Appraisal of Feeding Practices and Blood Metabolic Profile of Pet Dogs Reared on Homemade Diets
2010
Shakhar, C. | Pattanaik, A.K. | Kore, K.B. | Sharma, K.
A survey was carried out covering 494 pet dogs along with collection of 251 blood samples to gather first-hand information on prevailing feeding practices and its effects on metabolic profile of dogs. Data pertaining to feeding management along with components of their diet were recorded through questionnaire at the time of sample collection to asses its effects on metabolic profile of dogs. Most (~80%) of the dogs surveyed were reared on homemade diets with about 42% of the population receiving vegetarian diets. There was wide variation in the dietary composition of the homemade diets which comprised of varied combinations of bread, vegetables, meat and egg, however milk was found to be an indispensable part of all the dietary combinations. Commercial pet foods were used mainly to supplement the basal homemade diets and limited to 17.2% dogs. The metabolic profile of the surveyed population revealed wider prevalence of calcium and phosphorus malnutrition. Further, a total of 30.3 and 45.4% of the plasma samples exhibited higher cholesterol and lower blood urea-nitrogen values compared to the respective normal physiological ranges. The metabolic profile of the dogs were interpreted in relation to type and source of diet as well as basal dietary combinations. Overall, the study revealed that homemade diets constitute the mainstay of feeding pet dogs in India, but these diets seem to be nutritionally inadequate and/or imbalanced especially with respect to protein, energy and minerals especially calcium and phosphorus.
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