Feeding In Dogs Research Articles

Determination of acrylamide using the immuno-enzymatic method in commercial dog and cat foods

Pet animals raised by humans do not have the chance to choose their own food. Therefore, mistakes made by humans in feeding dogs and cats will adversely affect the health of the animal. There are applications at high temperatures at various stages during the production of dog and cat foods. It is predicted that acrylamide (AA) can be formed as a result of a possible Maillard reaction since the cat and dog foods contain starch in its structure. The aim of this study is to determine the AA residue immuno-enzymatically in dry cat and dog feeds from different companies available on the market. Thus, possible threats to cat and dog health, if any, will be determined, and the applicability of the method will be tested by determining the AA level in foods for the first time with this method. For this purpose, 42 cat and dog foods belonging to various companies in the market were randomly collected from different pet clinics in Aydın and made ready for testing by passing through various stages. AA residues in foods were tested in an immuno-enzymatic way and as a result, AA residue was found in approximately 33% (14 samples) of the analyzed samples in dry cat and dog foods, with an average AA concentration of 87.35 ppb in these samples. The AA concentration in the samples was determined as 45 ppb at the lowest and 155 ppb at the highest. AA could not be detected in 67% of the investigated samples. In conclusion, the Maillard reaction observed during the preparation of food for pets is an important cause of AA formation. Therefore, improvement of formulation and process needs to be regulated carefully. In addition, it is recommended that the immuno-enzymatic method used in the study must be supported by more future studies.

Assessing non-protein nitrogen sources in commercial dry dog foods.

Protein is a macronutrient required by dogs for growth and maintenance metabolism. However, a portion of the crude protein listed on pet foods may actually arise from non-digestible organic nitrogen or potentially toxic inorganic non-protein nitrogen sources. Neither non-protein source is retained or used by the animal. However, these compounds may result in adverse effects such as methemoglobin formation and increased oxidative stress or potentially beneficial effects such as improved vascular distensibility and decreased inflammation. To analyze nitrogen retention and screen for non-protein nitrogen, four commercial, dry kibble dog foods and one laboratory-made diet were evaluated and then fed to beagles during two separate feeding trials. During the first trial, dogs were randomly assigned each diet (n = 4 dogs/diet) and fed chromium oxide-coated diets for 48 h, followed by total urine and marked fecal collection, as well as plasma collection for total nitrogen, nitrate, ammonia, and urea determination. The amount of nitrogen retained (93%–96%) did not differ among commercial diets. Protein total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) ranged from 69% to 84%, with the high protein diets significantly higher than the laboratory-made and mid-ranged diets (1-way ANOVA: P < 0.05). The high protein diet also contained the highest concentration of nitrate with subsequent elevations in plasma nitrotyrosine levels (indicator of oxidative stress). During the second trial, eight dogs (n = 8) were fed the same diets for 6 d, after which echocardiography was completed with blood, urine, and feces collected. For health end-points, methemoblobin, plasma nitrotyrosine, and C-reactive protein (CRP; indicator of inflammation) levels were measured. Methemoglobin levels were significantly lower in the high protein diet (P > 0.05), possible due to the stimulation of methemoglobin reductase while nitrotyrosine was unchanged and CRP was undetectable. Furthermore, there was a positive relationship between crude protein, crude fat (simple linear regression: P = 0.02, r2 > 0.6), price (P = 0.08, r2 > 0.6), and caloric density (P = 0.11, r2 > 0.6). There were no significant cardiovascular differences among any of the diets (P > 0.05). Ultimately, this study shows that in commercial diets, price does reflect protein content but that feeding dogs high protein diets for a long period of time may provide an excess in calories without a change in cardiovascular function or detectable increases in inflammation.

The Effects of Fermentation of Low or High Tannin Fava Bean-Based Diets on Glucose Response, Cardiovascular Function, and Fecal Bile Acid Excretion during a 28-Day Feeding Period in Dogs: Comparison with Commercial Diets with Normal vs. High Protein.

