To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Purina Life Span Study, the Purina Institute highlights its significant findings related to the connection between lean body condition and increased longevity in dogs. The 14-year study found that Labrador Retrievers kept in a lean body condition throughout their lives lived a median of 1.8 years longer than heavier counterparts and had a later onset of chronic diseases.
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Conducted with 48 Labrador Retrievers from seven litters, the study involved feeding matched littermates identical balanced diets, with one dog in each pair receiving 25% less food to maintain a lean body condition. Key results indicated that lean-fed dogs had a median lifespan of 13.0 years, compared to 11.2 years for control-fed dogs. Additionally, lean-fed dogs did not require treatment for aging-related chronic conditions until the age of 12.0 years, versus 9.9 years for those fed normally. At age 8, only 10% of lean-fed dogs had osteoarthritis affecting multiple joints, in stark contrast to 77% of control-fed dogs.
Ongoing research from the study continues to yield insights, as its longitudinal data has contributed to developing a biological clock and clinical markers to estimate biological age and predict health outcomes for dogs.
Brittany Vester Boler, PhD, from Nestlé Purina PetCare Global Research & Development, stated that the study embodies their dedication to extensive research, aiding in understanding healthy aging in dogs. The study also encourages routine body condition scoring and nutritional counseling as part of preventive care. Purina's 9-point Body Condition System assists veterinary professionals and pet owners in assessing ideal body conditions for dogs.
Julie A. Churchill, DVM, at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, emphasized the influence of the Purina Life Span Study on veterinary practice, underscoring the importance of maintaining a fit and lean condition for the long-term health of pets.