Puppy stage is a critical period oI dog's liIe cycle as it requires more

nutrition. During this time period, puppy requires more than 28 oI

protein and energy density oI less than 3.5 kcal ME/g DM. Dog Iood is
material intended Ior consumption by the domestic dog. Dogs are able to
healthily digest a variety oI Ioods. The remarkable adaptability oI the dog
has led to the successIul use oI commercial diets that diIIer widely in their
ingredient composition. The pet Iood industry has well established
markets in developed countries like United States but it plays minor role in
developing countries like in Sri Lanka. ThereIore, this study was carried
out with the objectives oI Iormulating a palatable dog-Iood using locally
available ingredients in Sri Lanka at lower price level, which conIirm the
main nutritional requirements and to determine its inIluence on growth
rate oI local breeds. Maize, Rice Ilour, Rice polish, Animal Iat, Soya bean
meal, Fish meal, Hypro meal, Chicken, Eggs, Baking soda and Vitamin
premixes were the ingredients used in dog Iood Iormulation. Atotal oI 08
puppies, between 06-08 weeks oI age were selected Ior the study. Body
weight was measured using weighing scale and serum electrolyte
concentrations were measured to determine nutritional status. Sensory
evaluation was perIormed Ior dog Ieces and skin/coat condition. The body
weight and Ieed intake had a signiIicant (P0.05) and positively
associated relationship (r 0.84, P 0.000). The mean growth rate oI
puppies which were Ied using Iormulated Ieed was 0.088 kg/day + 0.038
whereas 0.025 kg/day + 0.006 was the mean growth rate oI puppies which
were Ied using homemade diets in Iirst trial. The current study Iound that
the mean growth rate was 0.0586 kg/day + 0.022 in Iormulated Ieed group
whereas 0.0628 kg/day + 0.019 was the weight gain in imported Ieed
group in second Ieed trial. Sensory evaluation results revealed better mean
scores Ior sensory attributes in dog Ieces and skin/coat condition in
Iormulated Ieed group. In conclusion, Iormulated puppy Ieed had positive
association with growth rate, electrolyte concentration and sensory
attributes oI skin/coat condition and dog Ieces.
Key words: Puppy stage, Formulation, Dog Ieed, Locally available
ingredients, Pellets
Dog Iood is material intended Ior consumption by the domestic dog
(Canis lupus familiaris) which is one oI the most widely kept working and
companion animals in human history. OI the total production oI pet Iood,
dog Iood accounted 61 in 2007 (www.petIoodindustry.com, 2008). In
the world pet Iood industry, the leading exporters oI pet Ioods were France
($993 million), United States ($786 million) and Netherland ($511
million) while the leading importers were Japan ($718 million), Germany
($617 million) and the UK($563 million). In 2007, global sales oI cat and
dog Iood totaled US$ 45.12 billion, a growth oI 4.9 Irom the previous
year (www.petIoodindustry.com, 2008). The Association oI American
Feed Control OIIicials (AAFCO) is a commercial enterprise which
attempts to regulate the quality and saIety oI pet Iood. AAFCOregulations
Ior pet Iood include requirements regarding product names, Ilavor
designations, guaranteed analysis, nutritional adequacy statements,
proper ingredient names, and other aspects oI labeling. The remarkable
adaptability oI the dog has led to the successIul use oI commercial diets
that diIIer widely in their ingredient composition. Commercial dog Ioods
are oI the three basic types. Dry type dog Ioods contains l o w i n
moisture content (usually about 10-12), Semi moist dog Ioods are
moderate in moisture content (usually 25-30) whereas Canned Dog
Ioods highin moisture content (usually 74-78)(Mcellhiney R.R.,1994).
Dog's unique nutritional requirement varies with age, breed, gender,
activity, temperament, environment and metabolism. From a nutritional
stand point, growth is the most critical time in a dog's liIe. By two months
oI age, pups can be Ied using puppy Iood. They are in an important phase
oI liIe-growth; skeletal development is at its peak Ior the Iirst six months
oI liIe (National academy oI sciences, 1974). Puppies in their active
growth phase should be Ied a high-quality diet that meets their speciIic
nutritional needs (National research counsil, 2006). Growing dogs exhibit
omnivorous Ieeding behavior and thereIore, their diet should be
comprised oI proteins, carbohydrates, Iats, vitamins and minerals in
correct proportions. Apuppy Iood that meets these requirements is called a
