Abstract

Simple SummaryPreventative healthcare and provision of optimal nutrition from early ages is increasing the life expectancy of companion animals today. However, as part of the normal ageing process, changes in the capacity to digest and use dietary nutrients may occur, which could contribute to deficiency in energy and/or essential nutrients. Based on previous studies, an effect of ageing on nutrient digestibility has primarily been observed when feeding low-fat or high-fibre diets. In this study, we evaluated the effect of age on nutrient digestibility using healthy dogs and cats up to 14 years old by feeding diets differing in fat and fibre contents. Older dogs and cats had a preserved nutrient digestibility, in some cases showed an enhanced digestibility of fibre and calcium. Interestingly, older cats had a lower nutrient digestibility with one of the diets, which was unrelated to fat and fibre levels, but was possibly associated with other ingredients in the formulation. Our findings support the use of a wide range of fat and fibre levels in healthy older dogs and cats within the studied ages. However, ingredient sources should be considered in the formulation of senior diets.Age-related changes in gastrointestinal function have been reported in companion animals, but the impact on digestive efficiency remains uncertain. Healthy dogs (n = 37; 2.6–14.2 years) received four diets varying in total dietary fibre (TDF; 6–29%, as fed). Healthy cats (n = 28; 1–13 years) received four diets with two fat (10–12%; 17–18%) and TDF (9 and 12%) levels. In a crossover design, diets were provided over four consecutive 10-day cycles, including a 4-day faecal collection. Apparent crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), TDF, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) digestibilities were determined. The effect of age was analysed as a continuous variable in dogs and as differences between adult (1–5 years) and senior (7–13 years) cats. In dogs, EE digestibility was unaffected by age (p > 0.10). Dogs of 6–12 years had higher digestibility of CP (p = 0.032), TDF (p = 0.019), Ca (p = 0.019), and P (p = 0.024) when fed the 6% TDF diet. Senior cats had greater digestibility of TDF (p < 0.01) and Ca (p = 0.024) but had lower EE and CP digestibility with one diet (17% fat; 9%TDF) (age, p > 0.10; diet × age, p < 0.001). Healthy ageing was associated with preserved nutrient digestibility in dogs and cats within the age ranges studied. The effect of ingredient sources in senior cats warrants further investigation.

Highlights

  • The life expectancy of dogs and cats continues to increase as a result of improved veterinary care, living conditions, and an increasing number of pet owners providing highquality nutrition across life stages [1]

  • The current study aims to evaluate age-related changes in macronutrient and mineral apparent digestibilities in dogs and cats, and to determine whether the observed responses are influenced by variations in dietary fibre and fat content, the main contributors to the digestible energy (DE) content of the diet

  • Due to the decreased ME content with increasing fibre levels, protein and fat contents on an ME basis were higher in the Very-High-Fibre diet (96 g crude protein (CP)/Mcal and 46 g EE/Mcal) compared with the High-Fibre (78 g CP/Mcal and g EE/Mcal), Medium-Fibre (72 g CP/Mcal and g EE/Mcal), and Low-Fibre diet (66 g CP/Mcal and 38 g EE/Mcal)

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Summary

Introduction

The life expectancy of dogs and cats continues to increase as a result of improved veterinary care, living conditions, and an increasing number of pet owners providing highquality nutrition across life stages [1]. The concept of life stages is well recognised by pet owners and veterinarians, the age at which pets transition from adulthood to senior is one of debate, partly due to the variability in factors such as breed, body size, and lifestyle. Based on physiological and behavioural changes, the American Animal Hospital Association defines cats as senior when above 10 years [2]. A similar decline in the maintenance energy requirements of dogs above 7 years has been reported [4], suggesting an impact of age on energy homeostasis. There is conflicting evidence regarding the impact of such changes on actual digestive function

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