Two studies published in Age and the British Journal of Nutrition show that consuming cocoa flavanols improves cardiovascular function, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Flavanol intake is particularly beneficial for maintaining healthy blood vessels and reducing arterial stiffness.
Researchers found that cats regulate their macronutrient intake by altering food selection despite differences in food content, moisture level, and texture. Cats achieve a consistent balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrate when provided with pairs of foods over 3-day cycles.
A study by the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition found that dogs regulate their macronutrient intake, preferring a fat-rich diet. The research also showed that some dogs consume more than twice as many calories as required when given excess food, highlighting the importance of responsible feeding measures.
A new validated method for analyzing flavanols and procyanidins in cocoa products could help establish a causal relationship between the intake of these compounds and their health benefits. The method, developed by Mars Incorporated and recently validated through a multi-laboratory study, provides specific compositional information on ...
A collaborative team of researchers identified a safe upper level for vitamin A consumption in puppies, highlighting that puppies can metabolize higher levels of vitamin A than previously thought. The study validated existing guidelines set by the FEDIAF and provides valuable insights into puppies' nutritional needs.
A new validated method enables accurate analysis of flavanol stereochemistry in cocoa, providing crucial insights into its cardiovascular health impact. This breakthrough addresses important gaps in knowledge and has implications for future research and development.
A study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research found that healthy cats can consume a diet rich in saturated fat without raising their cholesterol levels. The research also showed that increasing the proportion of fat in a cat's diet will not lead to weight gain, as long as daily calorie intake remains constant.
Recent studies have demonstrated that flavanols and procyanidins play distinct roles in the human body, with flavanols being directly absorbed to exert cardiovascular benefits. In contrast, procyanidins are poorly absorbed and do not break down into flavanols, suggesting a need for more precise discrimination between these phytonutrients.
A collaborative team of researchers found that obese dogs who successfully lost weight showed improved health-related quality of life, as measured by increased vitality scores and decreased emotional disturbance and pain. The improvements were more pronounced in dogs with greater body fat loss.
A recent study by WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition and University of Liverpool found that pregnant women who own dogs are approximately 50% more likely to meet the recommended daily physical activity level. This research highlights the potential benefits of dog walking as a low-risk exercise strategy for managing weight gain during pre...
A recent study by Mars, Incorporated and partners reveals the extensive metabolism of flavanol compounds after consumption, challenging existing in vitro studies. This research provides a critical step forward in understanding how cocoa flavanols exert their circulatory and cardiovascular benefits.
Researchers at WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition found that a diet high in moisture boosts urinary tract health in cats by increasing daily water intake, urine volume, and dilution. This helps reduce the risk of urinary stone disease in cats.
A team of researchers at WALTHAM found that neutered female kittens consumed more food and gained more body weight than their entire littermates. The study suggests that portion control is crucial for maintaining healthy weight in neutered kittens.
A nationwide study of over 17,000 dogs and 6,000 cats found that including commercial dry food in their diet improved oral health compared to home-prepared alternatives. Daily tooth brushing or dental chews also showed significant benefits.
A study by Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition found that cats fed a hydrated diet had a slower rate of weight gain and were more physically active. This breakthrough has important implications for developing feeding strategies to modulate weight gain in cats.