Effect of Dietary Polydextrose on Feces Consistency and Macronutrient Digestibility in Healthy Dogs

Problem statement: There is evidence that the addition of 3% STA-LITE polydextrose to a dry food reduces clinical signs of osteoarthritis in dogs. For the application of polydextrose as functional ingredient of dog foods, information as to its impact on the acceptance of food, feces consistency, fecal odor and digestibility of macronutrients and minerals is required. Approach: A feeding experiment with 44 Latin square design was carried out with 12 adult, healthy Golden Retrievers. The experimental diets consisted of a commercial dry food to which either 0, 2, 4 or 8% polydextrose was added. During the last 5 days of each two-week feeding period, feces of individual dogs were collected quantitatively. Feces consistency and fecal odor were scored. Fecal pH, fecal Lactobacilli and the apparent digestibility of macronutrients and minerals were determined. Results: