Effects of adding dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) to dog diets supplemented with xylanase and protease

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of including 200 g kg −1 dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) to xylanase-and protease-supplemented diets for dogs on kibble properties, digestibility, fecal characteristics, and palatability. Experimental diets consisted of: 0 g kg −1 DDGS without enzymes (0WE), 0 g kg −1 DDGS with xylanase and protease (0XP), 200 g kg −1 DDGS without enzymes (200WE), 200 g kg −1 DDGS with xylanase (200X), 200 g kg −1 DDGS with protease (200P), and 200 g kg −1 DDGS with xylanase and protease (200XP). Kibbles were evaluated for density, extruded size, expansion index, hardness, and uniformity. Six beagle dogs were distributed in a 6×6 Latin square design for analysis of digestibility and fecal characteristics. A palatability assay was also conducted in 16 beagle dogs, comparing the following treatment groups: 0WE vs. 200WE and 0XP vs. 200XP. The results showed that DDGS inclusion had no influence on kibble physical properties and reduced digestibility of dry matter (DM), ether extract after acid hydrolysis, gross energy, and organic matter, regardless of enzyme addition. Moreover, dietary addition of DDGS reduced fecal pH and increased total short-chain fatty acid, acetate, and propionate productions. Fecal odor was increased in dogs fed diets containing DDGS. Regarding palatability, animals preferred diets supplemented with enzymes and without DDGS, and no difference was observed when comparing 0WE and 200WE diets. No changes in the physical properties of kibbles were caused by DDGS inclusion; therefore, it can be used in diet formulation without interfering with the industrial process. Increased production of SCFA and a possible modulation of digestive tract microbiota promoted by DDGS addition may benefit animals. However, at the tested levels, enzymes had no positive effects on diet digestibility. Despite reducing digestibility, DDGS can still be included without enzyme supplementation in low-cost diets for dogs, as nutrient digestibility of the diet remains within acceptable limits for some pet food categories.

Evaluation of corn-fermented protein as a dietary ingredient in extruded dog and cat diets

“…These results are corroborated by the findings of previous studies ( Zuo et al, 1996 ; Bednar et al, 2000 ; Carciofi et al, 2009 ), wherein a DM digestibility of 81% was reported for dogs fed a CGM diet, and an average DM digestibility of 78.3% was reported in dogs fed an SBM-based diet. Similarly, a study by Risolia et al (2019) found a comparable DM digestibility for dogs fed a diet with DDGS, reporting an ATTD of 76.8% when DDGS were included at 20%. The digestibility values for both DM and OM met our expectations and, while differing between treatments, would all be considered acceptable for a commercial pet food.…”

Evaluation of distillers dried grains with solubles to partially replace soybean meal in the diet of growing-finishing pigs

“…The inclusion of wheat DDGS in the diet at the expense of SBM linearly reduced the apparent total tract digestibility coefficient (CATTD) of DM and gross energy (GE) (Wang et al, 2016). Risolia et al (2019) suggested that DM digestibility was reduced by DDGS addition to dog diets supplemented with xylanase and protease. In contrast, increasing maize DDGS content in a broiler chicken diet elevated the apparent total tract digestibility of DM (Damasceno et al, 2020).…”

Comparison of the Effect of Corn-fermented Protein and Traditional Ingredients on the Fecal Microbiota of Dogs

“…A few studies have evaluated the effects of DDGS on diet digestibility and stool quality in dogs [ 13 , 18 , 19 ]. Overall, the inclusion of DDGS in canine diets resulted in decreased nutrient digestibility and increased fecal output, likely due to the elevated dietary fiber content.…”