The art of establishing mineral tolerances of dogs and cats.

For over six decades, nutritional science has provided well-developed, peer-reviewed nutrient recommendations to support the health of dogs and cats. These guidelines are updated based on new scientifically valid research and appropriate peer-review. Recent regulatory and scientific positions around health issues have resulted in strong opinions and desires for rapid regulatory action surrounding mineral nutrition, but with limited and conflicting scientific evidence.

Substrate degradation and postbiotic analysis of alternative fiber ingredients fermented using an in vitro canine fecal inoculum model.

Many fiber ingredients are used by the pet food industry; however, little data are available regarding the fermentation characteristics of alternative fibers currently being used. The objectives of this study were to determine organic matter disappearance (OMD) and postbiotic production from various fruit and vegetable fiber sources using an in vitro dog fecal inoculum model. Apple pomace (AP), blueberry pomace (BP), cranberry pomace (CP), tomato pomace (TP), and pea fiber (PF) were used as experimental treatments.

Fresh Food Consumption Increases Microbiome Diversity and Promotes Changes in Bacteria Composition on the Skin of Pet Dogs Compared to Dry Foods.

The skin is the first barrier the body has to protect itself from the environment. There are several bacteria that populate the skin, and their composition may change throughout the dog's life due to several factors, such as environmental changes and diseases. The objective of this research was to determine the skin microbiome changes due to a change in diet on healthy pet dogs.

The effects of fiber source on extrusion processing parameters and kibble characteristics of dry cat foods.

Cellulose and beet pulp have been commonly used in the pet food industry to increase the dietary fiber content of cat foods. However, pet food companies seek alternatives to these so-called byproducts. Miscanthus grass is grown for its fiber content and may serve as an alternative to traditional fibrous ingredients.

A commercial grain-free diet does not decrease plasma amino acids and taurine status but increases bile acid excretion when fed to Labrador Retrievers.

Grain-free diets tend to have greater inclusions of pulses in contrast to grain-based diets. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement that grain-free diets may be related to the development of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, all dog foods met regulatory minimums for nutrient inclusion recommended by the Association of American Feed Controls Official.

The effects of diets varying in fibre sources on nutrient utilization, stool quality and hairball management in cats.

Pet food companies use fibrous ingredients in cat foods to aid weight and hairball management. Miscanthus grass could be an alternative novel fibre source for cat foods. The objectives of this work were to determine the effects of Miscanthus grass as a fibre source on nutrient utilization, stool quality and hairball management in cats.

Organic matter disappearance and production of short- and branched-chain fatty acids from selected fiber sources used in pet foods by a canine in vitro fermentation model1.

Dietary fibers can influence a dog's overall health, but high concentrations of soluble dietary fibers can cause soft stools. An in vitro model could be useful to predict the rate fibers are fermented once they reach the colon. Pet food companies are constantly searching for new ingredients to differentiate their products from competitors.

The effects on nutrient utilization and stool quality of Beagle dogs fed diets with beet pulp, cellulose, and Miscanthus grass12.

Dogs can benefit from dietary fibers. Traditionally, cellulose (CE) and beet pulp (BP) have been used by pet food companies as insoluble and soluble fiber sources. Miscanthus grass (MG) is a novel fiber ingredient made from Miscanthus giganteus, a C4 grass produced for its fiber content, but it has not been evaluated for dogs.