Search Results (358)

Most research on domestic dog (Canis familiaris) behavior has focused on pets with restricted movement. However, free-ranging dogs exist in diverse cultural contexts globally, and their interactions with humans are less understood. Tourists can facilitate unrestricted dog movement into wilderness areas, where they may negatively impact wildlife. This study investigated which stimuli—namely, voice, touch, or food—along with inherent factors (age, sex, sociability) motivate free-ranging dogs to follow a human stranger. We measured the distance (up to 600 m) of 129 free-ranging owned and stray dogs from three villages in southern Chile as they followed an experimenter who presented them one of the above stimuli or none (control). To evaluate the effect of dog sociability (i.e., positive versus stress-related or passive behaviors), we performed a 30 s socialization test (standing near the dog without interacting) before presenting a 10 s stimulus twice. We also tracked whether the dog was in the company of other dogs. Each focus dog was video-recorded and tested up to three times over five days. Generalized linear mixed-effects models revealed that the food stimulus significantly influenced dogs’ motivation to follow a stranger, as well as a high proportion of sociable behaviors directed towards humans and the company of other dogs present during the experiment. Juveniles tended to follow a stranger more than adults or seniors, but no effects were found for the dog’s sex, whether an owner was present, the repetition of trials, the location where the study was performed, or for individuals as a random variable. This research highlights that sociability as an inherent factor shapes dog–stranger interactions in free-ranging dogs when food is given. In the context of wildlife conservation, we recommend that managers promote awareness among local communities and tourists to avoid feeding dogs, especially in the context of outdoor activities close to wilderness. Full article

Livestock, poultry, and fisheries play an important economic role in Pakistan’s animal industry. The pet industry is also emerging and contributing to the country’s economy and people’s emotional well-being. This review provides insight into the current challenges and future directions of the animal industry in Pakistan. Livestock, poultry, and fisheries provide an economically beneficial source of milk, meat, and eggs; however, they face challenges such as disease outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, natural disasters, and a lack of proper policies. Likewise, humans benefit from companion animals that provide emotional attachment. Moreover, the pet food market has also shown potential growth, contributing to the country’s economy. Due to the close association between animals and humans, both are at risk for infectious disease transmission. Challenges such as the lack of strong animal welfare laws and the increasing number of stray dogs and cats threaten human safety and that of other animals. We highlight current problems and additional approaches to the management of livestock, poultry, fisheries, and pets, which need to be addressed to further advance the animal industry in Pakistan. Full article

This study aimed to optimize the inoculation dosage and fermentation duration to enhance the protein content and reduce soluble oligosaccharides in soybean meal using Aspergillus oryzae and assessed its performance in dog food extrusion. A 3 × 5 factorial design was used to determine the optimal fermentation conditions. These conditions were applied to ferment soybean meal in bulk for nutritional analysis. Finally, the impact of fermentation on extrusion processing was assessed by formulating and extruding four diets: SBM (30% soybean meal), AMF (30% soybean meal with 1% Amaferm^®—A. oryzae biomass), FSBM (30% fermented soybean meal), and SPI (18% soy protein isolate). Diets were extruded with a single-screw extruder, and physical characteristics of kibbles, particle size distribution, and viscosity of raw mixes were analyzed. The optimal fermentation conditions were 1 × 10⁴ spore/g substrate for 36 h, which increased the crude protein content by 4.63% DM, methionine and cysteine total content by 0.15% DM, and eliminated sucrose, while significantly reducing stachyose, raffinose, and verbascose (95.22, 87.37, and 41.82%, respectively). The extrusion results showed that FSBM had intermediate specific mechanical energy (SME), in-barrel moisture requirements, and sectional expansion index (198.7 kJ/kg, 28.2%, and 1.80, respectively) compared with SBM (83.7 kJ/kg, 34.5%, and 1.30, respectively) and SPI (305.3 kJ/kg, 33.5%, and 2.55, respectively). The FSBM also exhibited intermediate particle size distribution and the least raw mix viscosity. These findings demonstrate that A. oryzae fermentation enhances the nutrient profile of soybean meal while improving extrusion efficiency and kibble quality, supporting its potential use as a sustainable pet food ingredient. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is increasingly recognized as a global health concern due to its association with metabolic disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis. While probiotics offer promise in regulating gut microbiota and improving host metabolism, strain-specific effects remain underexplored, particularly for canine-derived probiotics. This study aimed to isolate and characterize a novel probiotic strain, Ligilactobacillus animalis LA-1, and evaluate its anti-obesity effects and underlying mechanisms using a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model. Methods: LA-1 was isolated from the feces of a healthy dog and assessed for probiotic potential in vitro, including gastrointestinal tolerance, bile salt hydrolase activity, cholesterol-lowering capacity, and fatty acid absorption. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed either a standard chow diet or an HFD for 16 weeks, with HFD mice receiving oral LA-1 supplementation (2 × 10⁹ CFU/day). Multi-omics analyses, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) quantification, and untargeted liver metabolomics, were employed to investigate the effects of LA-1 on gut microbiota composition, metabolic pathways, and obesity-related phenotypes. Results: LA-1 supplementation significantly alleviated HFD-induced weight gain, hepatic lipid accumulation, and adipose tissue hypertrophy, without affecting food intake. It improved serum lipid profiles, reduced liver injury markers, and partially restored gut microbiota composition, decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and enriching SCFA-producing genera. Total SCFA levels, particularly acetate, propionate, and butyrate, increased following LA-1 treatment. Liver metabolomics revealed that LA-1 modulated pathways involved in lipid and amino acid metabolism, resulting in decreased levels of acetyl-CoA, triglycerides, and bile acids. Conclusions: L. animalis LA-1 exerts anti-obesity effects via gut microbiota modulation, enhanced SCFA production, and hepatic metabolic reprogramming. These findings highlight its potential as a targeted probiotic intervention for obesity and metabolic disorders. Full article

