Dietary fibers have gained renewed interest in companion animal nutrition as a means to manage pet obesity and improve gut and host health. Soybean hulls (SBH), a coproduct of the soybean oil extraction process, is an accessible and economical fiber source. However, limited research is available on the use of SBH in feline nutrition. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of a high SBH inclusion level on daily food intake, apparent total tract (ATT) macronutrient digestibility, fecal quality, and fecal fermentative end products in diets of adult cats. Four diets were formulated with either SBH, beet pulp (BP), or cellulose (CL) as the main source of dietary fiber, with the control diet formulated with no added fiber (NF). The fiber treatments were formulated to achieve approximately 15% total dietary fiber (TDF). Eight adult male cats (mean age = 10.5 yr ± 0.1; mean BW = 6.1 ± 0.8 kg) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Each period consisted of 14 d, with 10 d of diet adaptation followed by 4 d of total fecal and urine collections. Food was offered twice daily and cats were fed to maintain BW. Food intake on a DM basis (DMB) was lower (P < 0.05) in cats fed BP (55.2 g/d) when compared with SBH (70.8 g/d). As-is fecal output did not differ in cats fed BP or SBH, and when expressed on a DMB, fecal output did not differ among fiber treatments. The ATT digestibility of DM, OM, and GE was greater (P < 0.05) in cats fed NF when compared with those fed BP, CL, or SBH. Cats fed CL had the greatest (P < 0.05) ATT CP digestibility (88.5%), followed by cats fed NF (84.9) and SBH (81.7%) with the lowest values (77%) noted for cats fed BP. Acid-hydrolyzed fat (AHF) digestibility was greater for cats fed CL (92.9%) than for cats fed BP (86.9%) and SBH (88.6%). The TDF ATT digestibility was lowest for cats fed NF and CL (8.5% and 15.1%, respectively), followed by SBH (18.0%), with BP having the highest digestibility (33.7%). Total short-chain fatty acid concentration was greatest (P < 0.05) in cats fed BP (699.7 μmole/g) when compared with the other 3 treatments, whereas phenol and indole concentrations did not differ among treatments. In conclusion, a high inclusion level (15% TDF) of SBH appears acceptable in diets for adult cats, resulting in no negative effects on daily food intake, fecal scores, and similar ATT digestibility for most macronutrients when compared with BP and CL.

Animal proteins are commonly used in extruded dog foods. Plant-based proteins have a more consistent nutrient profile than animal sources but may contain antinutritional factors, including trypsin inhibitors and oligosaccharides. Bioprocessed soy protein (SP; HP-300; Hamlet Protein, Inc., Findlay, OH) is a processed soy-based product with low antinutritional factor concentrations and high protein quality. The objective was to evaluate the effects of SP on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics, and fecal fermentative end products. Furthermore, this study aimed to identify if SP can be a replacement for poultry byproduct meal (PBPM) in dog food and determine if there are practical limits to its use. Three palatability experiments were conducted to evaluate 1) 0 vs. 12% SP, 2) 0 vs. 48% SP, and 3) 12 vs. 48% SP. For digestibility, 48 healthy adult Beagle dogs (20 females and 28 males; 3.4 yr mean age and 10.0 kg mean BW) were randomly allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments, 0 (control), 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48% SP, in a completely randomized design. All diets were formulated to meet Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient profiles and contained approximately 30% CP and 16% fat. The treatment period consisted of a 10-d diet adaptation phase followed by a 4-d fresh and total fecal collection phase. The palatability results suggest that of the 3 inclusion levels tested (0, 12, or 48% SP), the best inclusion of SP is 12%, which was preferred over 0 and 48% SP. Digestibility and fecal data were evaluated for linear and quadratic effects using SAS. Stool output (on both an as-is and a DM basis) did not differ from the control except for the 48% SP treatment ( < 0.01). Fecal output per unit food intake differed ( < 0.01) from the control only at the 24 and 48% SP inclusion rates. No significant effects of feeding SP were found on stool consistency scores. Digestibility of DM, OM, and energy did not differ from the control at any inclusion rate, except for a decrease ( < 0.01) at 48% SP. Apparent total tract CP digestibility was not affected by treatment and ranged from 82.9 to 86.2%. Fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations were greater ( < 0.01) in dogs fed 24 and 48% SP compared with the control. Conversely, branched-chain fatty acid concentrations were lower ( < 0.01) in dogs fed 8 to 48% SP compared with the control. These data suggest that SP is a suitable replacement for PBPM in dog diets up to a 24% inclusion level.

