Linneos Technical Department (Reus, Spain) and volunteers for the observation of their pets at home, 2024.

Introduction

Today, some of the aspects that dog owners value most when it comes to feeding their pets are ingredients that are naturally sourced, healthy, include certain functions, such as prebiotics, and have a low environmental impact.

Improving the palatability of the feed through an all-natural, non-animal additive, with proven properties that promote gut health and immune function, can contribute to the pet’s preference and acceptance of the feed, and a good perception of the food brand by the pet owner.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of Apsapal®, a natural umami palatant of non-animal origin, on feed preference and acceptance by adult dogs in a double bowl test.

Material and methods

Animals and housing

The study was performed on dogs of volunteer owners who volunteered to carry out the test, during 3 consecutive days, in the usual home environment.

Eleven adult dogs of different breeds, including males and females, healthy and weighing an average of 15 kg, were used. The animals were kept in their usual living conditions and had water available at all times.

In one mealtime a day during the 3 days, the dogs could choose between 2 bowls, one containing 40 grams of the control feed and the other 40 grams of the feed with Apsapal. Neither owner knew which of the two diets contained the additive.

Experimental design

  • Diet A: Feed with Apsapal, as a post-manufacturing spray.
  • Diet B: Control feed, without the additive.

Parameters assessed

1. Did the dog try either diet? Yes or no.

2. Which one? Both?

3. In what order? First A/ First B.

4. How much of each type of feed was consumed?

Results

The results of each day were evaluated for each dog, obtaining a total of 33 observations (3 days x 11 dogs).

In 30/33 of the observations, the dog tried both diets.

In 21/33 observations, the dog tried the diet with Apsapal first.

In 9/33 observations, the dog tried the diet without Apsapal first.

In 3/33 observations, the dog did not try either diet.

In 30/33 observations, the dog ingested all of the feed from both bowls.

Conclusions

  • The addition of Apsapal® by spraying after extrusion of the feed improved the dogs’ preference for the feed.
  • No differences were observed in the percentage of feed consumed between bowls.

Find here the features and benefits of APSAPAL

Enhancement of the taste experience and improvement of feed palatability.
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