'Complete or 'Balanced diet. The amount oI Iood a puppy requires changes
during growth and depends on the puppy's nutritional deIiciencies and/or
imbalances during this period are more devastating than at any other time
(National academy oI sciences, 1974). During this phase, dog develops a
Iunctioning immune system, dramatically adds bone and muscle mass, and
developing proper socialization behaviors all the while. There is no more
critical time to ensure proper nutrition. Growth diets have been Iormulated to
meet the increased requirements oI puppies. The more reputable brands are
available at the market Ior growing puppy to ensure that they support healthy
growth. But in developing countries like Sri Lanka, due to lowincome levels,
dog Ioods are not very popular among the pet owners. Because, most oI
available imported brands are high in price. ThereIore, this study was carried
out to Iormulate the puppy Ieed using locally available ingredients at lower
price level with which conIirm the main nutritional requirements.
METHDOLOGY
Study Design and Study Period
This study was conducted as an experimental study, during the period oI
March to June, 2009 to Iormulate the dog Ieed using locally available
ingredients.
Study Sample
Apparently 08 healthy puppies that were in the age range oI 6 to 8 weeks were
selected purposeIully. Puppies were divided in to two groups which were
having same total weight based on individual body weight.
Materials
All ingredients which required preparing dog Ieed (maize, rice Ilour, rice
polish, animal Iat, soya bean meal, chicken, Iish meal, hypro meal, eggs,
vitamin premixes and baking soda) were purchased Irom commercial stores.
Maize and soya bean meal were ground in to powder Iorm. Animal Iat was
turned into liquid Iorm using heat treatment. Chicken Ilesh was grounded and
minced.
Preparation of dog feed
The ingredients were weighed using a kitchen scale.
Figure 1: Dog Ieed preparation procedure
Data collection
Determination oI weight
Weight was determined using the weighing scale. Subjects were hanged using
thread and measurements were recorded to the nearest 100 g.
Determination oI Ieed intake
Daily Ieed requirement was determined using standards according to body
Formulation of dog food using locally available ingredients
Dilrukshi H.N.N., 1ayaweera B.P.A. & Gamika A.Prathapasinghe
Department of Livestock and Avian Sciences, Faculty of Livestock, Fisheries and Nuitrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
Copyright 2009 Society of Animal Science, Department of Livestock & Avian Science, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. http://www.wayambajournal.com
P1
Wayamba Journal of Animal Science - ISSN :2012-578X; P1-P5, 2009
First Submitted September 09, 2009; Number 1251889590
weight.
kg puppy needs 1000 kcal/ME per day (Nutrient requirement oI dogs
andcats, National academic press)
Daily Ieedintake was recorded using remaining amount.
During month oI April two groups oI puppies were Ied using homemade
diets and Iormulated Ieeds. AIter one week oI Ilush up, homemade diet
group was replaced by imported Ieed.
Determination oI electrolyte concentrations in blood serum
3-5 ml oI blood was taken Irom every puppy and those were centriIuged
1000 r.p.m Ior 05 minutes. Serum was separated and sent to PetsVcare
animal hospital Ior electrolyte analysis.
Sensory evaluation
Three types oI sensory evaluation tests were carried out with thirty Iive
untrainedpanelists.
First 5 points Hedonic scale tests were perIormed to evaluate the skin/
coat condition and texture, color and odor oI dog Ieces oI two treatment
groups.
Palatability test was perIormed by using two- pan Iree choice test.
Proximate analysis
Proximate analysis was done Ior the crude protein and energy was
calculated using bomb calorimeter.
Statistical analysis
Statistical analysis was done using Minitab15 soItware.
Non parametric Friedman test was used to analyze the sensory
evaluation data using MINITAB soItware. (Test is signiIicant at
)
RESULTS
A total oI 8 puppies were recruited to the study oI Iormulation oI dog
Ieed using locally available ingredients. Growth rate, Ieed intake, blood
parameters, cost condition and sensory evaluation data were used in
analysis in this report.
Characteristics of the sample
The total sample obtained, consisted oI 07 Iemales and 01
male aged06-08 weeks.
Growth performances
Puppies in group number 01 were Ied using Iormulated Ieed
andgroup number 02 was Ied using homemade diets.
Table 1: Growth perIormances oI puppies during Iirst Ieed
trial (03 weeks)

Figure 3: Increase oI body weight (kg) with the time (weeks) in group
number 01

Figure 4: Increase oI body weight (kg) with the time (weeks) in group
number 02
Table 2: Mean growth rate (kg/day) values oI two groups oI puppies (n8)
t- test Ior the diIIerence between growth rates oI puppies were Ied using
homemade diets and Iormulated Ieed.
Body weight gain oI the group 01 was greater than that oI group 02. One
week oI Ilush up period was carried out Ior puppies Ied with homemade diet
group (group number 02) to be adapted to imported Ieed. Group number 01
was continuing with Iormulated Ieed as usual.
Table 3: Growth perIormances oI puppies during adaptation period (01
week)
Group
number
Code
number oI
puppy
Initial
weight
(kg)
Final
weight
(kg)
Weight
gain (kg) /
week
01a 3.0 5.9 0.967
01b 5.2 7.0 0.600
01c 5.0 5.9 0.300


01
01d 3.3 5.1 0.600
02a 2.8 3.3 0.167
02b 7.0 7.7 0.233
02c 3.8 4.3 0.167


02
02d 2.9 3.3 0.133


Treatment

Growth rate (kg/day)
Mean + SD

value

Homemade diets

0.049
1


Formulated Ieed

0.025 0.006

0.088 0.038



Group number Code number
oI puppy
Initial weight
(kg)
Final weight
(kg)
Weight gain
(kg) / week
01a 5.9 6.3 0.4
01b 7.0 7.1 0.1
01c 5.9 6.0 0.1


01
01d 5.1 5.5 0.4
02a 3.3 4.9 1.6
02b 7.7 8.9 1.2
02c 4.3 5.9 1.6


02
02d 3.3 4.0 0.7

P2
Copyright 2009 Society of Animal Science, Department of Livestock & Avian Science, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. http://www.wayambajournal.com
1
Table 4: Mean growth rate (kg/week) values oI two groups oI puppies
(n8) during adaptationperiod
1
t- test Ior the diIIerence between growth rates oI puppies were Ied
usingimported Ieed and Iormulated Ieed.
During the adaptation period puppies in group number 01 were
achieved weight gain in a signiIicantly higher rate than that oI group
number 02.
Table 5: Growth perIormances oI puppies during second Ieed trial (05
weeks)
Figure 4 shows the pattern oI growth oI puppies was Ied by Iormulated
Ieed during 35 days.
Figure 5: Increase oI body weight (kg) with the time (days)
Puppies in group number 01 have similar pattern oI growth. In the case
oI puppy numbered as 1a had gradually declining pattern oI growth,
nearly Ior 07 to 15 days. The reason Ior that was its suIIering Irom
bacterial disease.
Figure 5 shows the pattern oI growth oI puppies was Ied by imported
Ieed during 35 days.

Treatment

Growth rate (kg/week)
Mean + SD

value

Imported Feed

0.021
1


Formulated Ieed

1.27 0.427

0.25 0.173



0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35
Time Duration (Days)
B
o
d
y
W
e
i
g
h
t
(
K
g
)
1a
1b
1c
1d

Group number Code number
oI puppy
Initial weight
(kg)
Final weight
(kg)
Weight gain
(kg) / week
01a 6.3 7.4 0.22
01b 7.1 9.2 0.42
01c 6.0 8.0 0.40


01
01d 5.5 8.5 0.60
02a 4.9 6.2 0.26
02b 8.9 11.2 0.46
02c 5.9 8.8 0.58


02
02d 4.0 6.3 0.46

0
2
4
6
8
10
12
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35
Time Duration (Days)
B
o
d
y
W
e
i
g
h
t
(
K
g
)
2a
2b
2c
2d

Figure 6: Increase oI body weight (kg) with the time (days)
Table 6 Mean growth rate (kg) values oI two groups oI puppies (n8)
1
t- test Ior the diIIerence between growth rates oI puppies were Ied using
imported diets and Iormulated Ieed.
Results indicated, there was no signiIicant diIIerence oI growth rate oI
puppies were Ieusing imported diets and Iormulated Ieed.
Relationship between Ieed intake and body weight
As Iigure 4.2.5 shows, there was a positive relationship between Ieed intake
and body weight oI puppies in group number 01 which was signiIicant.
Figure 7: Regression analysis between Ieed intake and body weight(Group
no. 01)
Pearson correlation 0.864 (P-Value 0.000)
As same in group number 01, there was a positive relationship between Ieed
intake and body weight oI puppies in group number 02 which was signiIicant.
Figure 8: Regression analysis between Ieed intake and body weight(Group
no. 02)
Treatment

Growth rate (kg/day)
Mean + SD

P value

Imported Ieed

0.781
1

Formulated Ieed

0.0628 0.0189
0.0586 0.022

P3
Copyright 2009 Society of Animal Science, Department of Livestock & Avian Science, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. http://www.wayambajournal.com
P4
Copyright 2009 Society of Animal Science, Department of Livestock & Avian Science, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. http://www.wayambajournal.com

Dog Iood brand

Price (Rs/Kg)
Nutripet 1040
Pedegree 640
Eukanuba 500
Formulated Feed 160

Table 10: Prices oI dog Iood brands available at today's market and
price oI IormulatedIeed
Protein and Energymeasurements
Table 4.6.1 represents the AAFCO standards, which implementing
uniIorm and equitable regulation and standards Ior the manuIacture
and measurements oI energy and protein
Table 11: AAFCO standards, protein and energy measurements in
importedand Iormulated Ieed
DISCUSSION
The pet Iood industry has global business system which comprises with
developed and developing countries. Dog and cat Ioods play a major
role among the other pet Ioods. The developed countries have rapidly
expanding markets Ior pet Ioods than developing countries. The main
reason Ior this scenario is pet owners in developing countries do not
preIer Ior imported dog Ioods because oI its high price. Pet owners
oIten preIer dry Iood Ior reasons oI convenience and price. ThereIore,
this study was an experimental study designed to Iormulate a palatable,
dry dog-Iood using locally available ingredients Ior lower price levels
which conIirm the main nutritional requirements and to determine its
inIluence ongrowth rate and blood parameters oI local breeds.
The mean growth rate oI puppies in group number 01 which were Ied
using Iormulated Ieed, showed a signiIicantly higher value (0.088
kg/day + 0.038) than puppies in group number 02 (0.025 kg/day +
0.006) which were Ied using homemade diets. This could be due to
inadequate nutritional composition oI home made diets. During the
adaptation period there was signiIicantly higher growth rate (1.27
kg/week + 0.427) in group number 02 which were Ied using imported
Ieed than group number 01 ( 0.25 kg/week + 0.173). The present study
Iound that, there was no any signiIicant diIIerence in terms oI growth
rate oI puppies during second Ieed trial. The mean growth rate was
0.0586 kg/day + 0.022 in Iormulated Ieed group where 0.0628 kg/day +
0.019 was the weight gain in imported Ieed group. This may be the
consequence oI similar nutritional, mainly energy and protein balance
in Iormulated and imported Ieeds. The positive and signiIicant
relationship observed between body weight and Ieed intake.
Potassium, Calcium, Sodium, Chloride and Phosphorus are the
common electrolytes available in blood serum. Results revealed that,
there is no any diIIerence in terms oI concentration oI electrolytes in
bothIormulated and imported Ieed groups.
Pet owner's preIerence Ior dog Ioods varies according to some Iactors.
Those Iactors are age oI pet, activity level, breed, and health at the same
time some owners are considering some characteristics oI the dog
Ieces. To analyze the dog Ieces, used some oI common characteristics
oI Ieces such as texture, color and odor in sensory evaluation. That
study revealed a signiIicant diIIerence in texture and color but in the
case oI odor, there was no any diIIerence (Table 4.4.1). There is a strong
perception that skinand coat condition is an indicator oI an animal's
AAFCO standards Imported Feed Formulated Feed
Protein 28 32 30
Energy 3.5 - 4.0 Kcal/g 4.3 Kcal/g 3.3 Kcal/g

