Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Fabaceae) are a low-glycemic-index food containing protein, fiber, minerals and essential and bioactive compounds yet have not been evaluated for inclusion in canine commercial diets. The objective of this study was to establish the apparent total tract digestibility and safety of cooked navy bean powder when incorporated into a canine diet formulation at 25% (wt/wt) compared to a macro- and micro-nutrient matched control diet.
Digestibilities and metabolizable energy (ME) content were 68.58% and 68.89% DM, 78.22% and 79.49% CP, 77.57% and 74.91% OM, 94.49% and 93.85% acid hydrolyzed fat and 3,313 and 3,195 kcal ME/kg for the navy bean diet and control diet, respectively. No differences were observed between the groups of dogs, including no increased flatulence or major change in fecal consistency. Navy bean powder was determined to be palatable (based on intake and observation) and digestible in a variety of dog breeds. No changes were detected in clinical laboratory values.
Cooked navy bean powder can be safely included as a major food ingredient in canine diet formulations and provide a novel quality protein source. Its use warrants further investigation as a functional food for chronic disease control and prevention.
Source : G.M. Forster et al., 2012. Effects of cooked navy bean powder on apparent total tract nutrient digestibility and safety in healthy adult dogs. J Anim Sci online February 2012. doi: 10.2527/jas.2011-4324J