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) meal is a promising sustainable protein for pet food, yet its effect on nutrient balance and granule texture is incompletely defined. Five dry dog food formulas containing 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, and 45% of T. molitor meal were extruded and analyzed for proximate composition, fatty-acid and amino-acid profiles, and compressive mechanical properties. Crude-protein concentration remained stable, whereas fat and ash increased (p < 0.01) and carbohydrates decreased as the inclusion level rose. Tenebrio molitor meal enriches granules in oleic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids, improving the ω-6:ω-3 ratio from 8.0 to 5.4. Essential amino acid levels were conserved, although lysine and methionine fell modestly (≤11%). Mechanical testing showed a linear decline in hardness (331 → 300 N) and stiffness (46 → 41 N mm⁻¹), indicating softer, more deformable granules at higher inclusion levels. The inclusion of up to 45% T. molitor meal can be incorporated without compromising protein quality while enhancing unsaturated fat content. Minor lysine/methionine dilution can be offset by targeted supplementation. These data support wider adoption of insect protein in hypoallergenic and eco-friendly canine diets. Full article

This study investigated the functional potential of Campomanesia xanthocarpa leaf and fruit infusions through phytochemical profiling, simulated gastrointestinal digestion, enzyme inhibition assays, and in vivo evaluation of glycemic markers. Leaf infusions exhibited a more diverse phenolic profile, higher total phenolic content, and greater antioxidant capacity compared to fruit infusions. Simulated digestion confirmed the bioaccessibility of key phenolic compounds, particularly glycosylated flavonoids such as quercetin-3-glucoside and kaempferol derivatives, with leaf extracts showing superior gastrointestinal stability. In vitro assays revealed a strong inhibitory activity of leaf infusions against α-amylase and β-glucosidase. In a 32-day trial with healthy dogs, the consumption of biscuits enriched with leaf infusion did not alter fasting glucose or amylase levels but resulted in a significant treatment × time interaction for serum fructosamine, indicating a delayed modulation of glycemic control, potentially associated with antioxidant or anti-glycation activity. These findings highlight the potential of C. xanthocarpa leaves as a functional ingredient in foods aimed at supporting glycemic regulation and metabolic health. Full article

The pet food industry faces significant sustainability challenges, including reducing energy consumption, lowering emissions, and adopting circular economy practices. This study aimed to assess and propose energy efficiency measures to enhance sustainability within the sector. The research evaluated the use of unapproved food as biomass for boiler combustion. It analyzed its chemical composition, energy impact, and emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through TD-GC/MS, as well as the corrosion effects on boiler metals. An energy assessment of the production process and a combustion characterization of the waste were conducted to identify opportunities for improving energy efficiency and sustainability. The results demonstrated that the chemical composition of the waste and other biomass-related parameters were within acceptable economic and environmental ranges. A reduction of 0.015 Mg of CO₂eq per Mg of produced pet food was achieved. Regarding VOCs, their environmental impact was minimal due to the molecular structure of the compounds. Additionally, the corrosion rate caused by waste incineration was comparable to that of domestic gas in the case of cat food, with a rate of 214.74 mpy, while the dog food yielded 55.42 mpy, which is near that of other types of biomass, such as wood chips and pellets. The use of residual biomass in pet food production is a viable alternative for reducing carbon footprint, promoting a circular economy, and improving the industry’s sustainability. Full article

