LivaltaSun P46 can replace other plant proteins in meat-based, grain-free diets without affecting palatability

Do dogs actually like eating our sunflower protein Livalta™Sun P46? We have shown before that they do in plant-based diets – and that they even prefer it to e.g. pea protein. How about meat-based, grain-free diets then? Here, the expectation would be that the meat taste is dominant. However, does replacing a plant-based protein like pea protein in such a diet with Livalta™Sun P46 affect palatability and food intake? The short answer is - it does not. For the long answer, please continue reading.

We conducted a two-bowl palatability study to investigate the effect of replacing pea protein with Livalta™Sun P46 in meat-based, grain-free dog food on daily intake and preference in 20 dogs during a four-day period.

Our results were:

• Replacing pea protein with Livalta™Sun P46 did not impact palatability in meat-based, grain-free dog food as indicated by similar food intake and attractiveness (first choice), (Figure 1).
• In terms of manufacturing, substituting pea protein with Livalta™Sun P46 produced a softer pellet without adversely affecting its durability (Table 1)

Results

Trial Design

Food attractiveness and intake was determined using the two-bowl method (one bowl of each food with alternating positioning of the bowl at each meal). Food was offered once a day (morning) during four consecutive days for a maximum of 30 minutes. After each meal both bowls were removed and the leftovers were weighed/ recorded individually. From each food 500g was offered, equivalent to approximately 2.5x of the daily recommended dose (NRC, 2006). Water was provided ad libitum.

Twenty healthy mid-sized adult dogs (10 male and 10 female) of good body and health condition (confirmed by a vet; vaccinated and de-wormed), known breed, weight and age (>12 month) were used in the study. In addition, dogs with known food consumption addictions (excessive greed for food, fussy eaters, preferences for specific food flavors and/ or textures) were excluded from the study.

Food manufacturing: The ingredients were first hammer milled (1.25 mm sieve), blended (45 min mixing) and consequently pre-conditioned and extruded (2x8 mm twin screw, max 130°C head temperature). The final extrudate (10 mm) was vacuum coated (soy oil and 0.8% digest) and dried before packaging.