Improving Cognitive Function in Senior Canines
Monday, June 30th, 2008If you are following this blog there is a great chance that you qualify as very small percentage of individuals who are thinking outside of the box when it comes to your health and wellbeing. However, how many of you interested in optimizing your health and performance have considered the same for your pets?
Last year there were numerous recalls of pet foods being imported from China and there was even a recent seizure at a Joliet, Il based PETCO warehouse because of “widespread and active rodent and bird infestations.” Obviously, when it comes to your pet’s health it helps to be proactive in your research approach just as you would with yourself. Pets are just like my members of your family and if you are anything like me, you probably even like your pet’s company more then certain family members as well.
My Kitten Zoe
Kidding aside, one of the heartaches you will have to experience is outliving your pet. However, there are ways in their old age to help slow cognitive and physical decline so they can continue to lead a more active lifestyle into their senior years.
A group of researchers from the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition in Leicestershir, United Kingdom recently studies the effects of branch chain amino acid supplementation (BCAA) in dogs of varying age groups. The four breeds of dogs used were Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever. The younger age group had a range of 1.5–3.5 years while the older group had a range of 11.1–13.1 years.
What they found was the older group of dogs receiving the oral BCAA mixture prior to the agility training had greater total performance. The younger group supplemented with BCAA’s showed less improvement in contrast. Quite clearly the studied showed that BCAA supplementation across varying breeds of senior dogs increases cognitive performance which could indeed be beneficial for physical performance.
The reason I brought this study to light is because we all take our health seriously but should also not forget about our four legged friends. We have all learned the simple preventative measures embracing the benefits of supplements can help us lead a better quality now and hopefully as move into our “golden” years. It would appear the same proactive approach could be of benefit to your beloved pets as well.
Fretwell LK, McCune S, Fone JV, Yates DJ. The effect of supplementation with branched-chain amino acids on cognitive function in active dogs. J Nutr. 2006 Jul;136(7 Suppl):2069S-2071S.
Full text found here.
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