In recent years, grain-free pet food has gained increasing attention due to its widespread promotion as a natural and hypoallergenic diet. This trend has prompted us to conduct an in-depth critical assessment of the nutritional implications of such diets. This review systematically analyzed the nutritional components of commercially available grain-free pet food, revealing significant variability in the nutritional composition of commercial pet diets. Moreover, grain-free formulations typically exhibit higher protein and fat levels. On the other hand, this review further explores the multifaceted health impacts of these diets on pets, including digestive function, cardiovascular health, allergic reactions, blood sugar regulation, mycotoxin safety, and palatability. This review points out that grain-free diets may offer potential benefits, such as improved blood sugar control, reduced mycotoxin exposure, and enhanced palatability; however, they also pose clear risks, particularly the potential association with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Additionally, the presence or absence of grains in the diet does not mitigate the risk of allergies. A grain-free diet is only intended to help specific individuals (such as those who are sensitive to grains/gluten) avoid allergens. Ultimately, the review emphasizes that nutritional adequacy, balance, and meeting individualized needs are the cornerstones of pet health, aiming to provide valuable insights for pet caregivers, veterinarians, and researchers. Full article

Sparganosis is a neglected food- and water-borne zoonotic disease caused by members of the tapeworm genus Spirometra. More than 1600 human cases have been reported in the literature, primarily in Korea and China; however, the clinical significance of sparganosis is likely underestimated. The control of this disease is challenging in endemic regions because of the complexity of its lifecycle and the involvement of many animal host species, and treatment of clinical disease in humans and animals with selected drugs (e.g., mebendazole and/or praziquantel), even at elevated doses, is often ineffective, such that novel interventions are needed. It is anticipated that the use of molecular technologies should allow the identification of new intervention targets in crucial biological processes and/or pathways of Spirometra spp. While some draft genomes of Spirometra have been produced, their assemblies are incomplete. Here, we employed an advanced DNA sequencing–informatic approach to assemble and annotate the first high-quality genome of an isolate of Spirometra from Australia, with chromosome-level contiguity and a curated gene set. This improved genome provides a useful resource to support fundamental and applied molecular investigations of Spirometra species and should assist in the design of new tools for the intervention against sparganosis of companion animals (including dogs and cats) and humans. Full article

This study explored the potential of insect proteins as an alternative to traditional meat and bone meals in nutritionally balanced dry expanded dog food. Four formulations containing black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFL), cricket flour (CF), poultry meal (PM), or fish meal (FM) at 30% inclusion were evaluated using powder rheology, extrusion trials, and analyses of kibble expansion and texture. BSFL and FM had lower specific basic flow energy (<13 mJ/kg) compared to PM and CF (>14 mJ/kg), leading to better flowability and improved extrusion stability and product consistency. High fat and chitin contents in CF and BSFL, respectively, resulted in higher bulk densities (328–382 g/L) than meat-and-bone-meal-based products (304–306 g/L). The insect-meal-based kibbles also had either a fragile (peak crushing force < 7 kg for BSFL) or very hard texture (force > 13 kg for CF). Results from a second experiment showed that including BSFL meal at lower levels (10%) alongside poultry meal mitigated the negative effects on kibble quality while improving process stability. Overall, the study suggests that defatting and partial, rather than complete, replacement of traditional proteins with insect meal could be more viable strategies for producing consistent, high-quality extruded pet food. Full article

Chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIEs) in companion animals represent a group of idiopathic, immune-mediated gastrointestinal disorders in which the intestinal epithelium can be altered, affecting intestinal functionality, nutrient absorption, and microbiota composition. This review presents an overview of markers that could be used for the assessment of intestinal health, focusing extensively on functional biomarkers, with particular attention to fatty acids (including short-chain fatty acids, SCFAs) and amino acids. Studies have consistently shown reduced concentrations of SCFAs in companion animals with CIEs compared to healthy groups. These alterations occur with varying intensity depending on the type of enteropathy. Alterations in saturated, monounsaturated, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have also been reported in blood and feces, particularly in omega-3 and omega-6 derivatives, as well as in the elongase and desaturase indices responsible for endogenous synthesis. In addition, amino acids serve as precursors to key metabolites involved in mucosal immunity, oxidative stress regulation, and microbial homeostasis. In CIEs, alterations in systemic and fecal amino acid profiles have been observed, reflecting both host metabolic adaptation and microbial dysbiosis. Integrating fatty acid and amino acid profiles can help distinguish different types of enteropathies, providing additional discriminatory power for determining response to dietary treatment. Future research should aim to elucidate the causal relationships between metabolic alterations and disease pathogenesis, which could lead to novel dietary interventions targeting metabolic interactions between the microbiota and the host. Full article

