Barley as an alternative to rice in dog food

In this study, 30 mixed-breed, neutered, young adult male dogs at 15-30 kg live weights were used. The foods were produced at a special facility. Dog food produced using 25% barley had a gelatinized starch content significantly greater than that of food produced using 25% rice: 18.36% vs. 17.45%, respectively. No considerable difference was observed in the dogs' preference between the two foods (50.95% vs. 49.05%). Dry matter digestibility of rice and barley food was 86.10% and 83.85% and crude protein digestibility was 80.44% and 79.24%, respectively. Based on the consumption of rice or barley, stool consistency did not change.