Petfood Industry - September 2009

Research Notes

Recurrence of obesity in Beagles

A study used commercially available dog food combined with human food to mimic at-home snacking and diet supplementation. Adult female Beagles (n = 9) with free access to water and exercise were allowed to eat ad libitum two times their daily calculated number of calories using a dry extruded diet plus a blend of canola and soybean oils. After three weeks, pecan shortbread cookies were added.

Obesity was induced during a 19-week period with 1,875- 2,250 kcal/day consumed on average. The dogs were then subjected to a weight-loss regimen while consuming 490-730 kcal/day. After weight loss, a similar degree of obesity was re-induced for 17 weeks even though dogs consumed only 1,125-1,250 kcal/day.

Less time and fewer kcal were required to re-induce the same degree of obesity compared with the initial obesity induction. Human snack foods appeared to stimulate appetite and thus contribute to the obese state. Food efficiency was also increased during the obesity re-induction period

Key Concepts

➤ Recurrence of obesity in Beagles

(JAPAN. PubMed ID: 19364373) Less time and fewer kilocalories were required to re-induce the same degree of obesity compared with the initial obesity induction. Human snack foods appeared to stimulate appetite and thus contribute to the obese state.

compared with the induction period. This information may help pet owners understand the need to limit table scraps and human food snacks in dogs prone to obesity and how to maintain ideal body weight after weight loss. Source: D. Nagaoka et al., 2009. Re-induction of Obese Body Weight Occurs More Rapidly And At Lower Caloric Intake In Beagles. JAPAN. PubMed ID: 19364373.

Functional Fatty Acids: Benefits and Science Behind Omega-3s www.PetfoodIndustry.com

In recent years, Omega- 3 fatty acids have become increasingly popular amongst consumers, but not all omega-3s are created equal. Research has shown that long chain omega-3s, specifically DHA omega- 3, are needed for the healthy development and life of companion animals.