Starch: An Alternative Energy Source for Cats

• Author / Creator

  Berendt, Kimberley D.

• Two studies examined the effects of 3 commercial cat diets varying in glycemic index (GI) based on ingredient composition and starch content (34.1, 29.5, and 23.6% NFE for high, medium, and low GI, respectively) on metabolizable energy (ME), indirect calorimetry and blood measurements. In Study 1, the modified Atwater equation underestimated diet ME by 12%. In Study 2, the RQ decreased with GI (P<0.001) and the REE did not change with diet. Postprandial fat oxidation was inversely related to GI (P<0.050). Postprandial carbohydrate oxidation decreased with GI (P<0.001). Interstitial glucose decreased with GI (P<0.014). Postprandial serum glucose did not change with diet. Postprandial serum insulin was highest for the high GI diet and lowest for the medium GI diet (P<0.016). The responses of cats to dietary starch levels are unique and more prolonged and less pronounced than other species such as humans or dogs.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Cat
  • Glycemic
  • Carbohydrates
  • Starch
  • Nutrition
  • Calorimetry
  • Feline

• Graduation date

  Spring 2014

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R33T9DF5P

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.