Evaluation of Fermented Oat and Black Soldier Fly Larva as Food Ingredients in Senior Dog Diets

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of fermented oat (FO) and black soldier fly larva (BSFL) as food ingredients for dogs. A total of 20 spayed female dogs were divided into four treatment groups, with 5 dogs per group. The four treatment groups consisted of a control group, a diet with 10% FO, one with 5% BSFL, and one with 10% FO and 5% BSFL, and each experimental food was fed for 12 weeks. The feeding of FO and/or BSFL did not affect the daily food intake, body weight, body condition score, fecal score, or skin condition of the dogs. In all the experimental groups, no significant differences in serum IgG, IL-10, or TNF-α levels were observed upon the feeding of FO and/or BSFL. Some hematological (white blood cell and basophils) and serum biochemical parameters (phosphorous, globulin, and alkaline phosphatase) showed significant differences with FO and/or BSFL feeding compared to the control group, but they were within the normal reference range. No adverse clinical signs related to these parameters being affected by FO and BSFL were observed. The feeding of BSFL for 12 weeks reduced the serum cholesterol level (p < 0.05) at the end of the experiment. Our findings suggest the suitability of FO and BSFL as food materials for dogs.

Prediction of apparent total tract digestion of crude protein in adult dogs

“…The experimental diets were designed to meet the nutritional requirements suggested by AAFCO [ 28 ] for adult dogs ( Table 1 ). The CP level in diets was formulated to 20% (22.01%, Analyzed CP value as dry-based), 30% (31.35%, Analyzed CP value as dry-based), and 40% (41.34%, Analyzed CP value as dry-based) [ 28 ], and the diet was prepared according to the procedure reported by Seo et al [ 29 ]. All ingredients used in the experimental diets were purchased as commercial powdered products without any palatants.…”

Body Weight Development in Adult Dogs Fed a High Level Resistant Starch Diet

“…The basal diet was formulated to meet the nutritional requirements for adult dogs, as suggested by the AAFCO [ 36 ]. The high-fat diet was prepared by adding lard to exceed the metabolizable energy of the basal diet by approximately 20% ( Table 1 and Table 2 ), and all experimental diets were prepared following the procedure previously reported in Seo et al [ 37 ]. No palatants were used in the experimental diets.…”

Effects of resistant starch on anti-obesity status and nutrient digestibility in dogs

“…Diets were prepared according to a previously described method with minor modifications [21]. The raw materials of the diets were commercially available as food products that were mixed, heated, molded, cut, dried, and cooled.…”