Bermingham ENPatterson KAShoveller AKFraser KButowski CFThomas DG2024-10-072024-10-072024-06-20Bermingham EN, Patterson KA, Shoveller AK, Fraser K, Butowski CF, Thomas DG. (2024). Nutritional needs and health outcomes of ageing cats and dogs: is it time for updated nutrient guidelines?. Anim Front. 14. 3. (pp. 5-16).2160-6056https://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/71613Implications • While cats are classed as senior at 10 years of chronological age, physiological and health changes occur from 8 years of age and it appears that diet may influence the ageing process. • Dogs are classed as senior at 12 years for smaller dogs and 10 years for larger breeds. Due to differences in longevity associated with breed size a definite age that dogs start to experience changes is difficult to establish. • Despite our pets ageing, living in extreme cases to 30 + years, there are no explicit nutritional guidelines for feeding ageing animals. Increased scientific knowledge around the specific nutritional requirements of ageing cats and dogs is required. • Many of the underlying physiological processes (e.g., immune function) and age-associated health conditions (e.g., cognitive decline) respond to nutritional intervention. This suggests that nutritional and regulatory guidelines, should consider recommendations for ‘senior+’ pets. • Due to the unique nutritional requirements of cats and dogs, more specific knowledge around the mechanisms of ageing is required.Copyright © 2024 American Society of Animal ScienceCC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/cognitive functionhealthspaninflammageinglifespannutrientssarcopeniaseniorJournal article10.1093/af/vfae0082160-6064journal-article5-16https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38910950vfae008