Evaluation of zeolite inclusion and level of food intake on diet digestibility and faecal characteristics of dogs

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the form of inclusion of zeolite and consumption levels on diet digestibility and fecal characteristics of dogs. The first experiment examined the effect of consumption level (normal and 50% higher than the requirements) and zeolite level (0 and 15g/kg) on diet digestibility and fecal characteristics of 12 dogs. In experiment 2 the inclusion of 5, 15 and 25g/kg of added zeolite in dough or coating in six dogs on diet digestibility and fecal characteristics was evaluated. The third experiment assessed the fecal odor of nine dogs fed diets containing 0 and 15g/kg of zeolite included in the dough or coating. The amount consumed, as well as the inclusion of zeolite, did not affect diet digestibility. Fecal score and dry matter increased with the inclusion of zeolite. The inclusion of zeolite in the dough provided an increase in diet digestibility, regardless of the level of inclusion. The inclusion of 15g/kg zeolite added to the dough and by coating reduced fecal odor of dogs. The inclusion of zeolite in dough increases diet digestibility, fecal consistency, and reduces the fecal odor of dogs.