Cereal flour incorporation into premium diets fed to ileal cannulated dogs

Cereal grains represent 30-60% of the dry matter (DM) in companion animal diets. Once incorporated into a diet, the starch component of these grains can provide an excellent source of metabolizable energy. However, crystallinity and form of the starch are variable and can cause incomplete digestion within the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of selected cereal grains with varying starch forms, types, and concentrations, on nutrient intake, digestion before the terminal ileum, and total tract digestibilities by dogs. The six grain flours incorporated into the diets were corn, rice, potato, barley, wheat, and sorghum. Flours varied widely in concentrations of crude protein (CP), fat, starch, and total dietary fiber. Heal organic matter (OM) and CP digestibilities were lowest for potato (74%;64%) versus all other diets. Starch digestibilities were significantly different among treatments; however the starch component of all diets was nearly completely digested (> 99%). Total tract digestibility of DM and OM was lowest for sorghum (80%;84%) when compared to all other diets. Crude protein digestibility was highest for corn (87%). Fecal scores were consistently higher (looser) for the barley treatment. Substitution of any of these flour sources could be made in place of the traditional cornstarch without negative effects on digestion at either the ileum or in the total tract.