Aging is inevitable, but are lifestyle factors including exercise and particularly diet accelerating this process? The answer is most likely if they are fed a diet largely comprised of kibble.  "The high heat, dehydration, and irradiation practices used during cooking and food manufacturing cause the chemical reactions between sugars fats and proteins to occur much more rapidly. This significantly increases the levels of AGE. formation, particularly in processed foods," like kibble. (Source: Anti-A.G.E Foundation)

They are also referred to as glycotoxins because they cause major oxidation in the body.  These toxins accumulate over time in tissues, which create inflammation, and in turn increase the risk of developing diseases like cancer, heart disease and diabetes.  Unfortunately, all of these diseases are increasing steadily amongst dogs and accepted as a normal part of the aging process, when in fact, they are not. 

According to this study, "The formation of AGEs is a part of normal metabolism, but if excessively high levels of AGEs are reached in tissues and the circulation they can become pathogenic. The pathologic effects of AGEs are related to their ability to promote oxidative stress and inflammation by binding with cell surface receptors or cross-linking with body proteins, altering their structure and function."  This is a scientific way of saying that the consumption of too many AGEs, which are insanely high in most kibble, leads to disease in our dogs. 

The good news is the more we can restrict the consumption of AGEs, and according to the same source above, we can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and "delay chronic diseases and aging in animals."  

How do you know if a particular food is high in AGEs?

The truth is you don't.  We know that anything produced at a very high heat, has crappy ingredients and is ultra-processed is probably very high in AGEs, but we don't know the exact amount.  

We, at Bobzilla wanted to change this and redefine how animal lovers select the kind of food to give to their companions and teach people how to make the best and healthiest choices for their beloved dogs.   

So, we funded the research of Dr. David Turner, Ph.D. to analyze AGE levels found in popular kibble, wet food, homemade and raw.  Dr. Turner and his team are compiling their findings into a massive database that will be made public soon.  This way, consumers will know exactly how many AGEs are found in each particular brand and variety of dog food and decide what is best for their dog.   

Dr. Turner is an expert on AGEs and is a member of the Massey Cancer Center research team at Virginia Commonwealth University, vice Chair of Research & Innovation of the Cancer Prevention and Control research program and founder of the Anti-A.G.E Foundation, a non-profit organization which spreads awareness about the severity of processed foods and their impact on our health and lifespan.  

Dr. Turner and his team have estimated that "dog food is about 100 times higher in AGEs than human food,” and and believes that this may "reduce our canine companions quality of life and overall lifespan."   

With the information stored in this database, we believe animal lovers will be able to make the healthiest nutritional choices possible and improve the quality of life and lengthen their dogs' overall lifespan. 

Bobzilla does not seek to profit from any research findings.  Any donation that you make will contribute to funding further unbiased research. Please consider donating by clicking here.