Soybean hulls (SBH) are a fiber-rich co-product of the soybean oil extraction process that corresponds to 8% of the soybean seed. Despite being readily available and priced competitively, SBH are underutilized in monogastric nutrition. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate SBH as a dietary fiber in canine diets. Four diets were formulated with either SBH, beet pulp (BP), or cellulose (CL) as the main source of dietary fiber (15% total dietary fiber [TDF]), with the control diet formulated with no supplemental fiber (NF). Animal procedures were approved by the University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Eight adult female Beagle (mean age = 4.6 ± 0.6 yr; mean BW = 12.8 ± 1.7 kg) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Each period consisted of 14 d, with 10 d of diet adaptation followed by 4 d of total fecal and urine collections. At the end of each period, a blood sample was collected and analyzed for serum chemistry. Food was offered twice daily and fed to maintain body weight. Food intake (g/d) on a dry matter basis (DMB) did not differ among treatments. Fecal score was lower (P < 0.05) for dogs fed CL (2.0) in contrast with other dietary treatments (2.3), using a 5-point scale (1 = hard, dry pellets; 5 = diarrhea). Fecal as-is and DM output did not differ for dogs fed BP, CL, or SBH, and were approximately 50% greater (P < 0.05) than dogs fed NF. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, organic matter, and gross energy were greater (P < 0.05) for dogs fed NF when compared with dogs fed BP, CL, or SBH. Dogs fed CL had greater (P < 0.05) AHF ATTD (94%) compared with all other treatments (mean = 91%). Dogs fed CL and NF had greater (P < 0.05) CP ATTD, 87% and 86%, respectively, while dogs fed SBH were intermediate (83%) and dogs fed BP were lowest (79%). Total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration was greatest in dogs fed BP (582.5 μmol/g) and SBH (479.7 μmol/g) when compared with NF and CL (267.0 and 251.1 μmol/g, respectively). Serum metabolites were within-reference ranges and dogs remained healthy throughout the study. In conclusion, SBH resulted in similar macronutrient ATTD when compared with BP and CL. Dogs fed SBH were also observed to have an increase in fecal SCFA concentration. In general, high level addition of SBH were well-utilized by the dog, resulting in no untoward effects on dog health, nutrient digestibility, or fecal characteristics.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) afflict approximately 20% of adult dogs in NorthAmerica. Clinical signs consistent with OA include decreased range of motion of a joint, reduced physical activity, difficulty climbing stairs or onto furniture, and a reduced ability to rise from a lying position. A safe and effective nutraceutical supplement may benefit dogs suffering from OA. Calcium fructoborate (CFB), a mimetic of a naturally occurring molecule, has previously been reported to be safe and effective in humans with joint problems. The objective of this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the short-term effects of CFB alone, or in combination with a blend of glucosamine hydrochloride (GH) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), on gait analysis, goniometry, serum inflammatory markers, and owner perception of pain in client-owned dogs. Sixty-four dogs with joint discomfort were recruited and 59 dogs (mean age = 8.42 ± 0.37 yr.; mean BW = 31.11 ± 1.28 kg) completed the study. All procedures were approved by the University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and pet owners signed an informed consent prior to study initiation. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: placebo (60 mg fructose; n = 15), low dose (69 mg CFB; n = 14), high dose (127 mg CFB; n = 14), or combination (69 mg CFB, 500 mg GH and 200 mg CS; n = 16).Treatments were provided once daily as dietary supplements. Small dogs weighing up to 22.9 kg received 1 capsule/day, while large dogs weighing 23 to 50 kg received 2 capsules/day for 28 days. A physical examination, radiographs, goniometry measurements, gait analysis, blood sample collection, and the canine brief pain inventory (CBPI) questionnaire were performed and administered on days 0 and 28. As expected, a majority (69%) of the dogs were overweight or obese, with a body condition score (BCS) > 6 on a 9-point scale. Dogs fed the low dose (-2.93) and high dose (-2.21) of CFB were shown to improve (P < 0.05) in their ability to rise from a iii lying position from day 0 to day 28 compared to dogs fed the placebo (0.00), but no difference was observed for dogs fed the combination treatment. Dogs assigned the low dose of CFB also tended to have an improved pain severity score (PSS; -1.46; P = 0.08) and pain at its worst score (-2.14; P = 0.06) from day 0 to day 28 compared to dogs fed the placebo (0.05 and 0.00, respectively). Dogs fed the high dose of CFB had a greater increase (P = 0.05) in serum concentration of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) from day 0 to day 28 (7.88 ng/mL) compared to dogs fed the placebo (0.83 ng/mL). All blood metabolites were within reference range except total alkaline phosphatase and corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase, which started and ended at concentrations greater than the upper reference range.Dogs assigned the high dose of CFB tended to have a greater reduction (P = 0.07) in serum chloride from day 0 to day 28 (-1.64 mmol/L) compared to dogs fed the low dose of ...

