Texas A&M finds DHA aids canine vision

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS — Researchers at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biological Sciences report a correlation between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and its effects on visual stimulus response in puppies.

Drs. John Bauer, Kimberly Heinemann and associates, conducted a study focusing on dietary lipid metabolism.

"Our interest in DHA stemmed from the inability of humans and animals to synthesize the product," Bauer says. "In order to get the needed amount for optimum health, it must be ingested to achieve appropriate levels."

The three-and-a-half-year study analyzed the visual performance of dogs fed with different fat types.

Puppies fed with vegetable oil food additives, though healthy, did not show the same response as those fed fish oil (DHA).

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"Vegetable oil contains a precursor material to the already present material in fish oil," Bauer says. "The puppy must convert the vegetable oil into something that already exists in fish oil for it to be useful in the body. A puppy would need to be fed 10-times more vegetable Omega 3, and it still wouldn't be as good as feeding fish oil."

The ultimate goal of the research is to translate the new information into a practical diet by calculating the optimal level of DHA in dog/puppy foods as well as the other necessary ingredients.

"The first three months of a puppy's life entails rapid growth and development," Bauer says. "This knowledge can better equip dog food companies and owners to provide essential ingredients for pregnant dogs and puppies," Bauer adds.

The Nestle Purina-funded project included analyzing electroretinogram (ERG) responses from a test group of 56 12-week-old puppies that were administered DHA from the point of gestation throughout lactation and weaning.

"Significant improvement in visual performance with puppies fed DHA diets in regard to response time and efficiency in low-light sensitivity was detected," Bauer says. "The research supports the hypothesis that DHA is a conditionally essential fatty acid for proper growth in puppies."

Four important outcomes of the study include:

(Puppies fed DHA demonstrated)

• Increased ability to see in dim light.

• Faster visual reaction time.

• Response of light sensitive cells in the eye were improved.

• Increased ability to transmit the initial response of light to the brain.

All of these findings were significantly advanced in the DHA-fed puppies.

"Parallel research in human medicine showed similar effects," Bauer says. "The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of DHA in infant formula."

According to Bauer, more comparative veterinary medical research will be necessary. More research could lead to creating the correct blend that benefits other sensory functions in companion animals such as smelling or hearing.

"However, we will continue to work on finding the perfect formulation for puppy foods that would meet the needs of all consumers price ranges. We are currently looking for an acceptable level of vegetable oil and DHA, with intent on finding several alternatives to contribute to the neurology of puppies," he says.

Bauer says that although DHA is not a new ingredient for puppy food, its listing as an essential ingredient is.