Weight Management
Soy isoflavones
Soy isoflavones are natural compounds with antioxidant activity that can aid in canine weight management. In humans, research shows that isoflavones may have a number of benefits, from helping to protect against certain kinds of cancers1 to lowering cholesterol, body weight, and the accumulation of abdominal fat.2,3
Purina's research
Purina research identified several benefits of soy isoflavones that could help manage weight in dogs at risk of obesity.4-7
When fed 25% above their maintenance energy needs, neutered dogs fed a diet enriched with isoflavones from soybean germ meal showed 50% less weight gain4 and reduced body fat accumulation compared to dogs fed similar amounts of a control diet.4-6
Additionally, dogs fed the isoflavone-enriched diet exhibited increased energy metabolism6 and decreased oxidative stress.7
Key things to remember
- Soy isoflavones have been shown to improve weight management in dogs.
- Purina research showed that dogs fed an isoflavone-enriched diet had reduced body fat accumulation and 50% less weight gain than dogs fed similar amounts of a control diet.
- Reducing weight with isoflavone-enriched diets may also benefit pet health through increased energy metabolism and lower oxidative stress.
Explore areas of managing a healthy weight
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Find out more
- Nachvak, S. M., Moradi, S., Anjom-Shoae, J., Rahmani, J., Nasiri, M., Maleki, V., & Sadeghi, O. (2019). Soy, soy isoflavones, and protein intake in relation to mortality from all causes, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 119(9), 1483–1500.e17.
- Yamagata, K., & Yamori, Y. (2021). Potential effects of soy isoflavones on the prevention of metabolic syndrome. Molecules, 26, 5863. doi: 10.3390/molecules26195863
- Aubertin-Leheudre, M., Lord, C., Khalil, A., & Dionne, I. J. (2007). Effect of 6 months of exercise and isoflavone supplementation on clinical cardiovascular risk factors in obese postmenopausal women: A randomized, double-blind study. Menopause: The Journal of the North American Menopause Society, 14(4), 624–629.
- Pan, Y. L. (2006). Use of soy isoflavones for weight management in spayed/neutered dogs. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal, 20(5), A854–A855.
- Pan, Y. L. (2007). Effects of isoflavones on body fat accumulation in neutered male and female dogs. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal, 21(5), A373–376.
- Pan, Y. L. (2012). Soy germ isoflavones supplementation reduced body fat accumulation and enhanced energy metabolism in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 26(3), 812–813.
- Pan, Y., Tavazzi, I., Oberson, J.-M., Fay, L. B., & Kerr, W. (2008). Effect of isoflavones, conjugated linoleic acid, and L-carnitine on weight loss and oxidative stress in overweight dogs. Compendium: Continuing Education for Veterinarians, 3(A), S69.