The objective was to evaluate a nutritional approach to decrease blood concentrations of plasma lipids in hyperlipidaemic owner's dogs. Sixteen hyperlipidaemic owner's dogs with a history of obesity (4 dogs), corneal lipidosis (10 dogs) or both (2 dogs) were recruited to study the effects of a low-fat diet and of SC-FOS (Beghin-Meiji Industries, France). Hyperlipidaemia was detected with plasma cholesterol ranging from 3.0 to 7.5 g/l and triglycerides from to 1.9 to 4.7 g/l.

In a first step, the diet of dogs with corneal lesions was strictly adjusted to the requirements and lipid concentration was decreased to 8 % dry matter (DM). Obese dogs received a low-fat and energy-restricted diet until they reach their optimal weight. Blood lipids were checked after 3 months and after, every 6 months. Hyperlipidaemia resolved in 3/4 obese dogs. For the other dogs, the second step was to add SC-FOS in the diet at a concentration of 1-2 % DM. After 3 months, blood lipids were decreased in 10/14 dogs. Corneal opacities regressed in 9/12 dogs. Adding SC-FOS appears as an easy way to control blood lipids and corneal lipidosis but the dosage has to be increased in 2 dogs to maintain the effects.