Implications for pet obesity and metabolism from the neurobiology of energy and protein intake highlighted the keynote address at the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition (AAVN)’s 12th Annual Clinical Nutrition and Research Symposium on May 30, 2012, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. This thought-provoking presentation also discussed such implications for humans and other animals, though the majority of the 30-plus oral and poster presentations were on various facets of dog, cat and horse nutrition. Many of the dog and cat studies addressed weight control.
Some of the presentations had the potential for direct impact on the petfood industry. For example, one study showed crude fiber to underestimate fiber content compared to total dietary fiber (TDF). This issue of crude fiber as a suitable nutritional indicator is already being considered by the Association of American Feed Control Officials for feeds for other species, such as horses. In due course, this issue should be addressed for petfoods as well.
On a related matter, another study compared calculation of calorie content by use of modified Atwater values (as currently used by the AAFCO) with the formula recommended by the National Research Council (NRC). It found that the NRC formula had a better correlation with calories determined by digestibility trials than the modified Atwater method, especially when TDF instead of crude fiber values were used in the calculation. In my opinion, the NRC formula is less intuitive and more complicated to use, however.
Another study looked at home-cooked diet recipes from various sources that were intended for dogs with cancer and compared them to the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance on an energy basis. None of the 27 diets tested met all nutrient requirements, the majority being deficient in one or more trace minerals. Some were also deficient in protein and/or one or more amino acids, and a few contained excess vitamins D and/or E. Personally, I would like to see the same assessment using NRC recommendations as well as the AAFCO’s, as the former may be more appropriate for this type of ingredient matrix.
Overweight cats consuming a food containing 100 ppm of L-carnitine showed greater energy expenditure and motivation to play than those on a control diet. However, that effect was not seen in lean cats. The moisture content of the diet was not disclosed, but regardless, the inclusion rate of L-carnitine in this study appears to be below the 1,000 ppm dry matter for adult maintenance foods as allowed by AAFCO.
All topics presented at the symposium cannot be described here. However, other presentations of potential interest to people in the petfood industry include:
For those who may have missed the symposium but are interested in learning more about these studies, the abstracts will be made available to AAVN members on the academy’s website. Membership is open to veterinarians, animal scientists, students and others interested and involved in the field of veterinary nutrition. Details on the qualifications for active and associate membership and an application form are available on the site. Membership also provides access to the AAVN’s listserv, an excellent quarterly newsletter and the opportunity to attend next year’s symposium in Seattle, Washington.
Read more
Find more columns by Dr. Dzanis at www.petfoodindustry.com/petfoodinsights.aspx.
Make it simple, make it complex: the pet food dichotomy
Pet owners want a lot from their pet food brands. They want primary proteins that suit what they believe is best for their animal. They want grains or they don't. They want something customized, but it has to be easy to understand.
3 tips for sustainable pet food innovation
Constraints and crises, like those experienced in 2020, help drive innovation and sustainability offers context.