PS7-4. Performance of Rice Protein Concentrate as Complementary Protein Sources in Extruded Cat Diets.

Abstract As demand for protein increases in both human and pet food applications, it is important to continue to identify additional protein ingredients that can help meet requirements. Rice protein concentrate [RPC] (Beneo; crude protein: 84%, crude fat: 5%, crude fiber: 3%) was assessed for palatability, nutrient digestibility, stool quality, and urine pH in adult cats. The RPC was included at 0%, 2.5% and 5%, in chicken-based extruded cat diets (formulated to 41% crude protein, 19% crude fat, 2% crude fiber). The study was approved by the facility’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. A standard 2-bowl palatability test over a 2-day period was executed (n = 30 cats each) to determine intake ratios between 0%, 2.5%, and 5% RPC diets. Total tract nutrient digestibility was evaluated (n = 8 cats per diet) with 5 days of diet acclimation followed by 5 days of total fecal collection. Stool quality was evaluated on a 1 to 5 scale, with 2.5 being well-formed. Feline urine pH was evaluated (n = 8 cats per diet) with 4 days of diet acclimation followed by 1 day of urine collection. Palatability data were analyzed using pair t-test. Statistical significance was set at 5% type 1 error rate. All digestibility, stool quality, and urine pH data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA in Minitab. LS means were separated using Tukey’s HSD, and significance was defined as P < 0.05. Palatability and stool quality were similar between diets (P > 0.05). Fat and ash digestibility was different between diets (P < 0.05). Dry matter, protein, and fiber digestibility were similar between diets (P > 0.05). Urine pH was not different between diets (P > 0.05) but showed a linear decrease as RPC increased potentially due to slight differences in mineral composition. The rice protein concentrate showed merit as a potential protein ingredient source that maintains palatability, dry matter, protein, and fiber digestibility, stool quality and urine pH in adult cats when replacing animal proteins.