ОБМЕНА И АКТИВНОСТИ АМИНОТРАНСФЕРАЗ В ОРГАНИЗМЕ СОБАК ПРИ ДОБАВЛЕНИИ ДИГИДРОКВЕРЦЕТИНА

The purpose of research is to improve business and operational capacity of the body through the use of dogs dihydroquercetin. The article presents the results of experiment by the effect of dihydroquercetin dynamics of biochemical indices of the dogs blood. Dihydroquercetin – it is an active antioxidant, natural scavenger of oxygen free radicals, hepatoprotector, having anti-inflammatory action due to limitations of the formalin edema and histamine, and inhibits the formation of serous fluid, painkillers, immunocorrelation properties. Due to the high complexing properties it displays the body of heavy metals, including radionuclides, helps to restore the blood vessels tone, normalizing the lipid levels and slows the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Investigations were carried out in zonal center of the dog expert service GU MVD of Russia in Samara region with clinically healthy dogs, German shepherd breed, age 2-4 years with an average body weight of 30 kg in the background conditions and feeding, adopted by the enterprise. The dogs of the experimental group received dose dihydroquercetin 0.001 g/kg for body weight once a day during meals. When added to the basic diet, dihydroquercetined dogs of the experimental group shown the increase in indicators such as: total protein – by 11.5% (p&amp;#60;0.01), albumin – to 12.8% (p&amp;#60;0.01), AST 13.6% (p &amp;#60;0.001), ALT – by 11% (p&amp;#60;0.05), alkaline phosphatase in the – 12% (p&amp;#60;0.01) relative to the control group. Based on the results, obtained during the experiment, we can conclude that the use of dietary supplements in the diet of dogs, dihydroquercetin allows biocorrection level of protein and enzymatic metabolism in the body, which improves service and working dogs potential.&#x0D;

Diet of dingoes and other wild dogs in peri-urban areas of north-eastern Australia.

Knowledge of the resource requirements of urban predators can improve our understanding of their ecology and assist town planners and wildlife management agencies in developing management approaches that alleviate human-wildlife conflicts. Here we examine food and dietary items identified in scats of dingoes in peri-urban areas of north-eastern Australia to better understand their resource requirements and the potential for dingoes to threaten locally fragmented populations of native fauna. Our primary aim was to determine what peri-urban dingoes eat, and whether or not this differs between regions. We identified over 40 different food items in dingo scats, almost all of which were mammals. Individual species commonly observed in dingo scats included agile wallabies, northern brown bandicoots and swamp wallabies. Birds were relatively common in some areas but not others, as were invertebrates. Dingoes were identified as a significant potential threat to fragmented populations of koalas. Dietary overlap was typically very high or near-identical between regions, indicating that peri-urban dingoes ate the same types or sizes of prey in different areas. Future studies should seek to quantify actual and perceived impacts of, and human attitudes towards, peri-urban dingoes, and to develop management strategies with a greater chance of reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

Nutritional Evaluation of Pulses and Soybean Meal in Dogs

Six adult Labrador dogs were used in this experiment to evaluate total tract apparent nutrient digestibility and energy values of some protein feedstuffs. Seven digestibility trials were conducted. The 30% of basal diet was replaced with test ingredient which included one conventional feed ingredient i.e. soybean (Glycine max) meal (SBM) and five pulses (black-eyed pea or roongi (Vigna unguiculata), red lentil or masoor (Lens culinaris) dhuli, moong (Vigna radiata) dhuli, split bengal gram or chana (Cicer arietinum) dal and split black gram or urad (Vigna mungo) dhuli dal). The prepared mash diets were cooked and then fed to each dog as per their body weight and nutrient requirement. The difference/substitution method was used to estimate total tract apparent nutrient digestibility and energy values of these six protein ingredients. The DM, OM, CP, EE digestibility of masoor dhuli dal was significantly (P<0.05) higher than all other protein ingredients. The digestibility of DM, CP, EE, CF and DE in SBM was similar to that in masoor dhuli dal, however, ME value of masoor dhuli dal was higher (P<0.05) than that of SBM. The ME value of chana dal and mung dhuli dal was similar to that of SBM. It was concluded that masoor dhuli dal could be used as an effective protein source in dog diets.

