Key points from article :
By examining data from 47,000 pet dogs, researchers found that calorie restriction can slow or reverse aspects of aging.
Investigated the associations between feeding frequency, cognitive function and nine categories of health.
Owners were asked to fill out a survey of their dog's cognitive health.
"Longer time between meals would be associated with preservation of cognitive function in older dogs," - Emily Bray, lead researcher.
Lower scores of cognitive dysfunction equivalent to the difference between a 7- and 11-year-old dogs.
They were also less likely to have gastrointestinal, dental, bone, kidney and liver disorders.
This is an observational study, so why fasting appears to provide health benefits is unknown.
The ASPCA and American Kennel Club recommends feeding all dogs twice per day (8-12 hours apart).
"This paper is not meant to be treated as veterinary advice," - Bray.
Study by University of Arizona published in bioRxiv.
