PSXI-10 - Macronutrient and Protein Quality Evaluation of Novel Mammalian Proteins for Canine and Feline Nutrition

Abstract: The use of novel protein sources has become a popular human food trend and with the continued humanization of pets, these trends have been followed in the petfood industry. There is limited data regarding the macronutrient composition and overall quality of novel mammalian proteins. In this study, beef, yak, camel, kangaroo, and wild boar were analyzed for chemical composition, amino acid (AA) digestibility, and calculation of digestible indispensable amino acid scores (DIAAS-like) by application of the precision fed cecectomized rooster assay. Dry matter values were >90% and crude protein was greatest in yak meat (95%). Yak meat also contained the least amount of total fat at 11% whereas the greatest amount was found in beef at 57%. The standardized AA digestibility values were determined to be highly digestible as all values were >81%. The reference proteins used for DIAAS-like calculations were based on the Association of American Feed Control officials (AAFCO) nutrient profile and National Research Council (NRC) recommended allowances for adult dogs and cats at maintenance. The DIAAS-like values were >100% for yak and camel meat and were determined to be high quality for dogs. In cats, all proteins received DIAAS-like scores >100% except for wild boar. Tryptophan and methionine were most often the first-limiting acids for both dogs and cats.