Navy and black bean-based dog foods are digestible during weight loss in overweight and obese adult companion dogs

SummaryCommon beans (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) are a nutrient-dense, low glycemic index food that supports healthy weight management in people and was examined for dogs. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and nutrient utilisation of navy (NB) and black (BB) bean-based diets in overweight or obese companion dogs undergoing a weight loss intervention. A nutritionally complete, dry extruded dog food was used as the control (CON) diet and two isocaloric, nutrient matched bean diets, containing either 25% w/w cooked BB or NB powder formed the test diets. Diets were fed to adult, overweight companion dogs for either four weeks (short-term study, n = 30) or for twenty-six weeks (long-term study, n = 15) at 60% of maintenance calories for ideal weight. Apparent weight loss increased over time in both the short- and long-term studies (p &lt; 0.001) but was not different between the three study groups: apparent weight loss was between 4.05% – 6.14% for the short-term study and 14.0% – 17.9% in the long-term study. The ATTD was within expected ranges for all groups, whereby total dry matter and crude protein ATTD was 7–8% higher in the BB diet compared to CON (P &lt; 0.05), crude fat ATTD was similar across all diets, and nitrogen free extract ATTD was 5–6% higher in both BB and NB compared to CON (P &lt; 0.05). Metabolisable energy was similar for all diets, and ranged from 3,434–3,632 kcal/kg. At the end of each study period, dogs had haemoglobin levels ≥12 g/dl, packed cell volume ≥36%, albumin ≥2.4 g/dl, ALP ≤ 300 IU/l and all median values for each group were within defined limits for nutritional adequacy. This investigation demonstrated that BB and NB diets were safe, digestible, and supported weight loss in calorically restricted, overweight or obese, adult companion dogs.

Clinical Features in Border Terrier Dogs with Paroxysmal Involuntary Movements.

There have been anecdotal reports of episodic involuntary movements in the Border Terrier dog breed for over a decade. Recently, it has been hypothesized that this condition may be a form of paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis. The aim of this study was to characterize the phenomenology and clinical course of this condition and compare it to known human movement disorders. Data were collected retrospectively from clinical cases treated by veterinary neurologists and additional information was collected prospectively with an ad-hoc online survey directed to owners of affected dogs. The episodes are characterized by generalized dystonia, tremors, titubation, and, in some cases, autonomic signs, such as salivation and vomiting. The median age at onset of the episodes was 3 years and the interval between clusters of episodes could last several months. Most of the episodes occurred from rest, and 67% of the owners reported that the episodes were associated with a trigger, most often excitement. Some owners reported an improvement after changing their dog's diet. We hypothesize that the Border Terrier attacks represent a form of paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia. The finding of a dystonia phenotype within an inbred population suggests a genetic predisposition, and elucidating the genetic cause could facilitate improved understanding of dystonia. This genetic predisposition and the effect of treatment with anticonvulsant drugs and dietary changes on the severity of the paroxysms warrant further investigation on this condition.

Effect of the association of diet, omega-three, and antioxidants in dogs with chronic kidney disease

&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Para avaliar a contribuição da combinação de drogas de ômega-3, vitamina E, selenito de sódio, gluconato de cobre, gluconato de zinco, sulfato de condroitina, glucosamina e (Gerioox®), 12 cães com doença renal crônica (DRC) em atendimento clínico ambulatorial no Foram estudados hospital veterinário de uma instituição federal de ensino superior. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Contagens completas de sangue, urinálise, medições da concentração sérica de cálcio, fósforo, ureia e creatinina, e os cálculos da proteína urinária de creatinina (UPC) e taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) foram realizados antes do início da experiência (T0) e depois 30 (T1), 90 (T2), e 120 dias (T3). &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Houve uma correlação negativa significativa (P &amp;lt;0,05) entre o TFG ea UPC e entre o TFG ea uréia e creatinina séricas (quando a GFR foi alta, a UPC, uréia e creatinina séricas foram diminuídos). &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;A melhora foi observada no estado clínico dos pacientes estudados, conforme relatado pelos seus proprietários, que indicaram uma melhoria na vitalidade e apetite, e pela observação clínica, que mostrou melhora no estado geral de saúde, casaco, e os parâmetros analisados. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;A combinação de omega-3, a vitamina E, o selenito de sódio, gluconato de cobre, gluconato de zinco, sulfato de condroitina, glucosamina e encontrado em Gerioox® provou ser um adjuvante importante no tratamento conservador de cães com DRC, causando um aumento na taxa de filtração glomerular com uma redução na proteinúria. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Este resultado indica que houve uma melhoria na qualidade de excreção, e não um aumento na excreção de si, o que é um resultado do efeito indesejado de aumento da pressão glomerular.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Creatine and creatinine contents in different diet types for dogs - effects of source and processing.

