Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, may provide nutrient-rich, environmental-friendly, and economically-sound alternative protein sources for the pet food industry. However, little is known about the nutritional value of insects for pets. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the nutritional adequacy of 3 insect meals [i.e., Nauphoeta cinerea (Speckled cockroach; SC), Gromphadorhina portentosa (Madagascar cockroach; MC),and Zophobas morio larvae (Superworm, SW)] added at 2 inclusion levels (7.5% and 15% as is) in diets of adult dogs. The study was performed at the Canine and Feline Nutrition Center at the Federal University of Lavras, Brazil. Six adult beagles (mean BW: 17.7 ± 2.64 kg) were randomly assigned to one of the 6 treatments using a Latin square design. Experimental periods were 15 d long; 10 d for diet adaptation and 5 d for fecal collection. A fresh fecal sample from each dog per period was collected to determine fermentative end-product concentrations (SCFA, BCFA, indoles and phenols) and microbiota (16S rRNA). Microbial DNA was extracted and PCR amplicons from the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene were used for Illumina sequencing. MiSeq data were analyzed with QIIME 1.9.1. Crude protein and fat concentrations varied substantially among the insect meals; 49–79% and 13–33%, respectively, whereas DM (94–95%), ash (3–4%) and chitin (8–10%) were similar. There was no interaction between insect meal type and inclusion level, and coefficients of digestibility did not differ among treatments and were within acceptable range (> 80% for DM, CP, and fat). Fecal microbial communities (i.e., richness and diversity) were not affected by treatment. Dogs remained healthy throughout the experimental period. The data gathered herein suggest that inclusion up to 15% of these insect meals are adequate for canine nutrition, being well accepted by dogs without affecting nutrient digestibility, fecal metabolites, and microbiota.

As the human and pet populations increase, there is a greater demand and competition for dietary protein sources. As such, finding alternative and sustainable proteins that are nutritional adequate and safe for pets is important for future food security. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate 3 insect meals (i.e., Nauphoeta cinerea, Gromphadorhina portentosa, and Zophobas morio larvae) at 2 inclusion levels (7.5% and 15% as is) supplemented in feline diets. This study was conducted at the Canine and Feline Nutrition Center at the Federal University of Lavras, Brazil. Six adult cats (mean BW: 3.7 ± 0.86 kg) were randomly assigned to one of the 6 treatments using a Latin square design. Experimental periods had 15 d; 10 d for diet adaptation and 5 d for fecal collection. A fresh fecal sample from each cat per period was collected to determine fermentative end-product concentrations (i.e., SCFA, BCFA, indoles and phenols) and microbiota (16S rRNA). Following microbial DNA extraction, PCR amplicons from the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene were used for Illumina sequencing. MiSeq data were analyzed with QIIME 1.9.1 using the Greengenes 13_8 reference OTU database (97% similarity threshold). An even sampling depth of 14,580 sequences per sample was used for assessing alpha- and beta-diversity measures. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) was similar (P > 0.05) among dietary treatments for DM, OM, CP, AHF, and ME. Similarly, fecal concentrations of SCFA and BCFA was not different (P > 0.05) among treatments. Gut microbial richness and diversity were not (P > 0.05) affected by diet. Overall, our results indicate that diets containing up to 15% of insect meal are adequate for cats, being well digested and without negatively affecting parameters related to gut health.

The use of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) has been studied for years in an attempt to elucidate their effects in food intake and body weight in animals. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is evidence that the use of MCT reduces consumption and body weight gain in rats, a species chosen as it has been widely used as an animal model in different surveys. A search of scientific work was performed in November 2011 on two bases: 'Web of Science' and 'PubMed'. The terms sample size and homogeneity, randomisation, food consumption and weight gain, body composition, enzyme activity and hormonal activity in rats were used as selection criteria. Thirteen papers were selected after the refinement of the research. Twelve studies measured weight gain and among these, seven detected a decrease in weight gain and five found no differences. Twelve papers also measured food intake and among these, four detected a decrease in consumption, one detected an increase and seven found no differences. Based on established criteria for the ranking of scientific papers, it is concluded that there is strong evidence that MCTs can effectively reduce the consumption and subsequent weight gain of animals. However, in the long term, there may not be differences in results depending on the phenotypic adaptation of animals to a new metabolic condition.