Wyckoff, New Jersey, June 11th, 2020 — Winn Feline Foundation, in a special funding opportunity co-sponsored by Nestlé Purina Petcare and Mars Petcare is calling for proposals that address the effect that dietary phosphorus and calcium to phosphorus ratio have on renal health in cats. Approximately $400,000 is available to fund proposals of sufficient scientific merit, relevance and potential to impact feline health.
Additional research is critically needed to further the understanding of renal health in cats, and to better define potential risks associated with dietary phosphorus and dietary calcium to phosphorus ratio of foods.A recent consensus agreement from experts in veterinary nephrology and nutrition concluded that excess of certain forms of dietary phosphorus can damage kidneys and cause acute or chronic kidney disease, different phosphorus sources can have different physiological effects, and the detrimental effect of phosphorus is inversely related to the calcium to phosphorus ratio.In addition, short-term acute studies indicate that an increase in post-prandial phosphorus and associated regulatory hormones may explain, in part, the mechanism of adverse effects associated with certain forms of dietary phosphorus. Nevertheless, many gaps in scientific knowledge regarding phosphorus and feline kidney health still exist; therefore, there is need for additional investigators and independent centers to participate in filling in these gaps.The overall goal of such research is to provide evidence that will lead to scientific consensus on safe levels and types of dietary phosphorus for feline diets. High priority areas that have been identified and will be given special consideration include investigation of factors that influence phosphorus bioavailability and metabolism including source and form of phosphorus in foods, identification of biomarkers of renal injury (i.e., especially markers that detect early kidney changes before irreversible damage occurs) and identification ofin vitroassays that correlate within vivofunction of phosphorus sources.
“We are thrilled that Mars Petcare and Nestle Purina Petcare have come to us for facilitation of this grant funding relating to this topic of interest that is very much needed in the health and well-being of our feline family members.” says Julie Legred, CVT, Winn Feline Foundation Executive Director. “We are excited about this opportunity to be included and look forward to bringing forth new knowledge and understanding in this area.”
Please see Winn Feline Foundation’s website for more details relating to the grant application process.
About Winn Feline Foundation
Winn Feline Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1968 that supports studies to improve cat health.Since 1968, Winn Feline Foundation has funded more than $7 million in health research for cats at more than30 partner institutionsworld-wide.For further information, go to www.winnfelinefoundation.org.
About Mars Petcare
Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With more than $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN’S®, and COCOAVIA®. Mars associates proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our more than 125,000 associates to take action every day to help create a world tomorrow in which the planet, its people and pets can thrive. For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About Nestle Purina Petcare
Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Nestlé S.A., a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness. Subscribe hereto get the latest Purina news.
Media Contacts
Julie Legred, CVT
Executive Director
888-963-6946, extension 706
jlegred@winnfelinefoundation.org
Steve Dale, CABC
Media Contact and Winn Board Member
773-795-8696
petworld@stevedale.tv
Winn Feline Foundation – 637 Wyckoff Ave., Suite 336, Wyckoff, NJ 07481