Effects of Isulsongi mushroom (Lentinula edodes GNA01) supplementation on age-dependent blood lipid characteristics in dogs

This study examined the effect of feeding Isulsongi mushroom (Lentinula edodes GNA01), a new cultivar of shiitake, on blood lipid traits in dogs of different ages.Ten Maltese dogs were divided into two groups, adult (average 42 months) and senior (average 106 months), and fed freeze-dried mushroom powder at 150 mg•kg -1 body weight daily for 9 weeks.Blood samples were taken at 0, 3, 6, and 9 weeks and analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), atherogenic index (AI), and cardiac risk factor (CRF). Results showed TC and LDL-C decreased significantly in both groups, while HDL-C increased.TGs decreased significantly in adults, whereas in seniors the decline was not statistically significant.AI and CRF values also dropped in both age groups as feeding period continued.Senior dogs tended to have higher lipid values overall; however, they still showed a response to supplementation.These findings suggest Isulsongi mushroom can improve lipid metabolism and reduce cardiovascular risk markers in dogs, although the strength of the effect may differ depending on age.The results may be useful for developing functional pet food materials and age-specific nutrition strategies.