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The global demand for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation by humans and their necessity in companion animal foods has raised questions related to environmental sustainability and nutrient content of fish oil. The combination of reported diminishing EPA and DHA content in fish oil and the forecasting of a significant decline in global fish stocks over the next decade make it critical to consider alternative sources of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce dependence on fish harvests. Cultured algal oil has been identified as a promising and viable alternative to fish-based oils. As such, the purpose of this study was to determine the inclusion level of algal oil in cat foods necessary to deliver the same serum concentrations of DHA provided from fish oil. Cats (n = 26) were first fed a control food formulated to avoid ingredients that contain long chain omega-3 fatty acids [ɑ-linolenic (ALA), EPA, and DHA] for 5 wk, to establish a baseline serum concentrations of these fatty acids. Cats were then randomized into two groups, and fed test foods containing either fish oil or algal oil in sequential increasing levels of DHA (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%) for 5-wk periods each. Blood was analyzed for serum DHA and EPA concentrations after each of these feeding periods. A regression analysis was used to calculate a bioequivalence factor between fish oil and algal oil inclusion levels. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in intake or body weight between cats consuming diets containing algal oil or fish oil. Analysis of serum fatty acid concentrations showed that increasing fish and algal oil had no effect (P > 0.05) on serum linolenic acid, ALA, or arachidonic acid; however, increasing fish and algal oil did have an effect on DHA such that serum DHA was increased at similar rates as fish oil (P = 0.050) and algal oil (P = 0.026) levels were increased in the diet. Although increasing levels of fish and algal oil both increased serum EPA concentrations (P < 0.001), fish oil increased serum EPA to a greater extent than algal oil when fed at all levels. Overall, these data indicate that inclusion of algal oil is a good alternative dietary source of DHA, but less of EPA, and that algal oil will need to be added to the diet in higher concentrations to achieve similar serum EPA concentrations as fish oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the treatment of hyperthyroid in cats through the restriction of iodine in cat foods. Topics discussed include the methods and the materials used in the study, the utilization of dry and wet food formulation, and the analysis of serum thyroxine (TT4) concentration through various methods.

Little is known about the relative effectiveness of different weight loss foods for pet dogs in the home setting. Here, we performed a randomized, blinded, 24-week prospective study in 73 client-owned adult dogs to compare weight loss in the home setting using an energy-dense high-protein/ high-fat food (HP/HF) or a lower density high-fiber food (HFIB). Investigators recommended amounts of food according to the resting energy requirement for the dog's ideal body weight and a target of 2% weight loss per week. Every 4 weeks, investigators measured body weight, and every week, owners recorded the amount of food dispensed and whether their dog consumed all that was offered. In dogs completing the study according to protocol, those fed HFIB (n=32) lost more weight (P=0.009) than those fed HP/HF (n=30). Sex, clinic, initial weight, amount of energy offered by owners, and frequency of eating all the food offered were not significant factors. According to owners' records, there was no difference in the amount of energy offered to the two groups or in the frequency of supplementary energy intake, frequency of vomiting, or stool quality. In summary, in the home setting, a high-fiber food is more effective than a high-protein/high-fat food for weight loss in obese pet dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of therapeutic intervention with diets containing a combination of a novel protein, fish oil, and elevated antioxidants in dogs with chronic nonseasonal pruritic dermatitis. A total of 101 pet dogs suffering from chronic nonseasonal pruritic dermatitis were recruited from 18 privately owned veterinary hospitals for a prospective, multi-site, clinical study. In their home setting, the dogs were fed diets containing either a salmon- or venison-based diet that was supplemented with fish oil and antioxidants. At 0, 4, and 8 weeks, veterinarians scored erythema, lichenification, and excoriation at 15 defined sites, and pet owners used a visual analogue scale to evaluate the severity of face rubbing, scratching/ itching, licking, head shaking, ear scratching, skin redness, skin & coat condition, hair sheen, hair loss, and scaling. In dogs completing the study according to protocol (n=74), veterinarians found that erythema, lichenification, and excoriation improved over time for dogs on both diets (P<0.0001). In addition, veterinarians reported improvement at study end for both the salmon- and venison-based diets in erythema (>69% of skin sites and >78% of dogs), lichenification (>61% of skin sites and >79% of dogs), and excoriation (>81% of skin sites and >80% of dogs). Owners also reported significant improvements over time in all scores (P=0.02) for both diets. These results show that nutritional intervention using a therapeutic diet containing a novel protein, fish oil, and elevated antioxidants improves clinical signs in dogs with chronic nonseasonal pruritic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]