Administration of charcoal, Yucca schidigera, and zinc acetate to reduce malodorous flatulence in dogs

Objective-To determine whether feeding activated charcoal, Yucca schidigera , and zinc acetate would ameliorate the frequency and odor characteristics of flatulence in dogs. Design-In vitro screening of active agents followed by a randomized control led trial. Animals-8 adult dogs. Procedure-A fecal fermentation system was used to assess the effects of act ivated charcoal, Yucca schidigera, and zinc acetate alone and in combinatio n on total gas production and production of hydrogen sulfide, the primary d eterminant of flatus malodor in dogs. All 3 agents were subsequently incorp orated into edible treats that were fed 30 minutes after the dogs ate their daily rations, and the number, frequency, and odor characteristics of flat ulence were measured for 5 hours, using a device that sampled rectal gases and monitored hydrogen sulfide concentrations. Results-Total gas production and number and frequency of flatulence episode s were unaffected by any of the agents. Production of hydrogen sulfide in v itro was significantly reduced by charcoal, Yucca schidigera, and zinc acet ate by 71, 38, and 58%, respectively, and was reduced by 86% by the combina tion of the 3 agents. Consumption of the 3 agents was associated with a sig nificant decrease (86%) in the percentage of flatulence episodes with bad o r unbearable odor and a proportional increase in the percentage of episodes of no or only slightly noticeable odor. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggest that activated charcoal, Yucca schidigera, and zinc acetate reduce malodor of flatus in dogs by alt ering the production or availability of hydrogen sulfide in the large intes tine.