As pet owners become increasingly mindful of pet health and sustainability, labeling plays a crucial role in shaping informed purchasing decisions for pet food. This study evaluated the nutritional adequacy and pricing of plant-based, hybrid, and animal-based dog foods. Using the Mintel database, we analyzed product labels, ingredient compositions, and marketing claims for various dog food categories. The findings revealed notable differences in key nutrients, such as protein, fiber, fat, ash, and moisture content. Plant-based dog foods generally offer higher fiber and ash content but often fall short in protein and fat levels, particularly in snacks and treats, which may impact their suitability for meeting the dietary needs of canines. Hybrid dog foods, which blend plant and animal ingredients, show greater variability, with some achieving balanced protein and fat content, while fiber levels depend on the plant-based proportion. Animal-based foods tend to excel in protein and fat content, particularly in wet and dry formats, while being lower in fiber and ash content. A key concern is the reliance on additives, particularly in plant-based and hybrid options, which raises questions about the long-term health impacts on pets. Pricing trends indicate that plant-based dog foods are generally more expensive than hybrid and animal-based options, although the cost varies widely across all categories. Full article

Type I allergies are triggered by immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity reactions upon allergen exposure. Dogs are diagnosed with allergic dermatitis based on history, clinical signs, and allergen-specific IgE detection. Using the multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST)–immunoblot assay, this study measured IgE concentrations and analyzed the proportion of dogs showing allergen-specific IgE positivity, and IgE concentrations of environmental and food allergens in South Korea. We examined data from canine serum using the MAST assay in 2023; the allergen panel included 130 allergens. Data were analyzed, with results greater than zero regarded as positive for the prevalence measurements and concentrations compared among subgroups. Overall, 2663 samples were evaluated to assess the proportion of dogs showing allergen-specific IgE positivity and mean concentrations of environmental and food allergens. Among the environmental allergens, Alternaria spp. had the highest IgE prevalence, whereas Japanese cedar had the highest mean IgE concentration. Allergen-specific differences were observed among subgroups categorized by age, sex, and breed. To our knowledge, this research is the first large-scale study to analyze canine serum using a MAST assay to assess the IgE prevalence of allergen-specific IgE positivity and concentration and to examine data by age, sex, and breed. These findings provide information for diagnosis and management of canine allergies. Full article

Environmental enrichment is crucial to improve welfare, reduce stress, and encourage natural behaviours in dogs housed in confined environments. This study aimed to use accelerometery and machine learning to evaluate the effect of different enrichment types on dog behaviour. Three enrichments (food, olfactory, and tactile) were provided to dogs for five consecutive days, with four days between each treatment. Acceleration data were collected using a collar mounted ActiGraph^®. Nine behaviours were classified using a validated machine learning model. Behaviour and activity differed significantly among the dogs. Dogs interacted most with the food enrichment, followed by the olfactory and then tactile enrichments. The dogs were least active during the olfactory enrichment, whereas activity was relatively consistent during the food and tactile enrichments. For all enrichments, dogs exhibited the most exploratory/locomotive behaviour during the first hour of each enrichment period, but this declined over the treatment period indicating habituation. For exploratory and locomotive behaviour, food enrichment was the most stimulating for the dogs with longer daily engagement than for both olfactory and tactile enrichments. These results illustrate that accelerometery and machine learning can be used to evaluate enrichment strategies in dogs, but it is important to consider variation among dogs and habituation. Full article

Canine chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) has been associated with coagulation abnormalities, predisposing affected dogs to a hypercoagulable state and potential thromboembolic events. This study aimed to evaluate the coagulation status in dogs with CIE using a viscoelastic point-of-care device, a Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor (VCM Vet^®). A retrospective review of medical records identified 38 dogs diagnosed with CIE that underwent VCM Vet^® testing. Coagulation profiles were classified as hypercoagulable, normocoagulable, or hypocoagulable. The results demonstrate that 81.5% of dogs exhibited hypercoagulability, and significant associations were found between the coagulation status and the type of CIE. Hypercoagulability was more commonly found in immunosuppressive-responsive enteropathy (IRE) cases. Albumin and cobalamin were significantly higher in food-responsive enteropathy, whereas the canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI) was significantly higher in immunosuppressive-responsive enteropathy and non-responsive enteropathy. One dog with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) was suspected of having developed possible pulmonary thromboembolism. These findings reinforce previous reports of hypercoagulability in CIE and suggest that VCM Vet^® is a valuable and easy tool to assess coagulation abnormalities in a clinical setting. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate the clinical implications of hypercoagulability in CIE and the potential role of anticoagulant therapy in disease management. Full article