Fresh Food AAFCO Feeding Trial

ABSTRACT

The pet food market now offers a wide range of diets, with fresh-frozen options gaining popularity for their high-quality ingredients and digestibility. While research on their long-term benefits is still emerging, they are widely valued for their freshness and nutritional quality. This ongoing study with 16 dogs is evaluating how a commercially available fresh-frozen diet (FF) compares to a commercial dry extruded kibble (KB) in terms of overall health, fecal parameters, and activity levels. Adult dogs were randomly assigned to either diet and fed at maintenance levels. Study endpoints include fresh fecal sampling at the beginning, middle, and end to measure moisture and pH. Fecal consistency scores and food intake were recorded daily, while body weight and body condition scores (BCS) were tracked weekly. Total activity levels were assessed monthly using accelerometer-equipped collars. Fecal microbiome profiles were assessed at baseline and after one month. Data collected through week 12 have been analyzed using a repeated measures mixed model. By day 91, CBC and chemistry values remained within normal reference ranges. 

Body weights and BCS did not differ by treatment, time, or treatment × time interaction (P ≥ 0.11). Fecal quality scores were significantly greater in the FF diet compared to KB (P < 0.01), but there were no interactions by week (P = 0.13). Analysis of the first 10 days of the study (diet transition period) revealed a significant treatment × time interaction (P < 0.01), with FF fecal scores surpassing KB by day 8. Fecal moisture and pH were not affected by treatment, time, or treatment × time interaction after one and 3 months, respectively (P ≥ 0.13). Daily activity (total, inside, or outside) was not affected by treatment or treatment × time interaction (P ≥ 0.31). Inside activity increased in the second month, as they were kept inside for the majority of the day due to inclement weather (P < 0.01). 

After one month, the microbiomes of both groups diverged, indicating a dietary impact, but no clear evidence favored one diet over the other yet. The fresh-frozen diet tested here generated rapid and sustained improvements in fecal consistency, a desirable trait for many pet owners.