Evaluation of nutrient digestibility and fecal scores in domestic dogs (Canis lupis familiaris) fed raw meat diets varying in protein source

Abstract Text:

Few commercially available raw meat diets (RMD) formulated for exotic carnivores managed in zoological institutions, (typically beef or horse-based), are available. Recently, a 100% pork-based RMD was commercially developed and may provide an alternative dietary option for managing carnivores in the zoological community.  The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutrient composition, fecal scores, and apparent total tract macronutrient and energy digestibilities of the pork diet compared with 3 existing RMDs commonly fed to zoologically managed carnivores using the domestic dog as a model.  Four intact male dogs (Canis lupis familiaris) were utilized in a repeated 4x4 Latin square design consisting of 14-day periods including 10 days for diet transition followed by 4 days of fecal collection. Four raw meat dietary treatments varying in protein source were evaluated and included horse (H), pork (P), and two different beef diets (B1, B2). Diets and feces were analyzed for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fat (fat) and energy according to AOAC methodology. Feces were scored using the following scale: 1=very hard, dry feces to 7=watery diarrhea (Nestle’ Purina).  Dogs were individually fed to maintain body weight and body condition based on energy intake prior to initiation of the study. Data were analyzed using the mixed models procedure of SAS. Treatment nutrient concentrations ranged for DM (32.2 – 36.2%), OM (91.1 – 94.9%), CP (50.3 – 61.7%), fat (25.1 – 38.3%), and gross energy (5.8 – 6.4 Kcal/g).  Fecal scores were lower (P<0.05) when dogs were fed H (1.2) and B2 (1.9) diets compared to P (2.7) and B1 (3.1). Digestibility of nutrients and energy ranged from 83.3 – 92.4%, 88.4 – 95.3%, 93.8 – 97.7%, 94.9 – 98.2%, and 91.3 – 95.5% for DM, OM, CP, fat, and energy respectively.  Dogs fed B2 had greater (P<0.05) DM (92.4%), OM (95.3%), CP (97.7%), and GE (95.5%) digestibilities but lower (P<0.05) fat digestibility (94.9%) than all other diets evaluated. The results of this study suggest these RMDs were comparable in nutrient composition and apparent total tract digestibility, indicating dogs effectively digest RMDs containing various protein sources. Fecal scores were all 3.1 or less; therefore, RMDs did not result in reductions of digestibility or in diarrhea and all diets utilized in this study may be effective options for managing exotic carnivores. 

Keywords: raw meat diets, dogs, exotic canids