John E Bauer

Texas A&M University | TAMU · Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences

Common beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a nutrient-dense, low glycemic index food that supports healthy weight management in people and was examined for dogs. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and nutrient utilisation of navy (NB) and black (BB) bean-based diets in overweight or obese comp...

Monk parrots (Myiopsitta monachus) were hand-fed over two chick seasons spanning of 2010 to 2011. Information from the growth curve of chicks hand-fed in 2010 was used to develop a feeding protocol for the 2011 season (Protocol-2011). This protocol addressed the problems of delayed followed by excessive growth experienced by parrots hand fed in 201...

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.), are a safe and digestible source of macro- and micro- nutrients for dogs and supply phytochemicals that are associated with improving human and animal health. In this study, we utilized a targeted and non-targeted metabolomic approach to evaluate dietary cooked navy bean powder (25% weight/weight) as part of t...

Renee M Streeter,1 Angela M Struble,1 Sabine Mann,2 Daryl V Nydam,2 John E Bauer,3 Marta G Castelhano,1 Rory J Todhunter,1 Bethany P Cummings,4 Joseph J Wakshlag11Department of Clinical Sciences, 2Department of Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA; 3Department of Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M Unive...

Arachidonic acid (ARA) is essential in felines because conversion of dietary linoleic acid (LA) to ARA is rate-limited by low Δ6-desaturase. Dietary γ-linolenic acid (GLA) may serve as an ARA precursor by-passing this initial rate-limiting step. This possibility was investigated using twenty-six adult female domestic shorthair cats divided into thr...

The purpose of this review is to clarify the definition of "natural" as it pertains to commercial pet food, and summarize the scientific findings related to natural ingredients in pet foods and natural diets on the impact of pet health and physiology. The term "natural", when used to market commercial pet foods or pet food ingredients in the U.S.,...

Monk parrots (Myiopsitta monachus) are susceptible to atherosclerosis, a progressive disease characterized by the formation of plaques in the arteries accompanied by underlying chronic inflammation. The family of n-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA), have consistently been shown to...

Rice bran chemical profiles differ across rice varieties and have not yet been analysed for differential chemopreventive bioactivity. A diverse panel of seven rice bran varieties was analysed for growth inhibition of human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Inhibition varied from 0% to 99%, depending on the variety of bran used. Across varieties, total...

Atherosclerosis is a disease that occurs in many avian species commonly presented to veterinarians. Many risk factors for atherosclerosis are well defined in mammals, but not in avian species. Dietary nutrients can play a large role in reducing the severity and prevalence of atherosclerosis in both avian and mammalian species. Information on the ef...

Echoes are frequently seen in the urinary bladder of cats during abdominal ultrasound. These have been attributed to hematuria, pyuria, crystalluria, and lipid. However, sonographic findings have not been previously correlated with urinalysis. We prospectively evaluated 40 clinically normal cats via ultrasound, serum chemistry, and urinalysis. Thin...

The effect of α-linolenic acid from a flaxseed (FLX)-enriched diet on plasma lipid and fatty acid metabolism and possible atherosclerosis risk factors was studied in Monk parrots (Myiopsitta monachus). Twenty-four Monk parrots were randomly assigned to diets containing either 10% ground SUNs or 10% ground FLXs. Feed intake was calculated daily. Blo...

Fish oil omega-3 fatty acids, mainly eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, are used in the management of several diseases in companion animal medicine, many of which are inflammatory in nature. This review describes metabolic differences among omega-3 fatty acids and outlines potential adverse effects that may occur with their supplementa...

Objective-To evaluate the combined effects of a dietary fiber and carnitine supplement using a commercially available canned dog supplement on satiety, weight loss, and lipid metabolism. Design-A randomized, crossover design (satiety study) and randomized complete block design (weight loss study) Sample Population-12 (satiety study) and 7 (weight l...

Obesity increases insulin resistance and disregulation of glucose homeostasis. This study investigated low glycemic index starch (LGIS)/diacylglycerol (DAG) diet on plasma insulin and circulating incretin hormones during canine weight loss. Obese Beagle dogs were fed one of four starch/oil combination diets (LGIS/DAG; LGIS/triacylglycerol (TAG); hi...

Objective: To describe an entire litter of kittens with severe hyperlipidemia and subsequent successful, low-cost treatment that included high protein enteral support and parasite control. Previous case studies of similarly affected kittens have focused on a genetic etiology and on advanced interventions. The role of negative energy balance and ad...

Because fatty acid (FA) metabolism of cats is unique, effects of dietary fish and vegetable oil supplementation on plasma lipids, lipoproteins, lecithin/cholesterol acyl transferase activities, and plasma phospholipid and esterified cholesterol (EC) FAs were investigated. Cats were fed a commercial diet supplemented with 8 g oil/100 g diet for 4 we...

Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Fabaceae) are a low glycemic index food containing protein, fiber, minerals, essential vitamins, and bioactive compounds and have not been evaluated for inclusion in commercial canine diets. The objective of this study was to establish the apparent total tract digestibility and safety of cooked navy bean powder whe...

