engleski

Effect of two different feeding regimes (BARF vs. kibble diet) on serum biochemical parameters in search and rescue dogs during fieldwork

Introduction: Source of energy in the diet as well as food processing principle in dogs performing at high intensity during fieldwork and detection remains an area of interest for pet food industry as well as veterinary professionals.1 The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in serum biochemistry values in Croatian Mountain Rescue Service dogs included in two different feeding regimes during stimulated fieldwork. Animals, materials and methods: There were 12 healthy dogs (mean age 3.57±1.81 years) included in the study, divided into two groups: BARF and kibble diet group. Both commercially available diets were uniform for each group, nutritionally complete and balanced.2 Metabolic energy requirements were adjusted individually using formula 110-150 kcal ME/kg0, 75. Other than the different food processing principle of the diet (raw, frozen vs. pressed), the diets differed in macronutrient level: on a dry matter basis BARF diet consisted of protein, fat, and carbohydrate in the proportions: 45.2:32.2:5.5 and kibble diet 27.5:18.7:42.8. Feeding protocol lasted for 4 months with additional 15 days of adjustment to the feeding regime. During that period blood samples were obtained once per month: baseline sample in the morning before the feeding and the second one immediately after the fieldwork. Data were analyzed between the groups (BARF vs. kibble) before and after the fieldwork using the unpaired t-test (p<0, 05). This study was approved by the ethical committee as required under Croatian legislation. Results and discussion: Results had shown that pre and postexercise glucose level was not affected by the type of diet and remained within the reference range. Serum levels of lactate, creatinine, and lactate dehydrogenase in resting blood samples from animals fed BARF diet were significantly lower. These results could indicate an improved level of physical performance in those dogs, as training represents the cumulative effect of the release of the enzymes from cells during and following repeated exercise sessions. Still, no significant difference was noted for mentioned parameters between the groups post-workout. After the performed fieldwork there were significantly higher levels of alkaline phosphatase and inorganic phosphate in the group fed kibble diet in comparison to the BARF group, similarly reported in research on sled dogs.3 Nevertheless, after the training, in the BARF group were noted higher values of urea and triglycerides what would indicate that fats are used as the major fuel for aerobic metabolism in muscle during prolonged exercise, as well as protein. Conclusion: Stable glucose level after strenuous fieldwork would indicate excessive metabolic adaptations to the main source of energy provided through observed feeding regimes. An increased ability to utilize fat should be considered an advantage in a dog subjected to prolonged fieldwork in which fatty acid oxidation is used as main energy source, as noted trough preprandially measured difference in the dogs fed low-carbohydrate, high-fat BARF diet.

BARF, pressed dog food, biochemical profile, exercise

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