Summary Free faecal water (fluid excreted separate from normal faeces) is a common problem of unknown origin in horses. Multifactorial causes are assumed. This study assessed the effect of a commercial product (EMP) sold to help support intestinal health of horses, particularly regarding the occurrence of free faecal water. The hypothesis was that water‐binding capacity and microbial activity are improved in the large intestine of horses fed EMP. EMP contained montmorillonite–bentonite, whey and extracts from hop and absinthium. Eight adult and healthy horses kept on the same diet and bedding were additionally fed EMP. In a complete crossover study design, all horses participated as control (C) and as test animal receiving EMP (E). Faecal score was assessed. Faecal samples were analysed for pH, ammonia, dry matter content (DM), crude fibre (CF), soxhlet fat (SF), crude protein (CP), crude ash (CA), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). None of the assessed parameters measured in the faeces showed a significant treatment effect. This study was conducted in healthy horses without any gastrointestinal disorders. VFA analysis did not show treatment effects. However, apparent higher variability in CP in the faeces of E might be a hint for changes in the intestinal microbiota. Further studies and analysis of additional parameters for example the differentiation of the faecal microbial profile in horses susceptible to free faecal water are necessary to evaluate the effect of EMP.

SummaryInterest in species-appropriate activities and nutrition of dogs increases. A huge variety of feedstuff available, myths and different feeding theories confuse dog owners and lead to inadequate nutrition of their pets. As one result, obesity in pets can be observed with a high incidence in veterinary practice. Although comorbidities of obesity are well known, only few pet owners realize consequently the necessity of weight reduction to support their pet's health. We hypothesized that pet owners in Switzerland underestimate body condition of their dogs and are unsure about how to manage nutritional challenges. This study assessed the current nutrition, owner's perception of body weight and body condition score (BCS) of their dog. At a dog exhibition, dog owners filled in a questionnaire on age, breed, activity, housing, nutrition and source of information for questions concerning nutrition. Owners evaluated the BCS with the help of a poster and determined the ideal weight of their dog. Body weight was measured and BCS evaluated by two veterinarians. The study included 43 bitches [25 (58%) spayed] and 35 male dogs [21 (60%) neutered] with an age of 4.7 AE 3.6 years (mean AE STD). Average current body weight was 18.9 kg AE 14.1 and corresponded approximately to the ideal body weight estimated by the owners (18.6 kg AE 14.1). Four (5%) of the dogs were judged by the owners to be underweight, 55 (70%) ideal, 14 (18%) overweight and five (6%) obese. Owner's evaluation of BCS averaged 4.54 AE 1.13; veterinary's evaluation was significantly higher with 5.20 AE 1.20 (difference of 0.77 AE 0.59; P < 0.05). Although the awareness of the importance of adequate nutrition and activity for pets is rising among pet owners, they are overwhelmed by the variety of diets and sources of information available. This might lead to malnutrition and identifies a clear need for competent specialists of pet nutrition.

Originally published at: Gerstner, Kerstin; Liesegang, Annette (2016). Management of a growing dog with renal failure fed a homemade diet. Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde, 158(12):834-836.

While teaching, the Institute of Animal Nutrition of the University of Zurich (IANZ) noticed that veterinary students, veterinarians and pet owners have significant difficulties in reading and understanding pet food labels (PFL). The authors hypothesized that if PFL are easy to read and understand, 90% of those dog owners (n = 43) polled at a dog exhibition are able to answer a questionnaire after reading an exemplary PFL modified from existing products. About 30.2% of the participants were able to compare the protein content of a canned diet versus a dry diet. About 34.9% were able to estimate and compare the carbohydrate content of two dry diets by reading the composition. About 32.6% identified which of the two dry diets was potentially a complete diet by reading the listed ingredients. The results show that a majority of the participants was overwhelmed with the task of reading and understanding the exemplary PFL. An improvement of public education on the basics of product labelling or additional simplified information on the labels might be helpful.

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