A new study has found that a high-protein, high fibre diet is beneficial forweight loss in overweight dogs.

Published in the Journal of Animal Science, the study found that the dietconsumed over a 24-week period achieved a healthier weight without losing toomuch muscle mass, while also decreasing their insulin and serum tryglycerides,meaning less chance of heart complications.

Kelly Swanson, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign animal sciencesprofessor, who led the research, said some of the problems we see in humanswith obesity also occur in pet dogs leading to a shorter lifespan and lowerquality of life.

“There’s added stress on the joints, there’s an intolerance to exercise andheat; there’s also glucose intolerance, insulin resistance. And if you look atpet insurance claims, obesity is a big factor there.”

An increase in the proportion of the bacteria of the genus Allobaculum, whichleads to an increase in fecal butyrate, was also observed.

Previous studies show that butyrate has anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects in the gut.

“Most studies of gut microbiota focus on humans, so the new research offersinsight into the similarities and differences between dogs and humans, and howthey respond to dietary changes and weight loss. More research will be neededto clarify the findings.”

Tagged: Diet, Overweight dog

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