Safety and effects on general health, skin condition and lipid profile of a soy lecithin-based dietary supplement in healthy dogs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effects of a soy lecithin-based supplement on the general health, skin condition, and blood lipid levels of dogs. Twenty-five, healthy, privately-owned dogs were enrolled in the study. Oral supplementation was administered for 8 weeks in the treatment group. Evaluation items included a thorough physical examination, owner responses to a questionnaire, blood analysis (CBC, CRP, serum chemistry, lipid profile). The results showed a significant improvement in amount of exercise, water intake, skin exfoliation in the treatment group (P < 0.05) but no significant changes in the other evaluation items, including no significant changes in blood component results following administration of the supplement. Most dogs well tolerated the treatment, and there were no serious adverse events. We suggest that soy lecithin has potential as a nutraceutical for the positive effect of general health condition such as activity and skin condition. Further studies are needed to establish the appropriate dose level and administration frequency of soy lecithin in dogs.