Overweight dogs respond well to high-protein, high-fiber diet

A study of overweight dogs fed a reduced calories, high-fiber diet for 24 weeks found that their body composition and inflammatory markers changed in ways that were similar to the positive changes seen in humans on similar diet. The dogs achieved a healthier weight without losing too much muscle mass, and their markers of inflammation decreased with weight loss.

The new research was led by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign animal sciences professor Kelly Swanson.

Studies have shown that overweight and obese people have a shorter lifespan and a lower quality of life.

Some of the problems we see in humans with Obesity also occur in pet dogs. Obesity is a big factor in pet insurance claims.

The study was reported in the Journal of Animal Science and measured changes in the fecal microbiota over the course of losing weight.

He said that dogs and humans differ in the species of microbes that live in the gut. The same functions are performed by these microbes. They break down fiber to produce short-chain fatty acids that are important in regulating the amount of sugar in the blood, and providing energy to cells in the colon.

Some of the changes in the dogs were hard to see, but a reduction in fecal ammonia is likely to be beneficial.

He said that high concentrations of ammonia are toxic.

The proportion of Allobaculumbacteria increased when dogs lost weight. The increase in fecal butyrate was correlated with higher Allobaculum populations. Butyrate has anti- inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects in the gut.

Over time, the total short-chain fatty acid concentrations did not change. Most of the organic acids are absorbed and not flushed down the toilet, according to the researchers.

The new research offers insight into the similarities and differences between dogs and humans, and how they respond to diet and weight loss. More research is needed to clarify the findings.

Perfect Companion Group provided funding for this project.

The story was told

The News Bureau at the University of Illinois provides materials. Diana Yates wrote the original. Content can be edited for style and length.

Journal reference

1. Thunyaporn Phungviwatnikul, Anne H Lee, Sara E Belchik, Jan S Suchodolski, Kelly S Swanson. Weight Loss and High-Protein, High-Fiber Diet Consumption Impact Blood Metabolite Profiles, Body Composition, Voluntary Physical Activity, Fecal Microbiota, and Fecal Metabolites of Adult Dogs. Journal of Animal Science, 2021; DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab379