Fiber but not conjugated linoleic acid influences adiposity in dogs.

Author: Jewell DE, Toll PW, Azain MJ, Lewis RD, Edwards GL

Author affiliation: Hills Science and Technology Center, PO Box 1658, Topeka, KS 66601, USA.

Publication date & source: 2006.06, Vet Ther., 7(2):78-85.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Feeding obese dogs a high-fiber food with or without added conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) resulted in reduced caloric consumption, reduced body weight, and a 3.3% reduction in body fat, whereas feeding a low-fiber food resulted in a comparable increase in caloric consumption and a 2.4% gain in body fat. The addition of CLA did not significantly affect food intake, energy intake, final lean body percent, change in lean body percent, or final fat percent. These results suggest that the addition of dietary fiber but not CLA to foods may be helpful in the treatment of canine obesity.