Digestibilidade de alimentos extrusados e caseiro em cães de pequeno e grande portes

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional value of conventional foods from different commercial segments and a homemade food for dogs. Eight adult male and female dogs were used, four small dogs of the Miniature Dachshund breed, with average initial weight of 3.8 ± 0.26kg and four large Rottweiler dogs, with average initial weight 32.86 ± 5, 00kg, distributed in a 2x7 factorial scheme, with two sizes and seven different foods. In each repetition, dogs received one of the diets for five days of adaptation and six days of feces collection for the digestibility trial. Dogs were fed so as to meet 110kcal per kg0.75 (NRC, 2006) and the amount offered was determined as a function of the metabolizable energy content of each food, being offered twice a day. The animals received water ad libitum. Feces were collected on daily walks and in the pens, received a fecal score (with grades from 0 to 5), weighed, placed in appropriate containers and frozen in a freezer (-15°C) for further analysis. The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter (DM), mineral matter (MM), crude protein (CP), ether extract in acid hydrolysis (EEAH) and gross energy (GE) were determined according to AOAC (1995). All analyzes were performed in duplicate, being repeated when they varied more than 5%. From the results of collection and analysis of fecal dry matter, the following were determined: Fecal production (DM)/ kg of body weight/day and Fecal production (NM)/ kg of body weight/day. The effects of size, food and size and food interaction in the statistical model were evaluated. When there was food effect, the means were compared by the Tukey test. A significance level of 5% was considered. The homemade diet had better results of ADC of DM and CP, when compared to other foods. EEAH's ADC was superior for Super-premium foods. When compared by race, there was no difference in nutrient digestion (P>0.05). All dogs when fed the homemade diet had a lower fecal production per DM (P<0.05). Rottweiler dogs when fed the homemade diet had higher fecal moisture (P<0.05), while for Miniature Dachshund dogs the fecal moisture was similar when fed the homemade diet or Super-premium food. Regarding fecal score, Rottweilers had a lower score (P<0.05) when compared to Miniature Dachshunds. Fecal moisture had interaction between diets and races (P=0.020). Dogs showed greater digestibility with Super premium foods and homemade diet, with no effects related to breed. Super-premium foods and homemade diet provided less stools than Premium foods. The breeds had similar digestion between foods, however, large dogs produced more feces, proportionally, with greater moisture and worse consistency, in addition to appearing more sensitive to the moisture content and composition of the ingredients in the diet.