References
Methodologies used to test the palatability of nutraceuticals
Abstract
Owner and patient compliance is essential when administering medications and other products. An important factor in the owner's ability to successfully administer products to their pet is palatability. This paper describes the methodology protocols that were developed to assess palpability of a nutraceutical for dogs and cats. Product names and results have not been included within the article but results can be obtained by contacting the authors. It is hoped that the information provided will support other researchers who may wish to undertake similar studies investigating palatability.
A nutraceutical supplement is a substance produced in a purified or extracted form, administered orally to the patient with the intent of improving the health and wellbeing (Osella et al, 2008). They require a marketing authorisation if medicinal claims are made or if they contain certain ingredients that exert a pharmacological effect on the target animal (Veterinary Medicines Directorate, 2013). The use of nutraceuticals in animals is growing and while it is assumed that they can aid in clinical treatment, studies that have investigated the efficacy of nutracetuticals on various conditions including osteoarthritis (Vandeweerd et al, 2012), canine liver disease (Vandeweerd et al, 2013) immunity (Zaine et al, 2014) and cognitive dysfunction (Araujo et al, 2008) have found varying results.
Palatability is referred to as the voluntary acceptance and consumption of a pharmaceutical composition which can be measured by acceptance, preference and consumption tests (Gossellin et al, 2010). When a substance has a 90% or higher voluntary acceptance rate in the target species, the product is deemed to be palatable (Gossellin et al, 2010). Smell, taste and texture are three main components affecting the palatability of a product, but physical characteristics such as the shape and size of the product should also be considered when designing products (Thombre, 2004; Bourgeois et al, 2006).
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