Nestle-Purina performed an interesting feline food study called the Feline Longevity Study. This study looked at 90 healthy cats over a 7.5 year time span (between the ages of 7-17), and divided them into 3 groups with different diets:
- a complete and balanced senior diet
- a complete and balanced senior diet + antioxidants
- a complete and balanced senior diet + antioxidants, oils, and a prebiotic
Overall, the researchers found that cats fed diet 3 had general improvements in quality of life, fewer decreases in lean muscle mass, improvements in clinical and blood health measurements, a longer life span, decreased disease incidences, and improved body weight and lean body mass! I guess you are what you eat!
REFERENCES:
Cupp CJ, Philippe C, Wendell WK, et al. Effect of nutritional interventions on longevity of senior cats. Intl J Appl Res Vet Med 2006;4:34-50.
Cupp CJ, Kerr WW, Jean-Philippe C, et al. The role of nutritional interventions in the longevity and maintenance of long-term health in aging cats. Intl J Appl Res Vet Med 2008;6:69-81.