Evaluation of the Effect of Different Dietary Lipid Sources on Dogs’ Faecal Microbial Population and Activities

Abstract

Lipids represent a significant energy source in dogs’ diets. Moreover, dogs need some essential fatty acids, such as linoleic and α-linolenic fatty acids, because they are not able to produce them endogenously. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different dietary lipid sources on faecal microbial populations and activities using different evaluations. Hemp seed oil and swine tallow were tested as lipid supplements in a commercial canned diet at a ratio of 3.5% (HL1 and HL2, respectively). These diets were compared with one rich in starch (HS). Twelve dogs were recruited and equally divided into three groups. Faeces samples at 30 days were used as inoculum and incubated with three different substrates (MOS, inulin, and cellulose) using the in vitro gas production technique. The faecal cell numbers of relevant bacteria and secondary metabolites were analysed (in vivo trial). In vitro evaluation showed that the faeces of the group fed the diet with hemp supplementation had better fermentability despite lower gas production. The in vivo faecal bacterial count showed an increase in Lactobacillus spp. In the HL1 group. Moreover, a higher level of acetate was observed in both evaluations (in vitro and in vivo). These results seem to indicate a significant effect of the dietary fatty acid profile on the faecal microbial population.

Dietary Supplementation with Nervonic Acid Ameliorates Cerebral Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury by Modulating of Gut Microbiota Composition‐Fecal Metabolites Interaction

“…The current study utilized Spearman correlation analysis to highlight the significant positive correlation between the enhanced abundance of Lactobacillus and the restoration of linoleic acid levels in fecal samples following NA pretreatment. This aligns with numerous studies underscoring Lactobacillus ’s essential role in fat metabolism, particularly in converting linoleic acid into conjugated linoleic acid, [ 48,49 ] renowned for its broad health benefits, including anticancer, anticardiovascular, and antidiabetic effects. [ 50 ] Conjugated linoleic acid, acting as an activator for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors and downregulating cytokines through nuclear factor‐KB, [ 51 ] showcases anti‐inflammatory properties by curtailing cytokine production.…”

Protein hydrolysate and oil from fish waste reveal potential as dog food ingredients

“…Digestibility of DM, nutrients, and energy was similar between diets except for NDF digestibility, which was higher in the control diet but did not affect the intake of digestible NDF, fecal pH, total VFA production, acetate concentration, or ammonia-N concentration. The differences in the dietary EE content and fatty acid profile might contribute to explaining the observed effects on NDF digestibility among diets, namely through the modulation of fecal microbial populations ( 80 , 81 ). Although no significant effects were observed on CP digestibility, the significantly higher intake of digestible CP observed with the control diet might have contributed to the higher fecal ammonia-N and valerate concentrations (and a tendency for a higher iso-valerate concentration), suggesting that a higher amount of undigested protein has reached the intestine with this diet.…”