Minimally processed, human-grade diet alters canine epigenetic ageing: Results from a pilot study.
Feeding purebred pugs a minimally processed, human-grade diet may reduce epigenetic ageing over 6 months, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the dsip corpusSummary and findings
This study measured the impact of a minimally processed, human-grade food on epigenetic ageing in purebred pugs over 6 months. The study included 25 dogs, with 18 completing the MPHGF diet and 7 on the EDK diet. A significant reduction in delta age was observed in the MPHGF group, decreasing from 2.75 to 1.80 years, p=0.02.
Abstract
Diet plays a critical role in promoting wellness and longevity in both humans and canines. Epigenetic ageing clocks have emerged as accurate tools for assessing biological ageing and evaluating dietary and lifestyle interventions in humans and mice. A dog-specific epigenetic ageing clock was developed and validated using buccal swab samples from domestic dogs aged 1.5 and 17 years. The clock exhibited a strong correlation with chronological age in both the training set (r = 0.99) and the validation set (r = 0.83). To investigate the impact of diet on epigenetic ageing, purebred pugs were assigned to either one group fed a minimally processed, human-grade food (MPHGF, n = 18 completed) or a processed, extruded dry kibble (EDK, n = 7 completed). Epigenetic age was assessed from buccal swabs collected at baseline and 6-month timepoints. Each dog served as its own control by calculating delta age (epigenetic age minus chronological age) over the study period. Dogs fed with MPHGF diet exhibited a significant reduction in delta age, decreasing from 2.75 to 1.80 years over 6 months (p = 0.02), indicating a trend of slowed epigenetic ageing. In contrast, dogs fed with EDK diet exhibited no significant change in epigenetic ageing (p = 0.86). After sex-stratified analysis, females in the MPHGF group showed younger delta age at M6 than M0; however, not insignificant comparing to females in the EDK group. This study demonstrates the potential for dietary interventions to influence epigenetic ageing in dogs and provides a practical, quantitative framework for investigating healthy ageing in companion animals.
Background
This paper addresses the role of diet in influencing epigenetic ageing in canines, a topic of increasing interest as epigenetic clocks are recognized as tools for assessing biological ageing. Prior research has established the importance of diet in promoting wellness and longevity in both humans and animals, but specific effects on canine epigenetic ageing were not well understood. This study aims to fill that gap by evaluating a minimally processed diet against a standard processed diet.
Methods
The study employed a pilot design with 25 purebred pugs, assigning 18 to a minimally processed, human-grade food (MPHGF) and 7 to a processed, extruded dry kibble (EDK). Epigenetic age was assessed using buccal swabs at baseline and after 6 months. Each dog served as its own control by calculating delta age, defined as epigenetic age minus chronological age.
Results
The primary endpoint showed a significant reduction in delta age in the MPHGF group, decreasing from 2.75 years to 1.80 years over 6 months (p=0.02). In contrast, the EDK group showed no significant change in delta age (p=0.86).
Interpretation
The findings suggest that a minimally processed diet may have a statistically significant impact on slowing epigenetic ageing in dogs, although the clinical significance remains uncertain given the small sample size. The strong correlation of the epigenetic clock with chronological age supports its validity, but the lack of significant change in the EDK group raises questions about the robustness of dietary effects. Confounding factors such as small n and short duration limit the conclusions that can be drawn.
Key findings
- Delta age decreased from 2.75 to 1.80 years in the MPHGF group over 6 months, p=0.02.
- No significant change in delta age for the EDK group, p=0.86.
- Strong correlation with chronological age in training set (r = 0.99) and validation set (r = 0.83).
- 18 dogs completed the MPHGF diet, while 7 completed the EDK diet.
Limitations
- small n=25, with only 18 in MPHGF group
- short follow-up of 6 months
- no significant change in EDK group
- single-site study