Comparison of the nutrient composition of commercial dog milk replacers with that of dog milk

Abstract

Objective-To compare the nutrient composition of commercially available dog milk replacers with that of dog milk.Design-Prospective, cross-sectional study. Sample-5 dog milk samples and 15 samples of commercial dog milk replacers.Procedures-Dog milk and milk replacers were analyzed for concentrations of total protein, essential amino acids, sugars, total fat, essential fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorus. Energy density was calculated. Results from milk replacers were compared with the range of the concentration of each nutrient in milk samples from mature dogs as well as the National Research Council (NRC) recommendations for puppy growth.Address correspondence to Dr. Heinze (cailin.heinze@tufts.edu). e puppylac Milk Replacer for Puppies powder, Glo-Marr Products Inc, Lawrencebug, Ky. HHS Public Access Author Manuscript Author ManuscriptAuthor Manuscript Author ManuscriptResults-Milk replacers varied widely in caloric density and concentration of nutrients such as calcium, protein, and fat. Calcium concentration was lower in 14 of 15 milk replacers than in the dog milk samples. Docosahexaenoic acid was undetectable in 12 of 15 milk replacers but present in all dog milk samples. All milk replacers had numerous essential nutrients outside of the range of the dog milk samples, and many had concentrations of amino acids, essential fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorus less than the NRC minimal requirement or recommended allowance. Compared with NRC recommendations, some dog milk samples had concentrations of total protein, linoleic acid, calcium, or phosphorus less than the recommended allowance.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggested that there was substantial variation in nutrient composition of 15 dog milk replacers and that some products were closer approximations of dog milk than others. Nearly all products would benefit from more appropriate calcium, amino acids, and essential fatty acids concentrations and better feeding directions.Commercial milk replacers for puppies have been available for decades and are commonly used for rearing orphans, for ill or weakened neonates, to supplement dog milk for large litters, and to mix with commercial puppy diets during the weaning process. Numerous products are available, but unlike other pet foods, the nutritional adequacy standards these products are expected to meet are not clearly defined. These factors make it difficult for pet owners and veterinarians to select appropriate milk replacers for their needs. Indeed, there is evidence that dog milk replacers may be quite variable in essential macronutrient and mineral concentrations among specific products and in comparison to dog milk. [1][2][3] However, the authors are unaware of any recent studies investigating the essential nutrient composition of a wide range of milk replacer products available in the United States, compared with contemporaneously analyzed dog milk, and this information is critical to allow educated decisions to be made on product use.Fatty acid composition of milk replacer...

The Demographics of Canine Hip Dysplasia in the United States and Canada

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A model of puppy growth during the first three weeks

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