Abstract:

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a sustainable, high-protein pulse ingredient containing anti-nutritional factors and low sulfur amino acid content. However, it lacks regulatory approval in dog food. This study evaluated the long-term safety of dehulled faba bean fractions from a low vicine/convicine cultivar in extruded canine diets. Thirty-six huskies were fed one of three diets: a corn-based control, faba bean flour (44.7%), or faba bean starch (36%)/ protein (8%) concentrate diet for 26 weeks. Body weight, feed intake, body composition, hemato-biochemistry, plasma amino acids, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I, and echocardiography were assessed. Faba beans caused no adverse effects on body composition, hematobiochemical, or cardiac outcomes, with most values within reference ranges. Whole blood taurine was higher in control than faba diets (P = 0.004), but remained within range, with troponin unaffected (P = 0.801). Results support the safe use of low vicine/convicine faba bean ingredients in canine diets.