Özet:

Functional foods and additives are gaining popularity among dog owners as the role of functional additives in optimizing pet health becomes important. Yucca schidigera is one of the frequently used plants due to its bioactive functional properties. Yucca extract has long been using as a feed additive in human, horse, livestock and cat-dog diets. The main components of yucca powder or extract are steroidal saponins, polysaccharides and polyphenols, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antimutagenic, anticancer and cholesterol lowering effects. Yucca is considered as a dietary additive in dogs for its positive effects on health and performance, increasing nutrient availability, reducing fecal odor and removing some harmful volatile compounds such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Despite being a widely used additive, few studies have been conducted on the effects of Yucca in dogs. Moreover, it’s other effects on dogs are unknown, apart from fecal odor-reducing effects. In this review, it is aimed to discuss and explain the effects of Yucca schidigera on health, digestibility, fecal odor, intestinal gas formation, blood parameters, oxidation and fecal microbiota in dogs.

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