The bioavailability of zinc and copper in vegetable and animal based ingredients in dog food

The Canadian pet food market is projected to grow to $1.9 billion by the end of 2016, a 10.2% increase per year in the year. Adequate dietary mineral intake is key to supporting health and well being of dogs, but very little is known about what ingredients are good sources. Understanding of the bioavailability of minerals in ingredients commonly used in pet food could help to support avenues of eliminating mineral supplementation in adult dog foods and avoid excess supplementation. The objective of this study is to compare diets that utilize predominantly animal or vegetable protein in adult Beagles. Specifically, the aim is to measure whether the of zinc and/or copper is more available to the animal in animal vs. vegetable based ingredients. Bioavailability will be measured using apparent digestibility and mass balance, with the analysis of urine, feces, and plasma. Given data in other species, we expect that the bioavailability of minerals, specifically, zinc and copper, will be lower in dogs fed the plant-based as compared to meat based diet.

Faculty Supervisor:

Anna Kate Shoveller

Student:

Partner:

Champion Petfoods LP

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Accommodation and food services; Manufacturing

University:

University of Guelph

Program: