Effects of Feeding Different Levels on Digestibility Body Weight Body Condition Score and Stool Quality in Dogs

In this study, effects of different levels of feeding on digestibility, body weight(BW), body condition score(BCS) and some stool parameters were investigated. Fifteen adult Golden Retriever dogs were divided into 3 groups. ME content of food and ME requirements of the dogs were determined by the modified Atwater factors and the FEDIAF equation(95*BW0.75). The first group was fed 50% less than daily metabolic energy requirement(MER)(1), second group was fed 100%(2) and the third group was fed 50% more than the MER(3). Trial lasted 15 days. Stools were scored and stool samples were taken in last 4 days of the study. Dry matter(DMD) and organic matter digestibilities(OMD) were determined by acid-insoluble ash indicator method. BW and BCS values were determined on the 7th and 15th days. Changes in BW and BCS between days and groups were insignificant(P>0.05). DMD and OMD values were the highest in groups 1 and 2(P<0.05). Group 1 had the highest stool score(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in stool DM levels between all groups(P>0.05). In conclusion, modified Atwater factors and formula 95*BW0.75 were sufficient to preserve BW and BCS for this 15-day study. More studies are needed to compare the different formulas used to calculate the energy needs of dogs and the energy content in their diets. BW and BCS changes should be demonstrated with long-term trials. Effects of daily amount of food determined by the formulas on digestibility and health of dogs should also be investigated.