PSVIII-B-10 Feeding Senior Labrador Retrievers Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate to Prevent Sarcopenia

Abstract Conditions which affect humans are often closely followed by our companion animals, especially in aging populations. Canines present with muscle wasting diseases such as sarcopenia and cachexia a result of or chronic disease. In this 26wk study, goal was to evaluate the effects feeding 1.5x AAFCO CP from whey protein isolate pea compared senior dogs standard diet (45g CP/1000 kcal DM) on body composition exercised Labrador Retrievers. Thirty-six (36) Retrievers (18m/18f; 8-12yrs) were sorted into three equal groups fed basal plus hydrolyzed isolate, added fat sugar (control). All ran 1.6km run twice weekly throughout trial. Body determined dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at Weeks 0, 12, 20, 26. weighed feed intake measured daily. weights similar between groups. Whey group gained 1.69% 0.6kg mass control gaining 7.97% 3.05kg (p=0.045; p=0.005). From Wk0 Wk26, lost only 0.38kg lean/fat ratio group’s -1.75kg loss (p=0.021). Wk12 Wk26 Wk18 maintained higher lean:fat (p=0.101; p=0.049). Based these results, during an exercise regimen seniors basal. Senior also had increased vs consuming diet.