Growth and Maintenance of Dogs Fed Amino Acids as the Source of Dietary Nitrogen

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Abstract
Two adult dogs were fed a peptide-free mixture of amino acids as the sole source of nitrogen, orally for 40 days and intravenously for an additional 24 days. Body weights, serum protein concentrations, and nitrogen balace were maintained. No biochemical, hematological or pathological evidence of toxicity or deficiency was observed. Two pups were fed for 12 weeks a diet containing a peptide-free mixture of amino acids as the sole source of nitrogen. Their average gain in weight was 0.40 kg per week. Pair-fed animals receiving a casein diet gained 0.43 kg per week. There was no indication that the amino acid mixture produced toxic effects, other than an initial transient nausea. Peptides do not appear to be essential for the growth or maintenance of dogs.