The concentrations of creatine and its degradation product creatinine were determined in a variety of unprocessed as well as processed feedstuffs suitable for dogs. Unprocessed feedstuffs were categorised as single feedstuffs, bone and raw food diets (BARF), and small vertebrates, for example prey animals. Processed feedstuffs were categorised as meat/meat and bone meals, complete wet diets and complete dry diets. The feedstuffs were chosen to cover a broad range of each of the three defined processed and unprocessed feed categories available on the market without further subclustering. The creatine content of the samples was compared on a dry matter, protein and energy basis. The relation of creatine to crude protein permitted a rating of the meat quality in terms of muscle tissue. We found no difference in creatine concentrations between the three categories of unprocessed feedstuffs (raw single feedstuffs, prey and BARF diets), neither on a dry matter basis nor when expressed relative to crude protein and metabolisable energy respectively. Significantly lower levels were determined in meat/meat and bone meal and commercial dry diets (e.g. 303 mg creatine/MJ ME in unprocessed vs. 6 mg/MJ ME in processed feedstuffs; p < 0.001). We conclude that in relation to ME, the exclusive use of conventionally processed diets for dogs, especially dry diets, leads to considerably lower intake of creatine which is a natural compound of the diet of this carnivorous and omnivorous species.

Složení potravy psíka mývalovitého (Nyctereutes procyonoides) a jezevce lesního (Meles meles) v ČeskÉ republiCE

Diets of the raccoon dog and badger were studied in the Landscape Protected Area (LPA) Litovelské Pomoraví from 2000 to 2001 by collecting faeces from latrines during March – December every year. The relative volume and frequency occurrence of each food item in the feaces were calculated. Vertebrates and invertebrates constituted the bulk of the raccoon dog diet, while plants and invertebrates were most frequently eaten by the badger. Insecta and Rodentia were important to the raccoon dog, but it also consumed other food items. The raccoon dog was more omnivorous that the badger. Badger fed very frequently on plant material, raccoon dog, instead, frequently ate insects, especially beetles. In conclusion, the diet of the raccoon dog overlaps largely with that of badger, and some competition for food may occur between these species in the LPA Litovelské Pomoraví; however, their preferred food sources differ to some extent, which helps them to avoid competition.

The raw deal: clarifying the nutritional and public health issues regarding raw meat-based diets

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the feeding of unconventional diets such as raw, vegetarian and home prepared diets to companion animals. BARF diets, often referred to as ‘Biologically Appropriate Raw Food’ or ‘Bones And Raw Food,’ were popularised by Billinghurst in 1993. Such diets typically consist of 60–80% raw meaty bones and 20–40% a wide variety of foods including fruit and vegetables, offal, meat, eggs, or dairy foods.Prior to domestication, the diet of dogs and cats consisted largely of raw food. Once cohabiting with humans, raw food remained the staple diet for cats whereas dogs survived on by-products of human consumption, i.e. table scraps. The nutritional inadequacy of these diets is cited as being responsible for the shortened life span and nutritionally-related digestive, musculoskeletal problems encountered at that time. Yet, current justification for the feeding of this diet stems from the belief that these species are healthier when fed as if still in the wild.This article explores the nutritional adequacy and food safety issues related to feeding raw meat-based diets to companion animals and considers approaches for communicating with pet owners about the concerns regarding these unconventional diets.

Soybean oil and beef tallow in dry extruded diets for adult dogs

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of two different fat sources (soybean oil (SO) and beef tallow (BT)) in dry extruded dog diets on the intake of food and metabolizable energy (ME), on faecal characteristics and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and energy. Ten adult dogs of different breeds were used in a Latin square design. Five experimental diets were designed from a basal diet. A Control diet was coated with 1% SO and four other diets were obtained by coating the basal diet with 6.5% and 13% of SO or BT. The Control, 6.5% and 13% coated diets contained approximately 8.5%, 15% and 20% fat, respectively. The dogs had similar dry matter (DM) intakes and, consequently, higher ME intakes with an increased fat content for both sources (p < 0.05). Fat digestibility was highest for Diet SO13% (p < 0.05). The ATTD of DM and organic matter was highest (p < 0.05) for Diets SO13% and BT13%. Fat coating improved the faecal score, especially for Diet BT13%. The dietary ratios of protein:fat:carbohydrate [% of ME] were close to AAFCO’s estimates. For SO a higher ATTD (99.1%) and ME content (38.88 MJ/kg) was estimated than for BT (ATTD 92.9% and 36.37 MJ ME/kg). Both SO and BT can comprise up to 13% of the diet. However, SO was more susceptible to leaking from the kibbles with the coating method applied.