Concentration of elements in the hair of growing and adult dogs

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate element concentrations in the hair of growing and adult dogs. Overall, 39 dogs were recruited in a kennel, split in 4 groups: G1, 10 puppies of small size breeds; G2, 6 puppies of medium size breed; G3, 11 adult dogs of medium size breeds; G4, 12 adult dogs of toy breeds. The dogs of each group were fed 4 different complete diets, according to the requirements. Hairs were sampled at the beginning of the study (D0) and after 60 days (D60). Elements were analysed in triplicate using ICP-OES. In the hair of the adult dogs of the G3 group the concentration of Al (p