The effect of diets containing either 18-carbon n-3 fatty acids (FA) or 20/22-carbon n-3 FA on canine plasma and neutrophil membrane fatty acid composition, superoxide and leukotriene B₄ and B₅ production when fed at the same n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio was investigated. Four groups of ten dogs each were fed a low fat basal diet supplemented with saff...

Cats have limited Δ6 desaturase activity. However, γ-linolenate (GLA) feeding may by-pass the Δ6 desaturase step allowing arachidonate (ARA) accumulation via Δ5-desaturation. Alternatively, high dietary linoleate (LNA) may induce limited Δ6 desaturase also resulting in ARA accumulation. Fatty acid profiles were determined after feeding high LNA, hi...

An opportunity to investigate a low-arachidonic acid (AA) feline diet possibly related to elevated peroxide value (PV) during storage on plasma phospholipid (PL) and reproductive tissue fatty acid (FA) profiles presented itself in the present study. Cats (nine animals per group) had been fed one of three dry extruded, complete and balanced diets fo...

Neutering is often associated with obesity in companion animals. However, the maintenance energy requirement (MER) for these animals has not been clearly defined. The present study investigated the MER for spayed cats whose body weights (BW) began to increase shortly after ovariohysterectomy. A total of twenty-two shorthair adult female cats were f...

Faecal moisture content can determine whether faeces appear soft or firm, and faecal character can influence whether owners are satisfied with a dog food. In a previous study, dogs appeared to produce softer faeces after noon. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether time of defecation affected canine faecal water content. A total...

This study evaluates the effect of dietary protein content on renal parameters in 23 healthy spayed female cats. The objective was to determine if cats eating diets high in protein will have higher serum urea nitrogen (UN) and creatinine values without a detectable change in kidney function, as assessed by urinalysis. A single random cross-over des...

In this study, we investigated a combination of a low glycemic index starch (LGIS) and diacylglycerol (DAG) on lipid, lipoprotein (LP) metabolism, and weight management. Obese, intact female adult Beagle dogs were assigned to 1 of 4 starch/oil combination diets [LGIS/DAG (LD); LGIS/triacylglycerol (TAG); high glycemic index starch (HGIS)/DAG; and H...

To determine possible diet aversion and lipid and lipoprotein alterations in cats fed diets containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). 19 clinically normal adult female cats. Cats were assigned to 2 groups (low MCT diet [n = 10] and high MCT diet [9]) and fed the diets for 9 weeks according to metabolic body weight (100 kcal of metabolizable ene...

Many avian species naturally develop or are easily induced to develop atherosclerosis. Various studies have explored the effect of providing supplemental unsaturated fatty acids in an attempt to reduce atherosclerosis, with omega-3 fatty acids providing the most promising results.

Feline degenerative joint disease (DJD) is common and there are no approved therapies for the alleviation of the associated pain. To test a diet high in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content and supplemented with green-lipped mussel extract and glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate (test-diet) for its pain-relieving and acti...

A study was conducted in dogs to assess n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid incorporation after feeding an alpha-linolenic (ALA)-rich flaxseed supplemented diet (FLX) for 84 days. Serum total phospholipids (PL), triacylglycerol (TG), and cholesteryl esters (CE) were isolated at selected times and fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed. Increa...

Racing dogs are often fed raw meat. Raw meat may become oxidized because it contains no preservatives but few studies have examined the effect of feeding oxidized food to dogs. This study was originally designed to determine the effect of different concentrations of dietary fat on greyhound performance. After the experiment had been completed, howe...

The relationship between lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity and weight loss in dogs was investigated. Four experimental weight-loss diets were fed to 12 obese female beagles for 56 days in a partial crossover design (n = 6). High- (HGI) or low- (LGI) glycemic index starch and diacylglycerol or triacylglycerol oils were combined to...

For the purpose of investigating the mechanism of obesity-induction/re-induction including weight-cycling in beagles, a study was conducted using commercially available dog food combined with human food to mimic at home-snacking and diet-supplementation behaviours. Adult female beagles, which had free access to water and exercise, were used (n = 9)...

The nature of the hyperlipemia in two 3-week-old male kittens, one of which was presented with the owner's complaints of retarded growth and white streaks on its eyes, was studied. Hypertriglyceridemia, hyper-cholesterolemia, and reduced Post-Heparin Plasma Lipolytic Activities (PHPLA) were observed in both animals. One of the kittens, however, was...

It is generally believed that diets containing increased amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) result in improved canine skin and hair coat (SHC). However, the extent to which dietary fat amount and type play a role remains to be systematically investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of both increased dietary f...

The fatty acid (FA) patterns of plasma/serum triglycerides (TG), phospholipids (PL) and cholesteryl esters (CE) of captive and free-ranging black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis) were investigated. Free-ranging animals (n = 28) stemmed from four different regions. Captive animals sampled included specimens from North American (n = 11) and three diff...

To evaluate the effect of diets enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on in vivo production of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and platelet-activating factor (PAF) in dogs. 15 young healthy dogs. Dogs were randomly allocated to receive an isocaloric ration supp...

