Key points from article :
Nestlé scientists have developed an innovative algorithm that estimates a dog's biological age, providing insights into its health beyond its actual chronological age. Published in GeroScience, this research is grounded in years of data from various studies, revealing how biological age—defined by factors like blood markers, glucose levels, and kidney function—can predict a dog's overall health trajectory. Unlike chronological age, which is based purely on birthdate, biological age reflects the functional ageing of a dog’s body, often providing a more accurate measure of health status.
According to Pascal Steiner, director of petcare nutrition at Nestlé Research, biological age is valuable because it highlights health markers that might be overlooked if a vet were to consider only a dog's chronological age. For instance, some dogs with a high biological age appear healthy under routine tests but may have underlying issues, suggesting biological age could be a stronger indicator for potential health risks. This insight could help pet owners and veterinarians make more informed, proactive health decisions.
Nestlé’s broader pet health initiatives, including the Petivity ecosystem, aim to empower pet owners with tools that monitor and predict their pet’s health. The ecosystem includes devices like the Smart Litter Box Monitor and the Microbiome Analysis Kit, which use AI and biological data to track health indicators and provide tailored nutrition recommendations. Together, these advances showcase Nestlé’s commitment to science-based, personalized pet care that addresses health proactively.
