Comparison of Nutrient Contents, Digestibility and Fecal Output of Concentrate Rations (Gel) for Dog

Abstract

The purposes of this current study were to compare the amount of nutrient contents and digestibility between different concentrate ration brands and their effects on fecal output. These concentrate rations mean the diets formulated in order to improve the nutritive status of the animals. In this study, nine mature female mongrel dogs were randomly subjected into three groups of the triplicated 3x3 Latin square design. Three brands of concentrate ration in form of gel were used as dietary treatments. Nutrient contents (on DM basis), body weight, fecal output, and apparent digestibility of nutrients were determined. Percentages of dry matter, organic matter and fiber of all treatment gels were about the same. However, nutrient profiles of all three brands were not equal to the nutrient profiles indicated on the product leaflets. No significant difference was observed between different dietary treatments for initial body weight, final body weight, and body weight loss. Stool excreted from the dogs receiving T gel had the least amount of fecal DM (p < 0.05). On the contrary, the dogs receiving C gel had the greatest amount of fecal DM (p < 0.05), although it was not significantly different from the dogs receiving A gel. No significant differences were observed between the dogs fed A and C gels for DM, OM and fat digestibilities. Comparison of protein and fiber digestibilities between the three dietary treatments showed no significant difference. In conclusion, the dogs fed A gel defecated more consistency than the dogs fed C gel. The A and C gels seem to have the same standard resulting in similar efficacy in terms of fecal output and nutrient digestibility.