An olive oil-derived NAE mixture (Olaliamid) improves liver and cardiovascular health, and decreases meta-inflammation in naturally obese dogs: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Background: Canine obesity is a common disorder accompanied by a low-grade chronic inflammation and is considered a risk factor for liver and heart diseases. The present study aimed to investigate whether an olive oil-derivative enriched in N-acylethanolamines (Olaliamid, OLA) may protect dogs against obesity-induced comorbidities.

Results: Twenty-seven dogs of mixed breed and size with a body condition score ≥ 7/9 were included in the trial, once provided they were otherwise healthy.

An open-label pilot study on an adsorbent mousse containing adelmidrol in client-owned cats with feline atopic skin syndrome and associated seborrhoea.

Background: Besides pruritus and skin lesions, cats with feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS) may have seborrhoea.

Hypothesis/objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether an adsorbent mousse containing tapioca starch, adelmidrol and a nonpharmacological antimicrobial complex could decrease FASS-associated seborrhoea in cats.

Animals: Seven client-owned cats with FASS were included based on the presence of seborrhoea and pruritus (>4 cm on the validated feline pruritus Visual Analog Scale [VAScat]), regardless of the concomitant administration of antiallergic drugs, provided that they were used for ≥1 month before study entry and maintained unchanged.

Effect of a weight loss diet with or without Spirulina supplementation on serum lipids and antioxidant capacity of overweight dogs.

Obesity is a major health issue in dogs associated with disturbances in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. Spirulina has been shown to have hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects in various animal species. No such data regarding dogs are available, however.

Effects of a Protocol Combining a Non-Irritating Shampoo and an Adelmidrol-Based Adsorbent Mousse on Seborrhoea and Other Signs and Symptoms Secondary to Canine Atopic Dermatitis: A Multicenter, Open-Label Uncontrolled Clinical Trial.

The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of a gentle shampoo and a mousse containing Adelmidrol, tapioca starch and a non-prescription antimicrobial complex on seborrhoea and other clinical signs secondary to canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). Forty-six dogs with cAD-associated seborrhoea and/or pruritus > 4 cm on the pruritus visual analogue scale (P-VAS) and/or bacterial/ overgrowth were enrolled. The mousse was applied twice daily, and dogs were evaluated at days (D)0, 7, 14 and optionally 28, by means of a skin seborrheic index (SSI), P-VAS, cAD lesion index (CADLI), and a semiquantitative cytological score.

Effect of an Enteroprotective Complementary Feed on Faecal Markers of Inflammation and Intestinal Microbiota Composition in Weaning Puppies.

Weaning entails numerous modifications of the intestinal structure and microbiota composition, making puppies at high risk of sickness during this delicate life stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a four-week administration of a supplement composed of ultramicronised Palmitoylethanolamide, bovine colostrum and (Normalia Extra, Innovet Italia Srl, Saccolongo, Italy) on markers of gut health and microbiome of weaning puppies. Twenty-nine four-week-old Golden Retriever puppies were randomly assigned to control (CG, = 13) and treated (TG, = 16) groups.

Oral Palatability and Owners' Perception of the Effect of Increasing Amounts of Spirulina () in the Diet of a Cohort of Healthy Dogs and Cats.

The nutraceutical supplementation of Spirulina () in dogs and cats has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the dietary supplementation of increasing amounts of Spirulina for 6 weeks is palatable to pets and to assess the owner's perception of such supplementation. The owners of the 60 dogs and 30 cats that participated in this study were instructed to daily provide Spirulina tablets starting with a daily amount of 0.

Characterization of intestinal microbiota in normal weight and overweight Border Collie and Labrador Retriever dogs.

Obesity in dogs is an emerging issue that affects canine health and well-being. Its development is ascribed to several factors, including genetic predisposition and dietary management, and recent evidence suggests that intestinal microbiota may be involved as well. Previous works have shown obesity to be linked to significant changes in gut microbiota composition in humans and mice, but only limited information is available on the role played by canine gut microbiota.

A Survey among Dog and Cat Owners on Pet Food Storage and Preservation in the Households.

Background: Pet food storage plays a crucial role in maintaining the nutritional and sensory properties of purchased products over time.

Methods: An online survey was developed to collect data regarding owners' storage habits for both commercial and home-made diets.

Results: The questionnaire was completed by 1545 dog owners and 676 cat owners.

Evaluation of microbial contamination and effects of storage in raw meat-based dog foods purchased online.

Feeding raw-meat-based diets to companion animals has become a widespread practice, and many owners are now accustomed to buying frozen ingredients online. The goals of this study were to assess the microbiological quality of raw-meat dog foods obtained from specialized websites and to evaluate the effects of storage at different temperatures for a few days. Twenty-nine raw dog food products were processed for quantitative bacteriology (i.

A Randomized Double Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of a Probiotic or Metronidazole for Acute Canine Diarrhea.

Acute diarrhea is a common, often self-limiting, cause of presentation for veterinary care, yet there is a paucity of data on frequently-prescribed treatments. The purpose of this randomized, double blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial was to compare two anecdotally-recommended treatments: a probiotic combination and metronidazole. Sixty dogs without concurrent comorbidities were randomized into three treatment groups.

Raw meat-based diets for dogs: survey of owners' motivations, attitudes and practices.

Background: The popularity of raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) for pets has been increasing in recent years even if the reputed health benefits are mainly anecdotal. A web-based survey was developed to better understand the motivations and habits of owners who decided to feed their dogs RMBDs.

Results: The questionnaire was completed by 218 dog owners, 62 of whom were living with people whose immune system was impaired or weakened.

Undeclared animal species in dry and wet novel and hydrolyzed protein diets for dogs and cats detected by microarray analysis.

Background: Although the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) stated that labels must be accurate and provide detailed information on the ingredients, mislabeling of pet food has been documented by several authors. This phenomenon is of particular concern when related to products used as elimination diets for the diagnosis of adverse food reaction (AFR) in dogs and cats because the presence of undeclared ingredients may negatively interfere with the trial and prevent the veterinarian from making an appropriate diagnosis. The aim of this study was to shed light upon the problem of contamination and mislabeling in both dry and wet novel protein diets (NPDs) and hydrolyzed protein diets (HPDs) using a microarray-based commercial kit which tests for the presence of 19 animal species.

Study of ingredients and nutrient composition of commercially available treats for dogs.

Forty-one dog treats were selected from the market with the aim of providing more insight into supplemental pet food composition. Thirty-two products (four biscuits, nine tender treats, two meat-based strips, five rawhides, eight chewable sticks, four dental care sticks) were analysed for proximate nutrient composition and quantification of minerals, hydroxyproline (Hyp), starch, glucose, fructose and sucrose. Labelled ingredients were often expressed as non-specific categories.