general well-being and the nutritional adequacy or superiority oI its diet. The
current study used evaluation table to measure the skin and coat condition
established by WALTHAM centre Ior pet nutrition in UK (Appendix 01).
According to the study results Iormulated group scored mean values in
between 0 and 2 Ior gloss, soItness and optimum coat Ieel which indicates
those attributes better than imported group. This could be due to superiority
oI Iormulated Ieed over the imported Ieed in terms oI micronutrients such as
essential Iatty acids. Two- pan, Iree choice test was used as palatability test
(Plate 4.3.3.1). 'First choice indicates the diet Iirst consumed and 'Iirst
approach indicates the diet Iirst examined and smelled. In the study
population, 67.85 oI subjects had Iirst choice Ior Iormulated Ieed. Imported
Ieed showed 69.64 as Iirst approach (Figure 4.4.3.1). This revealed there
should be enhancement oI palatability in Iormulated Ieeds.
Cost analysis is an important event in newproduct development. To produce
01 kilogram oI Iormulated Ieed, it costed around 160 rupees. Most oI the
commonly available dog Iood brands cost more than 500 rupees/kilogram at
present market (Table 4.5.2).
Association oI American Feed Control OIIicials (AAFCO) is the responsible
body to provide a mechanism Ior developing and implementing uniIorm and
equitable laws, regulations, standards and enIorcement policies Ior
regulating the manuIacture, distribution and sale oI animal Ieeds. According
to the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient ProIiles Published in 2008, puppy Iood
should contain energy density oI less than 3.5 kcal ME/g DM (metabolizable
energy/gram dry matter) and minimum protein 28. Formulated Ieed
contains 3.3 kcal ME/g DM and 30 oI protein whereas imported Ieed
contains 4.3 kcal ME/g DM and 32 oI protein.
CONCLUSION
In this study the positive and signiIicant relationship observed between body
weight and Ieed intake. The mean growth rate oI puppies that were Ied using
Iormulated Ieed was 0.088 kg/day + 0.038 whereas 0.025 kg/day + 0.006 was
the mean growth rate oI puppies that were Ied using homemade diets in Iirst
trial. The current study Iound that, the mean growth rate was 0.0586 kg/day +
0.022 in Iormulated Ieed group whereas 0.0628 kg/day + 0.019 was the
weight gain in imported Ieed group in second Ieed trial. There is no any
signiIicance in terms oI electrolyte concentration in blood serum in
Iormulated and imported Ieed trials. Sensory evaluation results revealed
better mean scores Ior sensory attributes in dog Ieces and skin/coat condition
in Iormulated Ieed group. Two-pan Iree choice test results shows, there
should be an enhancement oI palatability in Iormulated Ieed. Protein and
energy measurements oI Iormulated Ieed
RIFERENCES
1) Ad hoc committee on dog and cat nutrition, Committee on Animal
Nutrition, Board on agriculture and natural resources, Division oI earth
and liIe studies and national research counsil. (2006). Nutrient
th
requirements of dogs and cats. http://books.nap.edu (accessed 24 April
2009)
2) Association oI American Feed Control oIIicials, (2009) Electronic
reIerences. Retrieved March 20, 2009 Irom http://www.aaIco.org
th
3) MCellhiney R.R.(1994). Feed manufacturing technology. (4
ed).Ammerican Ieed industry association
4) National academy oI sciences. (1974). Nutrient Requirement of Dogs.
Wasington,D.C.
5) National research council oI the national academies. (2006). Your dogs
nutritional needs. National academies press
6) Pet Iood industry, (2009) Electronic reIerence. Retrieved April 23, 2009
Irom http://www.petIoodindustry.com
7) Pond,W.G., Church, D.C. and Pond K.R.(1995). Basic Animal Nutrition
th
and Feeding. (4 ed). John wiley and sons, Newyork:p.531-53
8) The internet animal hospital, (2009). Electronic reIerence. Retrieved July
28, 2009 Irom http://www.thepetcenter.com
P5
Copyright 2009 Society of Animal Science, Department of Livestock & Avian Science, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. http://www.wayambajournal.com