Dry food affects the oxidative/antioxidant profile of dogs

BACKGROUND: Including adequate concentrations of antioxidants in dog diets has been recommended to reduce their vulnerability to the action of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress in dogs has been associated with a wide range of diseases and disorders, as well as with ageing. There are few reports about the influence of diet on dog's antioxidant profile and oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of four types of dry dog food on the oxidative/antioxidant profile of dogs. METHODS: Six Beagle dog males were used. The study included four experimental diets (dry foods A–D). Each dry food was supplied for 5 weeks to all dogs, for a total of 24 weeks, including an adaptation week between one food and another. For each dry dog food, the total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Each week, a blood sample was collected to measure ROS and TAC of plasma. A crossover repeated measures design was used. Mixed models were adjusted, and means were compared using the Tukey test. RESULTS: Food A had the highest values for TPC and TAC. Food C had the lowest levels of ROS, whereas food B had the highest TAC in the blood plasma. The dog had a significant influence on the redox state of its blood plasma, even when the same dog was fed the different dry foods. CONCLUSION: Dry dog food influences the oxidative/antioxidant profile of dog's blood plasma; however, this seems to be unrelated to the antioxidant profile of the food.