Soy Protein Sources for Dogs
The University of Illinois conducted a study comparing various sources of soy protein to poultry meal in dog diets. Diets were formulated with the following protein sources: soybean meal, soy flour, aqueous-alcohol extracted soy protein concentrate, extruded soy protein concentrate, modified molecular weight soy protein concentrate and poultry meal. The protein sources varied in protein and fat, but the diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Nutrient intakes were similar for all diets with the exception that the dog consuming the poultry meal diet had lower intake of total dietary fiber. Ileal digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, fat, and total dietary fiber were not significantly different, however, crude protein digestibility tended to be higher for the plant protein ingredient than poultry meal. Similar trends were observed in total track digestibilities. Fecal weight (fresh or dry weight) was higher for the soy flour treatment and the various soy protein concentrates were similar to the poultry meal treatment. The authors concluded that soybean protein concentrates are a viable alternative to poultry meal as a protein source for premium canine diets.
Clapper, G.M., C.M. Grieshop, N.R. Merchen, J.C. Russett and G.C. Fahey. 2000. Soybean protein products affect nutrient digestibilities and fecal characteristics of dogs J. Animal Sci. 78:Suppl.1 (abstract 803).
