Coco Lederhouse
२०२४ जुलाई १६
Demographic data from the Dog Aging Project contribute valuable data for dogs and humans
What if people could learn something from dogs about nutrition? Researchers from the Dog Aging Project, the largest cohort study of pet dogs to date, are exploring that possibility by analyzing owner-reported feeding choices.
Dr. Janice S. O’Brien is a research team member with the Dog Aging Project and a doctoral student at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. O’Brien presented the session “Feeding Choices Owners Make: Early Findings from the Dog Aging Project” on June 21 at AVMA Convention 2024 in Austin, Texas.
Because dogs eat a more consistent diet than people, the research group is able to conduct meaningful research in dog nutrition that isn’t feasible in people, she explained. Controlling for dog characteristics is important when comparing nutrition-health outcomes because different populations of dogs eat different foods.
These findings will provide insights for veterinary nutrition researchers as well as general practitioners. Additionally, using dogs as models for translational research could help researchers learn more about human nutrition.