Formulation of dog food using locally available ingredients

Puppy stage is a critical period ofdogʹs life cycle as it requires more nutrition. During this time period, puppy requires more than 28% of protein and energy density of less than 3.5 kcal ME,g DM. Dog food is material intended for consumption by the domestic dog. Dogs are able to healthily digest a variety of foods. The remarkable adaptability of the dog has led to the successful use of commercial diets that differ widely in their ingredient composition. The pet food industry has well established markets in developed countries like United States but it plays minor role in developing countries like in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study was carried out with the objectives offormulating a palatable dog-food using locally available ingredients in Sri Lanka at lower price level, which confirm the main nutritional requirements and to determine its influence on growth rate of local breeds. Maize, Rice flour, Rice polish, Animal fat, Soya bean meal, Fish meal, Hypro meal, Chicken, Eggs, Baking soda and Vitamin premixes were the ingredients used in dog food formulation. A total of 08 puppies, between 06-08 weeks of age were selected for the study. Body weight was measured using weighing scale and serum electrolyte concentrations were measured to determine nutritional status. Sensory evaluation was performed for dog feces and skin,coat condition. The body weight and feed intake had a significant (P<0.05) and positively associated relationship (r = 0.84, P =0.000). The mean growth rate of puppies which were fed using formulated feed was 0.088 kg,day ±0.038 whereas 0.025 kg,day ± 0.006 was the mean growth rate of puppies which were fed using homemade diets in first trial. The current study found that the mean growth rate was 0.0586 kg,day ± 0.022 in formulated feed group whereas 0.0628 kg,day ± 0.019 was the weight gain in imported feed group in second feed trial. Sensory evaluation results revealed better mean scores for sensory attributes in dog feces and skin,coat condition in formulated feed group. In conclusion, formulated puppy feed had positive association with growth rate, electrolyte concentration and sensory attributes of skin,coat condition and dog feces.