We have shown that feeding dogs fava bean (FB)-based diets for 7 days is safe and FB flour fermentation with Candida utilis has the potential to decrease FB anti-nutritional factors. In the present study, the effects of 28-day feeding of 4 different FB-based test dog foods containing moderate protein (~27% dry matter (DM)) were compared with two commercial diets with normal protein (NP, grain-containing, ~31% DM protein) or high protein (HP, grain-free, ~41% DM protein). Health parameters were investigated in beagles fed the NP or HP diets or using a randomized, crossover, 2 × 2 Latin square design of the FB diets: unfermented high-tannin (UF-HT), fermented high-tannin (FM-HT), unfermented low-tannin (UF-LT), and fermented low-tannin (FM-LT). The results showed that fermentation increased glucose tolerance, increased red blood cell numbers and increased systolic blood pressure, but decreased flow-mediated vasodilation. Taken together, the overall effect of fermentation appears to be beneficial and improved FB nutritional value. Most interesting, even though the HP diet was grain-free, the diet did contain added taurine, and no adverse effects on cardiac function were observed, while glucose tolerance was impaired compared to NP-fed dogs. In summary, this study did not find evidence of adverse cardiac effects of pulses in ‘grain-free’ diets, at least not in the relatively resistant beagle breed over a 28-day period. More importantly, fermentation with C. utilis shows promise to enhance health benefits of pulses such as FB in dog food.

Age-related digestibility of nutrients depending on the moisture content in aged dogs.

Digestibility of pet food can affect the health of dog, especially of aged animals. To maintain the health of dogs in an overall good status it is necessary to provide nutritionally balanced food. For example, the digestibility of dogs was known to be decreased along aging. In addition, losing teethes is an often event in aged dogs that could induce a problem to eat a large size dry pet food. Nonetheless, few detailed information is available on the most suited feeding for aged dogs. As part of the nutritional study of food for aged dogs, in this study, we tested whether food type impacts on digestibility on adult versus senior dogs. The methodology to measure the digestibility of nutrients was chosen the index method using chromium oxide. Dogs were fed the same commercial dry or wet diets, which were supplemented with 0.5% chromium oxide. The wet food was prepared by adding twice volume of water in the dry food prior to incubated overnight (14–16 hours) at room temperature. After five days, their feces were collected up to a total weight of > 200 g which was the amount to analyze undigested nutrients in feces as 3 repeats. In the apparent total tract digestibility analysis of the experimental breed, no difference in the digestibility of crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, and energy was observed regarding the moisture content of the food. Noteworthy, the digestibility of nitrogen free extract was significantly increased in senior dogs fed dry dog food compared with adult dogs fed the same diet, whereas no difference was observed between senior and adult dogs fed wet food. The small breed dogs showed similar results to the experimental breed dogs. However, the digestibility of crude fat was additionally affected by age and food type unlike the experimental breed dogs. This finding suggests that the food moisture content affects the digestibility of nutrients in dogs with aging. Hence, it may be helpful to determine the nutrient contents in foods for senior dogs depending on the food type.

How to talk to clients about giving raw food diets to their dogs and cats

The popularity of feeding dogs and cats a raw diet has increased markedly in recent years. Broad claims of health benefits have been made, although accompanying evidence is typically weak or anecdotal. There are documented microbiological and nutritional risks associated with raw feeding that have elicited concerns among both veterinary and public health professionals. This article outlines the disadvantages and the perceived benefits of raw feeding, and suggests approaches to engage with clients who have chosen to give their pet a raw food diet.

Electro-oxidation of fish meal industry wastewater in a stirred batch reactor using a Ti/RuO2 anode

Abstract Fish meal is used as feed for fish, dogs and cats, and in the pharmaceutical industry. Direct electro-oxidation has been used to treat fish meal industry effluent and organic pollutant removal, and was studied in this project. The anode used was titanium coated with ruthenium oxide and the cathode was stainless steel. In addition to organic pollutants, color removal was also studied. The varying parameter was current density, and those used were 10, 20, 27, and 34 mA/cm2. The effects of mechanical agitation and the inter-electrode distance on pollutant removal were also studied. The highest TOC and color removal (both 82%) were achieved at 34 mA/cm2, using mechanical agitation with 1.5 cm electrode spacing. Without agitation, TOC removal efficiency was 72%. The results show that electro-oxidation can be an effective secondary treatment for fish meal industry effluent.

