1
|
McGrath AP, Horschler DJ, Hancock L. Feline Cognition and the Role of Nutrition: An Evolutionary Perspective and Historical Review. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1967. [PMID: 38998079 PMCID: PMC11240355 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Research into cognition in cats and the impact of nutrition on cat cognitive health lags behind that in dogs but is receiving increased attention. In this review, we discuss the evolutionary history of the domesticated cat, describe possible drivers of domestication, and explore the interrelationships between nutrition and cat cognition. While most cat species are solitary, domesticated cats can live in social groups, engage in complex social encounters, and form strong attachments to humans. Researchers have recently started to study cat cognition using similar methods as those developed for dogs, with an initial primary focus on perception and social cognition. Similar to dogs, cats also show cognitive and behavioral changes associated with stress and aging, but these signs are often gradual and often considered a consequence of natural aging. Despite the fundamental role of nutrition in cognitive development, function, and maintenance, research into the association between nutrition and cognition in cats is only preliminary. Ultimately, additional research is needed to gain a full understanding of cat cognition and to explore the role of nutrition in the cognitive health of cats to help improve their welfare.
Collapse
|
2
|
Le Guillas G, Vanacker P, Salles C, Labouré H. Insights to Study, Understand and Manage Extruded Dry Pet Food Palatability. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1095. [PMID: 38612333 PMCID: PMC11010889 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pet food production is a fast-growing industry. While extruded dry pet food is the favored pet food due to its convenience of use, it may have poorer palatability than other pet foods such as wet pet foods. However, palatability plays a pivotal role in meeting nutritional requirements or providing therapeutic benefits in cats and dogs, as it ensures food acceptance. Thus, both academics and manufacturers conduct routine palatability tests to assess acceptance and preference of products among pets, alongside sensory analyses involving human panels. Palatability is greatly influenced by species-specific and environmental factors in cats and dogs. The review will hence present the current knowledge on palatability assessment and animal food perception; it will then aim to explore strategies for effectively managing palatability in dry pet food by examining the impact of key ingredients and process parameters on the finished product's palatability. Moreover, the demands and needs for sustainable and healthier products as well as supply constraints present novel challenges and opportunities for academics and manufacturers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gautier Le Guillas
- Centre R&D Nestlé S.A.S., F-80800 Aubigny, France; (G.L.G.)
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Bourgogne, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | | | - Christian Salles
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Bourgogne, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Hélène Labouré
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Bourgogne, F-21000 Dijon, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Watson PE, Thomas DG, Bermingham EN, Schreurs NM, Parker ME. Drivers of Palatability for Cats and Dogs-What It Means for Pet Food Development. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071134. [PMID: 37048390 PMCID: PMC10093350 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The pet food industry is an important sector of the pet care market that is growing rapidly. Whilst the number of new and innovative products continues to rise, research and development to assess product performance follows traditional palatability methodology. Pet food palatability research focuses on the amount of food consumed through use of one-bowl and two-bowl testing, but little understanding is given to why differences are observed, particularly at a fundamental ingredient level. This review will highlight the key differences in feeding behaviour and nutritional requirements between dogs and cats. The dominant pet food formats currently available and the ingredients commonly included in pet foods are also described. The current methods used for assessing pet food palatability and their limitations are outlined. The opportunities to utilise modern analytical methods to identify complete foods that are more palatable and understand the nutritional factors responsible for driving intake are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavinee E Watson
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| | - David G Thomas
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| | - Emma N Bermingham
- Added Value Foods & Bio-Based Products, AgResearch Te Ohu Rangahau Kai, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| | - Nicola M Schreurs
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| | - Michael E Parker
- School of Food and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Opetz DL, Oba PM, Swanson KS. Effects of overfeeding on the digestive efficiency, voluntary physical activity levels, and fecal characteristics and microbiota of adult cats. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad338. [PMID: 37772600 PMCID: PMC10590176 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of feline obesity continues to rise despite it being a preventable disease. There are many risks and health perturbations associated with obesity, with several of those impacting a pet's quality of life, wellness, and longevity. Feline obesity is commonly studied, but most research has been focused on weight loss rather than weight gain. To our knowledge, feline studies have not examined the implications of overfeeding and weight gain on gastrointestinal transit time (GTT) nor the association it has with the fecal microbiota. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of overfeeding and weight gain on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), GTT, blood hormones, serum metabolites, hematology, fecal microbiota populations, and voluntary physical activity of cats. Eleven lean adult spayed female cats [body weight (BW) = 4.11 ± 0.43 kg; body condition score = 5.41 ± 0.3; age = 5.22 ± 0.03 y] were used in a longitudinal weight gain study. After a 2-wk baseline phase, cats were allowed to overeat for 18 wk. A commercially available complete and balanced diet was fed during the baseline phase to identify the intake needed to maintain BW. Cats were then fed the same diet ad libitum to induce weight gain. Fecal samples, blood samples, and voluntary physical activity data were collected at baseline (week 0) and 6, 12, and 18 wk after weight gain. Fecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis, determination of ATTD, and GTT measurement while blood samples were collected for serum chemistry, hematology, and insulin and leptin measurements. Microbiota data were evaluated using QIIME2. All other measures were evaluated statistically using the mixed models procedure of SAS using repeated measures analysis, with time effects being the focus. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. The ATTD of dry matter (P = 0.0061), organic matter (P = 0.0130), crude protein (P < 0.0001), fat (P = 0.0002), and gross energy (P = 0.0002), and GTT (P = 0.0418) decreased with overfeeding and weight gain. Fecal bacterial alpha diversity measures were unchanged, but fecal bacterial beta diversity was impacted (P < 0.05) with overfeeding and weight gain. The relative abundances of 16 bacterial genera, including Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, Erysipelatoclostridium were affected (P < 0.05) by overfeeding and weight gain. In conclusion, overfeeding and subsequent weight gain reduced ATTD, reduced GTT, and caused changes to the fecal microbial community of adult cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L Opetz
