Nutrition Research in Aging Dogs and Cats: What We Know and What We Need to Do

The population of dogs and cats is rapidly increasing, and their lifespans are extending due to advances in veterinary medicine and increased owner awareness. As a result, companion animals are also gradually entering an aging society. Research on the nutritional needs of aging dogs and cats remains limited. Key factors contributing to this gap include unclear biomarkers of aging, fragmented research efforts, and a lack of experimental models using healthy aged animals. By reviewing recent publicly available literature on aging biomarkers in dogs and cats, this study identifies biomarkers with practical value for aging research. It further analyzes reported physiological changes, nutritional requirements, and common dietary supplements for senior pets, and summarizes large-scale research programs focused on aging dogs and cats. Capitalizing on rapid advances in artificial intelligence, this paper proposes three key recommendations: developing aging biomarkers based on non-invasive sampling methods; accelerating the establishment of nutritional guidelines for healthy aging dogs and cats; and promoting personalized nutrition research for aging pets through cross-border and cross-regional collaboration. This study aims to consolidate existing knowledge on nutrition for aging dogs and cats, identify current research gaps, suggest directions for future studies, and provide evidence-based recommendations to support healthy aging in dogs and cats.