Environmental adaptive features of local dogs and Kalmyk’s shepherd dog “Barg”

The article presents the results on the study of the biological characteristics of the Kalmyk’s shepherd dog "Barg" and local dogs, as well as indicators of the physiological state of animals (pulse frequency, breathing and body temperature). The indicators of natural immunity in the studied dog breeds and morphological, biochemical blood composition of animals were investigated. Analyzing the above mentioned data, it is possible to conclude that the extrusion of feed for experimental dogs contributes to a more intense metabolic process in the body, which is confirmed by the best biochemical blood indicators.

Addition of a blend of essential oils (cloves, rosemary and oregano) and vitamin E to replace conventional chemical antioxidants in dog feed: effects on food quality and health of beagles

ABSTRACT This study aimed to produce dog food containing natural antioxidants (blend of essential oils and vitamin E) to replace synthetic antioxidants and determine the effects on food conservation and animal health sequentially. The foods were produced in a commercial factory, and the antioxidants were added at the oil bath stage. Ten adult beagle dogs were used, divided into two treatments; control treatment (CON; synthetic antioxidant feed [butylhydroxytoluene]) and test treatment (NAT; natural antioxidant feed; blend of essential oils from clove, rosemary, oregano, and vitamin E). The dogs were weighed at the beginning and end of each experimental period, and there were no treatment effects for body weight. In both treatments, food conservation efficiency was observed, demonstrating the feasibility of using natural sources as antioxidants in dog food because chemical and oxidative variables did not differ regardless of the antioxidant used during production. The animals’ metabolic and haematological variables were not influenced by the treatments; however, a reduction in the number of lymphocytes was observed over time only in the dogs of the NAT group. There was also a day effect for total leukocyte, neutrophil and erythrocyte counts only in NAT animals, which means a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the variables on d 28. There was an effect of the treatment and an interaction treatment x day for the total bacterial count, whereas a decrease in the bacterial count (p < 0.05) was observed in NAT dogs’ faeces on day 28. Dogs fed the NAT diet had lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p ≤ 0.05) to minimise oxidative stress. In group NAT, the NPSH and glutathione S-transferase levels were increased, which may explain the decrease in ROS levels. It was concluded that natural antioxidants in dog feed, in addition to promoting feed conservation, stimulate levels of systemic antioxidants and minimise the impacts caused by free radicals in the dogs’ blood.

A Comparison of Key Essential Nutrients in Commercial Plant-Based Pet Foods Sold in Canada to American and European Canine and Feline Dietary Recommendations.

