SUPPLEMENTATION OF FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES (FOS) ON FAECAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ADULT DOGS

Abstract

The faecal characteristics of dogs fed three FOS dietary inclusion levels o (0.000, 0.047, or 0.095%) were evaluated. Fifteen adult dogs were used. A completely randomized experimental design, with five days of faeces collection and five dogs per experimental diet was applied, yielding a total of 25 observations per treatment. Diets were offered to the dogs for a 25-day adaptation period, followed by five days of total faeces collection. Means were compared by Tukey-Kramer’s test. The faeces of dogs fed the diet with no FOS presented lower dry matter content and lower faecal score than dogs fed 0.047 or 0.095% FOS, which presented similar faecal characteristics. Faecal pH of dogs supplemented 0.095% FOS was lower than dogs fed 0.047 or 0.000% FOS. Faecal ammonia concentration and faecal output were similar among treatments. The supplementation of 0.095% FOS positively influenced dog faecal quality.