High-Fat Diets Led to OTU-Level Shifts in Fecal Samples of Healthy Adult Dogs.

High fat diets have been reported to negatively affect the microbiota in both mice and humans. However, there is a lack of studies in canine models. The variation among the gastrointestinal (GI) tract anatomy/physiology and typical diet compositions of these animal species may lead to vastly different results. Due to the large inclusion rate of dietary fat in pet food, it is critical to understand its effects in a canine model. Therefore, the study objective was to report the effects of high fat, low carbohydrate diets on the fecal microbiota in healthy adult dogs. Eight adult beagles were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments within each 15-day period of a replicated 4x4 Latin Square design. Diets contained 32% (T1), 37% (T2), 42% (T3), and 47% (T4) fat. T2, T3, and T4 were created by adding increasing levels of canola oil to T1, a commercially manufactured canned canine diet, which served as the control diet. Fresh fecal samples were collected during the last 5 days of each period for microbial analysis. DNA was extracted from fecal samples and paired-end 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform. When comparing whole microbial communities using PERMANOVA, no significant differences were observed among treatments (P = 0.735). Individual OTUs were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with fixed effects of diet and room, and the random effects of period and animal. Out of the 100 most abundant individual OTUs, 36 showed significant differences in abundance based on treatment (q < 0.05). Overall, OTUs assigned to genera related to fat digestion increased while OTUs assigned to genera involved in carbohydrate digestion decreased. In conclusion, the microbial community adapted to dietary intervention without jeopardizing the health of the animals, evaluated by body condition score, fecal characteristics, and blood parameters.

Cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus) meal fed to healthy adult dogs does not affect general health and minimally impacts apparent total tract digestibility.

Insects can serve as a novel high-quality protein source for pet foods. However, there is an absence of research investigating the use of insects in pet food. The study objective was to evaluate the apparent total tract digestibility and possible health effects of diets containing graded levels of cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus) meal fed to healthy adult dogs. Thirty-two adult Beagles were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments: 0%, 8%, 16%, or 24% cricket meal. Dogs were fed their respective diet for a total of 29 d with a 6-d collection phase. Fecal samples were collected daily during the collection phase to measure total fecal output as well as apparent total tract digestibility for dry matter (DM), organic matter, crude protein, fat, total dietary fiber, and gross energy. Blood samples were taken prior to the study and on day 29 for hematology and chemistry profiles. Data were analyzed in a mixed model including the fixed effects of diet and sex. Total fecal output increased on both an as-is (P = 0.030) and DM basis (P = 0.024). The apparent total tract digestibility of each nutrient decreased (P < 0.001) with the increasing level of cricket meal inclusion. All blood values remained within desired reference intervals indicating healthy dogs. Slight fluctuations in blood urea nitrogen (P = 0.037) and hemoglobin (P = 0.044) levels were observed but were not considered of biological significance. Even with the decrease in digestibility with the inclusion of cricket meal, diets remained highly digestible at greater than 80% total apparent digestibility. In conclusion, crickets were demonstrated to be an acceptable ingredient for dog diets.

Apparent total tract digestibility, fecal characteristics, and blood parameters of healthy adult dogs fed high-fat diets.

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 is known about its effects on canine health. The study objective was to evaluate the effects of feeding healthy adult dogs low carbohydrate, high-fat diets on apparent total tract digestibility, fecal characteristics, and overall health status. Eight adult Beagles were enrolled in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin Square design feeding trial. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of four dietary fat level treatments (T) within each period: 32% (T1), 37% (T2), 42% (T3), and 47% (T4) fat on a dry matter basis. Fat levels were adjusted with the inclusion of canola oil added to a commercial diet. Each dog was fed to exceed its energy requirement based on NRC (2006). Blood samples were analyzed for complete blood counts, chemistry profiles, and canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity levels. Apparent total tract digestibility improved (P < 0.05) as the fat level increased for dry matter, organic matter, fat, and gross energy. 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 ≥ 0.20). Blood urea nitrogen levels decreased with increased fat level (P = 0.035). No significant differences were seen in canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (P = 0.110). All blood parameters remained within normal reference intervals. In summary, increased dietary fat improved apparent total tract digestibility, did not alter fecal characteristics, and maintained the health status of all dogs.