Simple SummaryPlant-based pet foods appear to be growing in popularity, but it is unclear how suitable these products are for dogs and cats, considering both species naturally consume diets rich in, or exclusively comprised of, animal tissues. Laboratory analyses of essential nutrients were performed on 26 plant-based diets available in Ontario, Canada in 2018, including 18 canine products (13 products labelled for adult maintenance, four for all life stages, one for puppy growth), 5 feline products (two for adult maintenance and three for all life stages), and 3 products labelled for both dogs and cats (one for adult maintenance and two for all life stages). The nutrient measurements were compared to industry standard nutrient profiles. Four products met the recommendations of the Association of American Feed Control Officials and one product the nutrient recommendations of the European Pet Food Industry Federation for adult dogs. No diets met recommended nutrient content for adult cats or growing puppies or kittens. Nutrients most commonly found to be insufficient were: sulfur amino acids, taurine, arachidonic acid, EPA and DHA, calcium phosphorus and vitamin D. These nutrients are all typically found in animal tissues, though non-animal sources are available, and require careful formulation or supplementation in products made without animal-derived ingredients. Compliance with Canadian labelling regulation and guidelines was poor. These problems do not appear to be exclusive to plant-based foods and have been demonstrated previously in commercially available animal-based products as well. This study demonstrates areas where manufacturers of plant-based pet foods must improve formulation and/or manufacturing practices to produce products appropriate for feeding cats and dogs.Plant-based foods intended for feeding dogs and cats are available in Canada, though few studies have examined the suitability of plant-based foods for dogs and cats. All commercial plant-based extruded and wet pet food products available in Ontario, Canada, in 2018 (n = 26) were acquired and analysed for energy, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins A, B12, D2 and D3. Results were compared with recommendations of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). Thirteen products were labelled for adult canine maintenance, four for canine all life stages, one for puppy growth, two for adult feline maintenance, three for feline all life stages, one for adult maintenance of dogs and cats and two for all life stages of dogs and cats. Four products met AAFCO and one product met FEDIAF nutrient recommendations for canine maintenance. No diets met AAFCO or FEDIAF recommendations for feline maintenance or growth for either species. Nutrients most commonly found insufficient were: sulfur amino acids, taurine, arachidonic acid, EPA and DHA, calcium phosphorus and vitamin D. There were no nutrients unable to be provided from non-animal sources. Compliance with labelling guidelines was also poor, similar to other findings with commercial animal-based pet products. The results from this study indicate areas where producers of plant-based pet foods must improve to meet the industry recommended nutrient profiles and labelling requirements.

Microencapsulated phytogenic in dog feed modulates immune responses, oxidative status and reduces bacterial (Salmonella and Escherichia coli) counts in feces

Improving the health and immunity of pets is a concern of the guardians, while maintaining the health of the animals directly impacts the owners' health and public health. The objective of this study was to produce a dog feed containing a microencapsulated phytogenic blend, as well as determine the impact of the additive on animal health and its intestinal microbiota. The composition included microencapsulated thymol, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde, at 300 mg/kg of feed. Ten male beagle dogs were divided into two groups, identified as follows: the control group (C; ingested the feed without the additive) and the treated group (T; consumed feed containing the phytogenic blend). The dogs received 300 g of feed/day divided into two meals. Greater neutrophil counts in group T and lymphocyte counts were observed at the end of the experiment, as well as levels of α2-globulins and γ-globulin, while β1 and β2-globulins levels were lower in group T. Serum nitrogen oxide levels were higher in group T. Levels of reactive oxygen species were lower in group T at days 30 and 45, unlike activity of glutathione peroxidase that was higher. We found less bacterial contamination in the feces of dogs in group T, i.e., total bacterial count, total coliform counts, and counts of Salmonella and Escherichia coli were lower on days 30 and 45. Phytogenic blend intake reduces bacterial counts in stool and improves antioxidant/oxidative status and immune responses.

Canine Gastrointestinal Nematodiases and Associated Risk Factors in Kigali City, Rwanda.

Canine nematodes pose a public health risk to humans and livestock; however, the prevalence of canine nematodiases in Rwanda is unknown. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of canine nematodiases and identifying the risk factors for such infections in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. A cross-sectional study involved 93 dogs selected across Kigali city. Faecal samples were collected from apparently healthy dogs, and nematode eggs were identified and quantified using the McMaster technique. Risk factors for canine nematodiases were analysed by a multivariable binary logistic regression model. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) nematodiases in dogs was 33.3% (95% CI: 23.8–42.9). The most prevalent species was Ancylostoma spp with 32.3% (95% CI: 22.8–41.8). Nearly 38.7% and 3.2% of the dogs infected with Ancylostoma spp and Toxocara canis had high egg counts per gram (EPG) of faeces (≥550), respectively. Approximately 96.8% of dogs infected with nematodes had monoinfection. Logistic regression analysis showed that dog's age (1 to 2.5 years old), location (Gasabo and Kicukiro districts), and feeding practices were significantly associated with prevalence of canine nematodiases. In particular, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was more than 5 times higher for dogs fed on uncooked animal products and leftovers from households and restaurants compared to those who ate food prepared for them. The AOR was also about 16 times higher for dogs that scavenged and ate leftovers from households compared to those who ate food prepared for them. The findings of this study indicate that the prevalence of GI nematodes in domestic dogs in Kigali city, Rwanda, was 33.3% (95% CI: 23.8–42.9). The identified nematodes, namely, Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara canis, are zoonotic, and dogs and humans are at risk of contracting these nematodes. The factors associated with canine GI nematodes in Kigali city include feeding practices and the dog's age and location (district). Dog owners need to rethink procedures for deworming and feeding their dogs. Again, the public should be made aware of the role of dogs in transmitting zoonotic nematodes to humans.

