Evaluation of enzymatically hydrolyzed poultry byproduct meal effects on fecal microbiota and pressure variables in elderly obese cats.

EHPM-c improved fecal microbiota in obese senior cats without significantly affecting blood pressure.

This randomized controlled study evaluated enzymatically hydrolyzed poultry byproduct meal (EHPM-c) incorporation in feline diets targeting elderly obese cats with potential hypertension management. Eighteen neutered cats were assigned to control (conventional poultry byproduct meal) or test (12% EHPM-c supplementation) groups. Researchers assessed systolic blood pressure, serum aldosterone concentrations, angiotensin-converting enzyme I activity, and fecal microbiota composition via 16S rRNA analysis. While EHPM-c inclusion did not significantly reduce blood pressure parameters, both dietary interventions promoted beneficial fecal microbiota modulation, evidenced by maintained high alpha diversity and improved intestinal health markers. The study underscores the multifaceted role of dietary peptides in feline nutrition, particularly for geriatric obese populations. Although hypertension management showed limited direct benefit at the tested inclusion level, the microbiota modulation findings suggest potential long-term intestinal health benefits. Authors recommend future investigations exploring higher EHPM-c inclusion rates and extended intervention periods to establish optimal dosing protocols and detect delayed physiological adaptations.

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