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Patricia M Oba
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Kelly S Swanson
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Knight A, Satchell L. Vegan versus meat-based pet foods: Owner-reported palatability behaviours and implications for canine and feline welfare. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253292. [PMID: 34133456 PMCID: PMC8208530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Consumer suspicion of conventional pet foods, along with perceived health benefits of alternative diets, are fuelling development of the latter. These include raw meat diets, in vitro meat products, and diets based on novel protein sources such as terrestrial and marine plants, insects, yeast and fungi. However, some claim vegan diets may be less palatable, or may compromise animal welfare. We surveyed 4,060 dog or cat guardians to determine the importance to them of pet food palatability, and the degree to which their animals displayed specific behavioural indicators of palatability at meal times. Guardians were asked to choose one dog or cat that had been within their household for at least one year, and not on a prescription or therapeutic diet. Of 3,976 respondents who played some role in pet diet decision-making, palatability was the third most important among 12 factors cited as important when choosing pet diets. For 1,585 respondents feeding conventional or raw meat diets, who stated they would realistically consider alternative diets, palatability was the fourth most important among 14 desired attributes. For the 2,308 dogs included, reported observations of 10 behavioural indicators of palatability at meal times reliably indicated significant effects of increased reports of appetitive behaviour by dogs on a raw meat diet, as opposed to a conventional diet. There was no consistent evidence of a difference between vegan diets and either the conventional or raw meat diets. For the 1,135 cats included, reported observations of 15 behavioural indicators indicated that diet made little difference to food-oriented behaviour. Based on these owner-reported behaviours, our results indicate that vegan pet foods are generally at least as palatable to dogs and cats as conventional meat or raw meat diets, and do not compromise their welfare, when other welfare determinants, such as nutritional requirements, are adequately provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Knight
- Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Winchester, Winchester, United Kingdom
- School of Environment and Science, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Liam Satchell
- Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Winchester, Winchester, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wallis N, Raffan E. The Genetic Basis of Obesity and Related Metabolic Diseases in Humans and Companion Animals. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1378. [PMID: 33233816 PMCID: PMC7699880 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is one of the most prevalent health conditions in humans and companion animals globally. It is associated with premature mortality, metabolic dysfunction, and multiple health conditions across species. Obesity is, therefore, of importance in the fields of medicine and veterinary medicine. The regulation of adiposity is a homeostatic process vulnerable to disruption by a multitude of genetic and environmental factors. It is well established that the heritability of obesity is high in humans and laboratory animals, with ample evidence that the same is true in companion animals. In this review, we provide an overview of how genes link to obesity in humans, drawing on a wealth of information from laboratory animal models, and summarise the mechanisms by which obesity causes related disease. Throughout, we focus on how large-scale human studies and niche investigations of rare mutations in severely affected patients have improved our understanding of obesity biology and can inform our ability to interpret results of animal studies. For dogs, cats, and horses, we compare the similarities in obesity pathophysiology to humans and review the genetic studies that have been previously reported in those species. Finally, we discuss how veterinary genetics may learn from humans about studying precise, nuanced phenotypes and implementing large-scale studies, but also how veterinary studies may be able to look past clinical findings to mechanistic ones and demonstrate translational benefits to human research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Wallis
- Anatomy Building, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Eleanor Raffan
- Anatomy Building, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pekel AY, Mülazımoğlu SB, Acar N. Taste preferences and diet palatability in cats. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2020.1786391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Yavuz Pekel
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Nüket Acar
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Watson P, Thomas D, Hoggard A, Parker M, Schreurs N. Investigating the Palatability of Lamb and Beef Components Used in the Production of Pet Food for Cats. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10040558. [PMID: 32230765 PMCID: PMC7222388 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The pet food industry continues to utilise large amounts of inedible meat components from the human food industry. Although used extensively in pet food formulations and as palatants, little is known about the palatability of individual meat components. The objectives of this study were to investigate the palatability of raw meat components commonly used in the production of pet food, using acceptance and preference testing. Those examined were lung, heart, kidney, tripe, liver and mechanically deboned meat (MDM) from lamb and beef. Two-bowl acceptance tests were used to develop an overall ranking of components within each species. Two-bowl preference tests between equivalent beef and lamb components were then used to determine whether a preference was exhibited for one species over the other. For the acceptance of components from lamb and beef, liver was the most palatable within both species, with kidney equivalent to liver when testing lamb components. The MDM was identified as the least palatable component from both species. When examining the preference between equivalent components between species, cats showed preferences for lamb over equivalent beef components, except for heart and liver which showed no difference in intake between the two species. Overall, cats were able to clearly rank the palatability of different components from lamb and beef, as well as between equivalent components from the two species. Selecting highly palatable ingredients whilst still meeting pet food manufacturing guidelines may play a role in improving overall diet palatability and acceptance by cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavinee Watson
- School of Food and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand;
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (D.T.); (N.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - David Thomas
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (D.T.); (N.S.)
| | | | - Michael Parker
- School of Food and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand;
| | - Nicola Schreurs
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (D.T.); (N.S.)
| |
Collapse
|