Nutritional Evaluation and Risk Assessment of the Exposure to Essential and Toxic Elements in Dogs and Cats through the Consumption of Pelleted Dry Food: How Important Is the Quality of the Feed?

Dry feed for pets lacks specific legislation regarding maximum residue limits for inorganic elements. The aim of the present study was to determine the content of 43 inorganic elements in dog and cat feed, studying whether there were differences according to the supposed quality of the food and performing the risk assessment for health. Thirty-one and thirty packages of pelleted dry food for cats and dogs, respectively, were analyzed. After acidic microwave-assisted digestion, elements were detected and quantified by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). In general, we did not observe important differences in the content of elements according to the supposed quality of the brand. Among trace elements, selenium and manganese are above the dietary reference value. Arsenic and mercury showed the highest acute hazard indexes, which make them risk factors for the health of dogs and cats. Aluminum, uranium, antimony and vanadium contents were above the toxic reference value and showed the highest acute hazard indexes. It is necessary to improve the legislation regarding the food safety of pets, for their health and to protect the rights of consumers.

Использование коренными малочисленными народами рыбных ресурсов Ненецкого автономного округа

Fishery is a traditional activity of the Nenets living in the Arctic. It complements the main type of economic activity of the Nenets — reindeer herding. The aim of the research is to summarize research data and analyze the dynamics of the use of fish resources by the Nenets in the Area territory. The Nenets often carry out fishing for free, without obtaining permits. The Nenets catch from 0,3 to 1,0 tons of fish per family annually. They use fish for their own nutrition and feeding of dogs. Fish and fish products are an important element of the traditional diet of the indigenous peoples of the North. Fishery in fishing areas by the Nenets is not in demand. State bodies provide fish resources to the Nenets for use. Only an insignificant part of the Nenets apply to obtain fish for use. In contrast, most of the family communities apply for fish resources for use. Every year the Nenets receive 108.09 tons of fish resources for use. One family uses 1,877 tons of fish. The estimated value of fish resources used by the Nenets is about 3 300 tons of fish annually.

Cystic Echinococcosis in Slaughtered Animals in Libya: A Review

Unilocular Cystic Echinococcosis (CE), in livestock is caused by the larval cystic stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Hydatid cysts in domestic animals lead to protein and economic losses, because of the condemnation of slaughtered animals infected viscera as well as reducing the quality and quantity of the livestock other productions such as milk, wool and meat. In Libya, hydatid disease infects a wide range of domestic animals (sheep, goats, cattle and camels) act as intermediate hosts E. granulosus. Prevalence of cystic hydatidosis based on available abattoirs data in livestock is hyper endemic in Libya and infection rates in all domestic slaughtered animals reached almost 50%. Many abattoir investigations in Libya have revealed that hydatid cyst is a disease, which infect a wide range of animal species with variable rates of infection, for example, sheep (1.6 to 40%), goats (5.6 to 70%), cattle (2.7 to 56%) and camels (2.7 to 48%) in different cities of Libya. Population of stray dogs and its worm burden infection of E. granulosus, socio-economic development, socio- economic agricultural practices, common traditional animal husbandry practices and the practices of slaughtering of domesticated animals continued the transmission of cystic hydatidosis in the various cities of Libya. Importance of echinococcosis given on human health and domestic animals industry, it is necessary to implement monitoring and control measures in this regard in Libya. This requires public health education and awareness about the dangers of the disease and its transmission and preventive routes, education on the appropriate ways of washing and disinfecting of vegetables and fruits, education on the correct ways of animal slaughtering, prevention on feeding dogs by viscera of home-slaughtered animals, prevention on direct contact by dogs faeces, enforce legislation on meat inspection and improve veterinary services in both government as well as private abattoirs in Libya.

