 Excess body fat is bad for dogs, but solutions have been few. The results of a just finished clinical trial suggest there may be a new way to help man's best friend.
Proteimax scientists have recently described a peptide that occurs naturally in mice, part of the natural diet of canids. The peptide, Pep19, triggers thermogenesis and in the process causes fat to metabolize itself. Adding it to the diet has been associated with weight loss in mice, rats, and humans; in humans it also appears to be associated with fat remodeling, e.g. pants fit better.
The new trial aimed to establish Pep19's safety in dogs. Eight healthy beagles were given a daily dose of Pep19 as an oral capsule, fed their normal meals, and followed for 28 days. All survived with no ill effect; blood work remained normal.
 This trial also found that seven of the eight dogs lost 1% to 4% of their weight (figure); in this subgroup, the difference between initial and ending weight was significant (p<0.01). The loss in weight was paralleled by a significant reduction in body composition score, a subjective clinical assessment of body fat (p<0.05). These findings mimic those in mice, rats, and humans.
 "We are challenged to help owners reverse excess body fat. Solutions are few and far between. While we often target our interventions to the home environment, a safe, functional supplement would help us help our patients," said principle investigator Angela Rollins, D.V.M, Ph.D., D.A.C.V.I.M. (Nutrition), Clinical Professor of Nutrition at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center and former President of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. "This initial study demonstrated that Pep19 can be safely administered to dogs and its success in humans and rodents makes me excited and hopeful for its use in companion animals.”
Proteimax is a Preferred Supplier to the National Animal Supplement Council. Its water soluble Pep19 is stable in conditions common to food preparation and can be embedded into capsules, food, beverages, and chews. The effects of Pep19 on dogs and cats will be examined in greater detail in future trials.
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