Functional foods in pet nutrition: Focus on dogs and cats. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Cerbo, Alessandro; Morales-Medina, Julio Cesar; Palmieri, Beniamino; Pezzuto, Federica; Cocco, Raffaella; Flores, Gonzalo; Iannitti, Tommaso
• Is Part Of: Research in veterinary science. Volume 112(2017)
• Page Start: 161
• Page End: 166
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Pet -- Dog -- Cat -- Functional food -- Diet -- Nutraceutical; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine vétérinaire -- Périodiques; Médecine vétérinaire -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Diergeneeskunde; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.03.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0034-5288

Abstract

Abstract: Functional foods provide health benefits if they are consumed on a regular basis as part of a varied diet. In this review, we discuss the availability and role of functional foods in pet nutrition with a focus on dogs and cats. Indeed, functional foods modify gastrointestinal physiology, promote changes in biochemical parameters, improve brain functions and may reduce or minimize the risk of developing specific pathologies. This evidence derives largely from clinical studies while only limited evidence is available from studies in dogs and cats. Therefore, functional food consumption should be further investigated in pet nutrition to understand how dietary interventions can be used for disease prevention and treatment. Highlights: Functional foods provide health benefits when integrated in the diet. This review shows evidence of use of functional foods in pets. Functional food can reduce the risk of disease and/or support the body. Pets are a valuable model to study the role and mechanism of functional foods.