The effect of assisted enteral feeding on treatment outcome in dogs with inflammatory protein-losing enteropathy.

BackgroundThe effect of assisted enteral feeding on treatment outcome in dogs with protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE) is unknown.ObjectivesTo determine if dogs with inflammatory PLE that had an enteral feeding tube placed had better outcome vs dogs with inflammatory PLE without a feeding tube.AnimalsFifty‐seven dogs with inflammatory PLE.MethodsA retrospective study at a UK referral hospital identified dogs with inflammatory PLE using a standard diagnostic criterion. Positive outcome was defined as survival greater than 6 months or death unrelated to PLE and negative outcome as death related to PLE within 6 months of diagnosis. Several variables were assessed to identify factors for positive outcome using logistic regression.ResultsThirty‐five (61%) and 22 (39%) dogs had a positive and negative outcome at 6 months, respectively. Of the 21 dogs that had a feeding tube placed within 5 days of gastrointestinal biopsy, 16 (76%) had a positive outcome and 5 (24%) had a negative outcome. Dogs treated with dietary treatment alone (P = .002) and dogs with an enteral feeding tube (P = .006) were significantly associated with a positive outcome. When stratified by treatment, assisted enteral feeding was significantly associated with a positive outcome in dogs treated with concurrent immunosuppressive treatment (P = .006), but there was insufficient data to evaluate dogs treated with dietary treatment alone.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAssisted enteral feeding in dogs with inflammatory PLE could be associated with improved treatment outcome, especially in those receiving immunosuppressive treatment, and should be considered in the treatment plan of these dogs.

Does Traditional Feeding of Outdoor Guard Dogs Provide a Food Resource for Wild Mammals and Birds?

Simple SummaryAccess to food is crucial in the life of birds, and affects reproduction, survival and, consequently, population size. We investigated how traditional care of dogs affected rural birds and other animal populations. Using camera traps, it was found that the food fed to dogs was also taken by seven species of birds and at least three species of mammals. The most numerous species taking dog food was the house sparrow, Passer domesticus, which is declining in Europe. In the case of this species, females were more likely than males to use food provided for dogs, with a clear preference for food prepared in the human kitchen. We conclude that the food provided to domestic pets can be an important component of the diet of wild birds and mammals living close to humans.Access to food is crucial in the life of birds and affects reproduction, survival and, consequently, population size. In the case of bird species inhabiting villages, poorer food conditions now exist, mainly because of changes in the lifestyle of rural residents and a reduction in the number of farm animals traditionally housed in backyards. Recent changes have also affected dog populations in villages, and the majority of them are no longer kept outside as guard dogs, but rather inside houses as pets. We investigated how traditional care of dogs impacted rural birds and other animal populations. The study was carried out at the end of winter and early spring in 29 farmsteads in western Poland. Using camera traps, it was found that the food fed to dogs was also taken by seven species of birds and at least three species of mammals. The most numerous species taking dog food was the house sparrow, Passer domesticus, which is declining in Europe. In the case of this species, females were more likely than males to use food given to dogs, with a clear preference for food prepared in the human kitchen. We conclude that the food provided to domestic pets can be an important component of the diet of wild birds and mammals living close to humans.

Comparative Clinical Effects of Early Pharyngostomy Alimentation and Intravenous Fluid Infusion following Oesophageal Transection and Anastomosis in Nigerian Breeds of Dogs

