Magnesium balance in adult cats fed a dry food rich in lactose

Abstract

The question addressed was whether lactose consumption would stimulate apparent magnesium absorption in adult cats. In a cross-over study, eight cats were fed dry diets without or with 10% lactose, which was added at the expense of the glucose component. Urine and faeces were quantitatively collected and the balance of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus was determined. Lactose feeding did not affect mineral absorption. The dry matter content of faeces was unchanged after lactose consumption. Urinary excretion of galactose represented 0.2% of the intake. It is concluded that lactose ingestion at a level of 1.2 g/kg body weight has no effect on mineral absorption and on the consistency of faeces in adult cats.