Volume 15, Issue 59, 2026 (July – September)
Research Article
Chemical Characterization of Noodle Waste and Its Utilization as a Partial Maize Replacement in Canine Diets: Effects on Feeding Behaviour and Dermal Health
Nilakshi Prakash Patil, Kalola Rajankumar and Anurag Kataria
Keywords: Chemical characterization, dogs, feeding behaviour, maize, noodle waste
DOI:10.37273/chesci.cs312057071
Abstract
The present study evaluated the chemical composition of noodle waste (NW) and its suitability as a partial substitute for maize in canine diets, followed by evaluation of feeding behaviour and dermal health in Labrador dogs for 60 days. Noodle waste and experimental diets were analysed for proximate composition and gross energy prior to diet formulation. Noodle waste contained 11.3% crude protein, 16.3% ether extract, 1.48% crude fibre, 2.50% total ash, 97.5% organic matter, 64.5% nitrogen-free extract and a gross energy value of 4800 kcal/kg on dry matter (DM) basis. The control and experimental diets were formulated to be nutritionally comparable, exhibiting similar crude protein (21.3 vs. 21.1%), ether extract (6.90 vs. 6.75%), crude fibre (4.40 vs. 4.25%) and gross energy (3922 vs. 3897 kcal/kg) on DM basis. Ten adult dogs were randomly allocated into either the control diet (0% noodle waste) or 25% substitution of maize with noodle waste. The assessment of feeding behavior was done through video recording, while the assessment of hair coat and skin was done using a scoring system. Dietary inclusion of noodle waste had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on consumption time (1.49 vs. 1.51 min/g), distraction frequency (0.40 vs. 0.60), post-consumption interest score (2.85 vs. 2.90), or anticipatory behaviors compared with the control diet. Likewise, skin and hair coat scores remained comparable between treatments (P > 0.05), with most dogs exhibiting normal to slightly greasy skin and medium to highly reflective, soft hair coats throughout the study. The chemical analysis confirmed that the experimental diets were comparable in nutrient composition. Feeding a diet in which 25% of the maize component was replaced with noodle waste had no adverse effects on feed acceptance, feeding behavior, hair coat or skin condition in adult Labrador dogs.
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