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and other marine sources appear to be capable of modifying inflammatory and immune responses in dogs. Information is provided on the capacity of dogs to metabolize omega-3 fatty acids and the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on skin and coat, inflammatory responses, and neurologic development in puppies.

Lymphocyte proliferation and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) production of PGE(2) were assayed in 15 healthy dogs fed a basal diet supplemented with either sunflower oil (Group Sunflower oil), sunflower oil and menhaden fish oil (Group Fish oil), or sunflower oil and menhaden fish oil plus alpha-tocopherol acetate for 12 weeks (Group Fish...

Semen samples were collected from six fertile stallions and seven stallions with unexplained infertility. Percentages of motile sperm (77.5 +/- 11.3 versus 67.5 +/- 12.2, P = 0.2), and progressively motile sperm (70.8 +/- 13.6 versus 60.7 +/- 14.0, P = 0.2) were similar between fertile and subfertile stallions, respectively. Morphologic characteris...

Obesity in dogs and cats have been increasingly recognized in recent years. Because obesity underlies various diseases, pet owners and veterinarians have an important responsibility to help animals lose weight and maintain their health. Diet therapy, however, is typically based on limited calorie intake and animals may suffer stress from hunger and...

Dietary effects on skin and hair coat were investigated in dogs. Twenty-four normal adult dogs were acclimated to a commercial diet (9% fat as is) for 12 weeks (phase I). For the next 12 weeks (phase II), the dogs were divided into three groups and fed one of three treatment diets (13% fat as is). Phase II diets used similar ingredients and similar...

Analysis of data in puppies has revealed that feeding diets enriched in DHA to the dams during gestation and lactation and after weaning results in the accumulation of DHA in plasma lipids, which is associated with improvements in neurologic development, as indicated by the ERG response. Additional evidence has also emerged that indicates diets or...

Alterations of plasma lipids and lipoproteins occur during mammalian pregnancy and reproduction. This study investigated the effects of dietary fatty acids on plasma lipid and lipoprotein alterations during canine gestation, lactation, and the neonatal period. Four diets containing varying amounts of alpha-linolenic acid relative to marine-based (n...

Long-chain PUFAs (LCPUFAs) are essential for proper neural and retinal development in many mammalian species. We investigated puppies born to dogs fed diets containing varying amounts of vegetable and marine (n-3) fatty acids during gestation/lactation. The fatty acid compositions of dogs' milk and puppy plasma phospholipids were evaluated, and ele...

Fifteen healthy dogs received a basal diet supplemented with either 12.4 g of sunflower oil, 0.6 g of sunflower oil and 7 g of menhaden fish oil, or 0.6 g of sunflower oil and 7 g of menhaden fish oil plus 0.18 g of alpha-tocopherol acetate for twelve weeks. There was no significant diet effect on platelet aggregation, lipid peroxidation, or standa...

Hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) is a phyllosilicate clay commonly used as an anticaking agent in animal feeds. HSCAS tightly and selectively adsorbs aflatoxin. In 1998, 55 dogs died in Texas after eating dog food containing aflatoxin (150-300 ppb). The corn in the diets was contaminated with aflatoxin. Six dogs were given a low-leve...

To test the hypothesis that exchange of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) for long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) in the diet of dogs with well-managed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) changes serum biochemical variables and to subjectively assess the well-being of dogs with EPI in response to experimental diets. 21 dogs with EPI and 6 healthy c...

Young adult heterozygous (carrier) female dogs with X-linked hereditary nephropathy (XLHN) have glomerular proteinuria but are otherwise healthy. Because data regarding dietary influences on the magnitude of proteinuria in dogs with spontaneous glomerular disease are not available, 12 such dogs were studied in a double crossover experiment intended...

The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that food-allergen-sensitized dogs would produce higher levels of IgE antibodies to soy after challenge with an intact soy diet, compared with egg-based (elimination diet), hydrolyzed soy- and corn-based diets. Eight dogs were sensitized with six food allergens by subcutaneous injections. Seven...

Texturized vegetable protein from soy (TVP) is widely used in canned dog foods, but its nutritional value remains in doubt. This study compared apparent prececal and total intestinal digestibility when four canned diets containing reciprocal proportions of protein from TVP (0 to 57%) and from beef (100 to 43%) were fed to eight cannulated dogs. As...

The JAVMA welcomes contributions to this feature. Articles submitted for publication will be fully reviewed with the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) acting in an advisory capacity to the editors. Inquiries should be sent to Dr. John E. Bauer, Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M...

This prospective study involved supplementing 18 normal dogs with flax seed (FLX) and sunflower seed (SUN) and evaluating their effects on skin and hair coat condition scores and serum polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentrations. Skin and hair coat were evaluated in a double-blinded fashion using a numeric scoring system and serum PUFA concen...

Texturized vegetable protein (TVP) from soy is widely used in dog foods but contains indigestible carbohydrate, which may affect intestinal transit. This study was conducted to determine whether TVP affects oroileal transit of the marker chromic oxide (Cr2O3). Four canned diets with Cr2O3 added were fed to eight cannulated mixed-breed dogs in a Lat...