In vitro digestion and microbial fermentation of dried food residues, a potential "new" component for pet food, and different non-digestible carbohydrate sources.

Food residues are often fed to dogs in private households and might also be a potential "new" ingredient for pet food in the future. As food residues might contain not only digestible, but also fermentable substrates, an effect on the intestinal microbiota can be assumed. In the present study, two batches of dried food residues (DFR) collected from hotels in Crete were microbially fermented in an in vitro batch culture system with canine fecal inoculum: non-sterile DFR including meat (DFRm), sterile DFR including meat (DFRms) and sterile DFR without meat (DFRwms).

Impact of the dietary inclusion of dried food residues on the apparent nutrient digestibility and the intestinal microbiota of dogs.

The use of food residues for animal nutrition might imply ecological and economic advantages; however, their effects as a potential ingredient have not yet been evaluated in dogs. In the present study, four diets with 0, 5, 10 and 15% dried food residues (DFR), derived from hotel catering, were fed to 10 healthy adult dogs. At the end of each three-week feeding period, faeces and blood were collected.

Bioactive Compounds in Food Waste: A Review on the Transformation of Food Waste to Animal Feed.

Bioactive compounds are substances which are present in foods in small amounts and have the ability to provide health benefits. Bioactive compounds include but are not limited to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, carotenoids, peptides, and polyphenols. The aim of the present study is to review literature for potential bioactive compounds present in food waste material and discuss the transformation of food waste to animal feed under the perspective that usage of food waste, rather than disposal, may tackle food insecurity and provide health benefits.