Effect of hulled Cannabis sativa L. seeds in a home-made diet for adult dogs

Homemade diets integrated with functional ingredients may help to ensure that companion animals have a good life quality given the rise in their average lifespan. This study investigates the effects of a complete and well-balanced homemade diet supplemented with hulled hemp seeds. Twelve adult dogs divided into two groups: CTRL, fed the basal diet and HEMP, fed the diet integrated hulled Cannabis sativa L. seeds (4 g/100g of ration) were enrolled in the trial. The following samples were collected: (a) individual faecal samples to assess the diet digestibility through an indirect method of acid-insoluble ash; b) blood samples to evaluate the oxidative state through an OXI adsorbent test; and c) rectal swabs for intestinal microbiota analysis (alpha- and beta-diversity and taxonomy). The results reveal that with respect to the commercial diet used in this study, our homemade diet increased the total and protein digestibility (total: 53.97 & PLUSMN; 2.54% and 58.20 & PLUSMN; 2.58%; p < .030; protein: 70.54 & PLUSMN; 2.01% and 82.78 & PLUSMN; 5.35%; p < .001). The change in diet positively altered the microbiota structure and increased beta-diversity index significantly (p < .010). The hemp seeds significantly (p < .001) reduced the oxidative stress in the serum. This study highlights how hemp increases the body's defences and that a homemade diet promotes diversity in the gut microbial population.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effects of a complete and well-balanced homemade diet supplemented with hulled hemp seeds on companion animals. The results reveal that the homemade diet improves digestibility, alters the microbiota structure, and reduces oxidative stress. This study highlights the potential benefits of hemp and homemade diets for companion animals.