Responses in randomised groups of healthy, adult Labrador retrievers fed grain-free diets with high legume inclusion for 30 days display commonalities with dogs with suspected dilated cardiomyopathy.

Early responses in healthy adult dogs fed grain-free diets with high inclusion of split peas (20%) and lentils (40%) that may lead to canine diet-induced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were investigated. To help understand the clinical relevance of the findings, a survey of electronic health records (EHR) was conducted of dogs with and without suspected DCM for comparison. Control and Test diets were fed to Labrador retriever dogs for 30 days (n = 5 and 6, respectively).

Influence of green lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) in alleviating signs of arthritis in dogs.

This study evaluated the efficacy of green lipped mussel (GLM), added to a complete dry diet, for alleviating clinical signs of arthritis in dogs. A double-blind longitudinal study design was used with 31 mixed-breed dogs exhibiting varying degrees of arthritis. Each dog was evaluated by a veterinarian and joints were individually scored for degree of pain, swelling, crepitus, and reduction in range of movement.

Effect of a dental chew on dental substrates and gingivitis in cats.

The use of special diets or dietary adjuncts, although not eliminating the need for regular professional therapy, may serve to improve gingival health during the interval between professional oral health assessments and intervention. This study was performed to determine the effect of a dental chew on dental hygiene and gingival health in cats. The accumulation of dental substrates and the development of gingivitis were assessed in cats fed either a dry diet only or a dry diet supplemented with dental chews.