Twelve adult Nigerian breeds of dogs were used to compare the clinical responses of dogs alimented through pharyngostomy tubes (PGTs) with those maintained on intravenous infusion (50:50 mixture of Ringers lactate and 5% dextrose saline) during the first 14 days following oesophageal transection and anastomosis (OTA). The dogs were assigned to two groups (n=6), the pharyngostomy tube (PGT) group and the intravenous fluid infusion (IVF) group (n=6). Dogs in both groups underwent routine OTA. The PGT group was fed blanched processed dog food at 70g/kg body weight for 14 days through PGTs, while the IVF group was maintained on intravenous fluids at a dose of 70 mL/kg body weight daily also for 14 days post operatively. The postoperative complications observed in both groups showed that the mortality rate in the IVF group (83.3%) was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher than in the PGT group (16.7%). Vomiting and leakages at the site of oesophageal anastomosis did not differ significantly between the groups. Cervical swelling was observed in two dogs (33.3%) in the IVF group, while tenesmus and displacement of the tubes were recorded in 66.6% and 100% respectively of the dogs in the PGT group. It is concluded that feeding dogs which had undergone OTA through PGTs during the immediate postoperative period reduces their morbidity and mortality; and shortens the recovery period when compared with similar dogs maintained solely on intravenous fluids.&#x0D; Keywords: Oesophageal, Transection, Anastomosis, Pharyngostomy, Complications, Morbidity, Mortality.

Lead exposure in dogs fed game meat and offal from culled invasive species in El Palmar National Park, Argentina.

This is the first field study to evaluate lead exposure in dogs fed game meat and offal and, to our knowledge, the first study exploring associations between game consumption and dog health status. We quantified lead concentrations in blood and hair and haematological parameters of 31 dogs fed game meat and offal from wild boar (Sus scrofa) and axis deer (Axis axis) culled with lead ammunition in El Palmar National Park, Argentina. Despite variable weekly frequency in game consumption, dogs had detectable blood and hair lead levels, demonstrating recent and chronic exposure. Lead geometric mean and SD were 18.91 ± 346.85 μg/dL w.w. in blood (range = 0.53-216.58), and 0.721 ± 6.444 μg/gr d.w. in hair (range = 0.007-34.800). Hair lead levels were relatively low in most samples, except for the oldest dog which had an atypically high value concurrent with anaemia, a common outcome of chronic lead exposure. Dog's owner was significantly predictive of both blood and hair lead levels, which reflects the same feeding patterns for all dogs owned by the same person. Body condition was associated with hair lead, with dogs in good condition presenting higher lead levels. This could be related to greater game consumption by those dogs, resulting in higher lead ingestion. Dogs fed game meat and offal at very low or low frequency (≤4 times per week) showed higher blood lead levels, suggesting there might not be a risk-free frequency for game provision to dogs. Considering the risks of dietary lead exposure, avoiding feeding dogs lead-killed game and replacing lead ammunition with non-toxic alternatives are recommended. This would allow using hunted game as a valuable food resource without unnecessary risk for the health of consumers and the environment.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a dried extract from the roots of Arctium lappa L. (A. lappa dry extract) for use in cats and dogs (C.I.A.M.).

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a dried extract prepared from the roots of Arctium lappa L. (A. lappa dry extract) when used as a sensory additive (flavouring compound) in feed for cats and dogs. A. lappa dry extract is specified to contain at least 2% inulin. Since uncertainty remains concerning the nature of up to 77% of the additive, the FEEDAP Panel was unable to conclude on the safety of the extract at the proposed use levels of up to 40 mg/kg complete feed for cats and dogs. In the absence of data, no conclusions can be drawn on the safety for the user. In the absence of convincing evidence that the extract acts as a flavour in animal feed or has an effect on palatability, the FEEDAP Panel was unable to conclude on the efficacy of the additive.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a dried extract from the roots of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (P. ginseng dry extract) for use in cats and dogs (C.I.A.M.).

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a dried extract prepared from the roots of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (P. ginseng dry extract) when used as a sensory additive in feed for cats and dogs. P. ginseng dry extract is specified to contain at least 27–30% total ginsenosides (as ginsenosides RG1). Since uncertainty remains concerning the nature of up to 73% of the extract, the FEEDAP Panel was unable to conclude on the safety of the additive at the proposed use levels of up to 20 mg/kg complete feed for cats and dogs. In the absence of data, no conclusions can be drawn on the safety for the user. Since ginseng and its extracts are recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy is considered necessary.