World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

EVALUATION OF THE ACCEPTANCE OF HERBAL ADAPTOGEN BASED FUNCTIONAL FOOD FOR DOGS

S. Priya and A. Mangala Gowri*

ABSTRACT

Herbal supplements in diet are one of the Indian traditional practices which are followed since ancient times. Ocimum sanctum and Withaniasomnifera are well known for their adaptogenic properties to combat stress. But specific documentation on the use of herbal biscuits for dogs was not reported earlier. In this study, the herbal biscuit were prepared using an equal blend of Ocimum sanctum and Withaniasomnifera powdered extract and acceptance by dogs was assessed. The biscuits were prepared with wheat flour, minced chicken muscle, eggs and minced mutton, an equal blend of Ocimum sanctum and Withaniasomnifera powdered extract and a pinch of baking soda was added and the mixture was kneaded until the dough became soft. Using dog shape cutter the flour was divided and cut into the required shape and it was baked without using oven at low flame. The colour, crispiness and the flavour of the biscuit was retained and attracted thedogs subjected for analysis. Since the biscuit was made with herbal incorporation the dogs would gain the herbal benefits of both Ocimum sanctum and Withaniasomnifera, as we all know that these herbspossess analgesic as well as antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities. The phytoconstituents also can protect lens of the eye; possess radioprotective activity and anti-tumor activities. Before the palatability assessment the herbal extracts were tested for their effect on canine blood mononuclear cells and the designed pet food palatability was measured using a single-bowl and a two-bowl test. While these tests give a general understanding of the liking or preference of one food over another, opportunities exist for further method development.

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