Low-cost in vitro Screening Method for Digestibility of Pet Chews

Abstract

Four pet chew treats from four different manufacturers were tested for digestibility using in vitro tests in artificial gastric (stomach) and intestinal juices. In vitro tests were selected to determine the digestibility of dog chews for humane reasons and were conducted under conditions that were designed to simulate the digestive system of dogs. The purpose of the tests was to rapidly and inexpensively determines the rate of degradation of a dog chew in the canine digestive tract to assess product safety for dogs. Dog chew pet treats that are swallowed whole, or in part, should degrade rapidly in the canine digestive system to prevent potentially dangerous blockage. Tests were conducted on one cm and one-half cm cubes of dog chew products. Results of the tests clearly indicated that one product outperformed all others in short-term (under 4 hrs) digestive tests. The Bone-A-Mint Wheat Free formula degraded more rapidly than all other products in tests simulating canine gastric and intestinal juices. Tests conducted in this study will form the basis of an in vitro procedure that can be used as an industry standard to asses the safety of pet chew treats.