Ex vivo energy restriction in obese cats reveals more amino acid and vitamin intakes below recommendations with over-the-counter compared to veterinary weight-loss diets.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cats meet National Research Council (NRC) recommendations for essential nutrient intake when energy restricted on various diets. METHODS: 3 diets for each diet group-veterinary weight loss, over-the-counter low calorie (LOWCAL), and OTC adult maintenance (ADULT)-were analyzed for amino acids and vitamins. Theoretical nutrient intakes with each diet under energy restriction were calculated using body weight (BW) and body condition score data of 16 adult obese cats from a previous in vivo weight-loss study. Six energy calculations (R1-6) were used: R1, 70 kcal/current BW0.75; R2, 0.8 X 70 kcal/cBW0.75; R3, 70 kcal/ideal BW (iBW)0.75; R4, 0.6 X 130 kcal/cBW0.4; R5, 0.8 X 70 kcal/iBW0.75; and R6, 0.6 X 130 kcal/iBW0.4. Calculated intakes were compared to NRC recommended allowance (RA) and minimum requirements for adult cats. RESULTS: Crude protein intake was below RA for LOWCAL at R4 and ADULT at R6 and below minimum requirements for ADULT at R6. Tryptophan and phenylalanine plus tyrosine intakes were below RA for ADULT at R4. Choline intake was below RA for veterinary weight loss at R2 and R4 through R6, for LOWCAL at R4 and R6, and for ADULT at R1 through R6. CONCLUSIONS: Theoretical energy restriction using purpose-formulated weight-loss food resulted in only choline being below NRC recommendations. Most nutrient intakes met NRC recommendations for LOWCAL and ADULT, except for crude protein, tryptophan, phenylalanine plus tyrosine, and choline intakes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Veterinary professionals should exercise caution when restricting energy for weight loss, particularly with over-the-counter diets, as they may not meet essential nutrient requirements at lower caloric intakes. Veterinary weight-loss foods are recommended to reduce the risk of nutrient deficiencies.