Anti-aging food that improves markers of health in senior dogs by modulating gut microbiota and metabolite profiles

Abstract

Dysbiosis is one of the major changes in aging that leads to an accumulation of toxic microbial metabolites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a test food containing components of citrus, carrot, spinach and tomato on gut microbiota and age-related metabolites in senior dogs. The study was conducted on 36 dogs between 8 and 13 years of age. All dogs were maintained on a control food (control 1), which used corn as major source of fiber. After 30 days, the dogs were divided into two groups of 18 dogs. One of the groups received the test food for 30 days while the other group received the control 2 food, containing multiple whole grains as the test food but without the above added sources of fiber present in the test food. After a washout period on the control 1 food for 30 days, a cross-over was performed so that the test or the control 2 food was fed for 30 days to those dogs which had not yet been fed that food. Samples from feces and blood were collected after each 30 days period to analyze changes in gut microbial composition and metabolites. The consumption of the test food led to increased proportions of Adlercreutzia, Oscillospira, Phascolarcobacteria, Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcus, Christensenellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Cyanobacteria and Acidobacteria and decreased proportions of Megamonas, Salmonella, Enterobacteriaceae and Fusobacterium. Pets had higher levels of glycerol and fatty acids and lower levels of pyrraline and mucin amino acids in feces. The test food also reduced circulating levels of pyrraline, symmetric dimethylarginine and phenolic uremic toxins, including the microbial brain toxin, 4-ethylphenyl sulfate. Christensenellaceae abundance was strongly associated with the observed health benefits. Fermentable fibers from fruits and vegetables enhance health in senior dogs by modulating the gut bacteria and metabolites involved in aging, kidney, brain and gut health.