A preliminary biomedical assessment of a micronized zeolite-enriched canine diet

Abstract

Natural zeolites are characterized by a high level of ion exchange, adsorption and catalysis, properties that facilitate their multiple biomedical effects, some long verified and others still little known. This paper aimed to make new contributions to the formulation and evaluation of canine diets supplemented with micronized natural zeolite. The research was carried out on clinically healthy dogs (n=24), heterogeneous in origin, breed, age and weight. The study was conducted following a unicentric protocol for the evaluation of the influence of a diet with zeolite addition on the main clinical indices and hemato-biochemical profile in dogs as well. The animals included in the study were grouped into a control batch (n=12) and an experimental batch (n=12), fed (with granulated feed) under similar conditions. The study lasted 30 days, and the variable was given by supplementing the food of the dogs in the experimental group with Rupea zeolite (2 grams of clinoptilolite, micronized pulvis). At the beginning and end of the study, hematological and biochemical tests were performed, and throughout the study, clinical examinations were performed, mainly looking at the appearance and consistency of the feces. The comparative evolution of individual values of clinical, hematological, and biochemical blood parameters in dogs fed with zeolite addition revealed oscillations within the physiological limits of the species and category, except for some significant deviations compared to those found in the control group. From the overall obtained results, it appears that the implemented diet was well tolerated and that the zeolite had beneficial influences on the general state of health, also improving the hygiene and well-being conditions of the dogs.