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects about 90% of dogs &gt; 5 yr of age in the US, resulting in reduced range of motion, difficulty climbing and jumping, reduced physical activity, and lower quality of life. Our objective was to use activity monitors to measure physical activity and identify how activity counts correlate with age, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), serum inflammatory markers, veterinarian pain assessment, and owner perception of pain in free-living dogs with OA. The University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approved the study and owner consent was received prior to experimentation. Fifty-six client-owned dogs (mean age = 7.8 yr; mean BCS = 6.1) with clinical signs and veterinary diagnosis of OA wore HeyRex activity collars continuously over a 49-d period. Blood samples were collected on d 0 and 49, and dog owners completed canine brief pain inventory (CBPI) and Liverpool osteoarthritis in dogs (LOAD) surveys on d 0, 21, 35, and 49. All data were analyzed using SAS 9.3 using repeated measures and R Studio 1.0.136 was used to generate Pearson correlation coefficients between data outcomes. Average activity throughout the study demonstrated greater activity levels on weekends. It also showed that 24-h activity spiked twice daily, once in the morning and another in the afternoon. Serum C-reactive protein concentration was lower (P &lt; 0.01) at d 49 compared to d 0. Survey data indicated lower (P &lt; 0.05) overall pain intensity and severity score on d 21, 35 and 49 compared to d 0. BW was correlated with average activity counts (p=0.02; r=-0.12) and run activity (p=0.10; r=-0.24). Weekend average activity counts were correlated with owner pain intensity scores (p=0.0813; r=-0.2311), but weekday average activity count was not. Age was not correlated with total activity count, sleep activity, or run activity, but it was correlated with scratch (p=0.03; r=-0.10), alert (p=0.03; r=-0.13) and walk (p=0.09; r=-0.23) activities. Total activity counts and activity type (sleep, scratch, alert, walk, run) were not correlated with pain scored by veterinarians, pain intensity or severity scored by owners, or baseline BCS. Even though the lack of controls and/or information on the individual living conditions of dogs resulted in a high level of variability in this study, our data suggest that the use of activity monitors have the potential to aid in the management of OA and other conditions affecting activity (e.g., allergy; anxiety).

OBJECTIVE To compare measurements of crude fiber (CF) and total dietary fiber (TDF) for various dog foods and their effect on the calculated nitrogen-free extract and metabolizable energy (ME) content, and to compare label-guaranteed and laboratory-analyzed macronutrient values. SAMPLE 51 dog foods fed to client-owned dogs with osteoarthritis. PROCEDURES Foods were analyzed for dry matter, ash, crude protein, acid-hydrolyzed fat, CF, and TDF. Metabolizable energy was calculated by use of a formula with modified Atwater factors and formulas recommended by the National Research Council that included both CF and TDF values. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the correlation between CF and TDF values. RESULTS Only a few foods failed to conform to the guaranteed analysis for all macronutrients except for CF, in which approximately 40% of the foods exceeded the guaranteed maximum values. The CF and TDF values were moderately correlated (r = 0.843). Correlations among CF- and TDF-based ME estimations were moderate with use of the modified Atwater formula and strong with use of the National Research Council formulas (r = 0.86 and r = 0.91, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Values for CF were the most variable of the macronutrients of the evaluated dog foods and results suggested that CF is an incomplete and inaccurate measurement of dietary fiber content and, thus, its inaccuracy may lead to inaccurate and variable ME values.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether access to a running wheel increases voluntary physical activity in adult female and male domestic cats. Eight neutered domestic shorthair male cats (mean age 8·6 (sd 0·05) years) and eleven intact domestic shorthair female cats (mean age 3·3 (sd 0·14) years) were group housed for 22 h daily and individually housed during the feeding period. Voluntary physical activity was measured using accelerometers. Experimental design consisted of 1 week of baseline physical activity measurement, followed by 3 weeks of wheel habituation, and 1 week of physical activity measurement post-wheel habituation. Female cat voluntary physical activity levels increased (P < 0·05) post-habituation during the dark period, resulting in an altered (P < 0·05) light:dark activity ratio, whereas male cat voluntary physical activity levels remained unchanged post-habituation. Food anticipatory activity did not differ pre- and post-habituation. However, it corresponded to a numerically greater proportion of daily physical activity for males (17·5 %) v. females (12 %). In general, female cats were more active than male cats. Habituation to a running wheel appears to be an effective method to increase voluntary physical activity of younger female cats. Thus, running wheels might be a potential strategy in the prevention or management of feline obesity.

Our objective was to evaluate the short-term effects of calcium fructoborate (CFB) on gait, joint range of motion, serum inflammatory markers, and owner perception of pain in client-owned dogs. We used 59 osteoarthritic dogs with impairment, with dogs being randomly assigned to 4 treatments: placebo (60 mg fructose; = 15), low dose (69 mg CFB; = 14), high dose (127 mg CFB; = 14), or combination (69 mg CFB, 500 mg glucosamine hydrochloride and 200 mg chondroitin sulfate; = 16). Dogs up to 22.9 kg received 1 capsule/d, while dogs weighing 23 to 50 kg received 2 capsules/d. A physical examination, radiographs, goniometry measurements, gait analysis, blood sample collection, and a canine brief pain inventory questionnaire were performed on d 0 and 28. Change from baseline values were statistically analyzed among groups. After 28 d, dogs fed the low and high doses had an improved ( < 0.05) ability to rise from a lying position compared to placebo. Dogs fed the high dose also had a greater ( = 0.05) increase in soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products concentration than dogs fed the placebo. Sub-analysis of only large dogs (> 23 kg) showed that dogs fed the low dose had decreased ( < 0.05) pain severity score and pain at its worst compared to dogs fed the placebo. Large dogs fed the low dose also were shown to improve ( < 0.05) in their ability to rise from a lying position compared to dogs fed the placebo. Overall, CFB supplementation was well-tolerated and may aid in mitigating joint discomfort in dogs.