Dietary addition of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) in dogs: palatability, blood biochemistry and immunity

This study explored the palatability of dog feed in response to different levels of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), and the impact of APS on blood biochemistry and immunity in growing Beagles. A total of three APS treatments were manufactured: a control diet (CD, 0 mg/kg APS), a low APS concentration diet (LD, 400 mg/kg) and a high APS concentration diet (HD, 800 mg/kg). Based on our findings, APS did not have an influence on the first-choice ratio and consume ratio. In feeding trial, weight gain and feed efficiency were decreased in dogs fed the HD. APS increased the white blood cell count and serum total protein in Beagles. However, red blood cell count and haematocrit values followed an opposite trend. Serum levels of antibodies against canine distemper virus and rabies virus were improved by APS addition. Furthermore, C-reactive protein level was decreased in dogs fed the HD. As it can be concluded, this study indicated that APS could be safely and beneficially used in dog foods without compromising palatability. Further research is needed to investigate the feasibility of APS in coping with obesity and study the detailed mechanisms by which dietary APS improves immunity of Beagles.