Our pets are living much longer lives these days. This is
great news as we enjoy their companionship, however as they age the needs or
our senior pets change. Today we will focus on the dietary needs of our more
mature animals. These senior diets would not replace prescription diets that
are used to manage different conditions.
As animals age they are at a greater risk for certain
conditions such as kidney disease, heart failure, cancer, obesity and joint
disease (such as arthritis). There can also be some age related changes to
brain function, where like people they can become confused or disoriented from
time to time. Some of these conditions can be managed or prevented with a high
quality senior diet.
Water is the most important part of any diet. It is
important that pets have free access to fresh water throughout the day.
Monitoring the water consumption is also a very good idea as changes can
indicate certain conditions and may warrant a trip to the vet office!
When evaluating different senior diets there are certain
ingredients that may be present (or absent) when compared to diets made for
younger animals. Many times there will be a decrease in fat which can help control
weight. Obesity is one of the biggest problems we face in the veterinary
industry. The extra weight has been shown to decrease the life expectancy as
well as take a toll on many different body systems. An additive found in many senior
foods may be increased antioxidants. These can help manage (not cure) several
different conditions such as skin disease, kidney disease, arthritis and many
more. As pets age they may also deal with constipation issues so many diets
will increase the amount of fiber to help combat this. It is important to
monitor each pet’s response to certain diets, because as some pets age they
actually loose weight so a high fiber diet may not be appropriate for them.
Food texture can also play a roll in the diet. Dental
disease is another big issue facing our pets. Certain shapes and types of dry
food can actually help break tartar down and prevent bacteria from building up
in mouth. Food and treats with the VOHC (veterinary oral health council) seal
on them have been shown to improve dental health in pets. Another label to look
for when evaluating any diet is to look for an AAFCO (Association of American
Feed Control Officers) statement. These statements will show if a food has been
studied and for which life stages it is appropriate to feed.
While senior diets can be beneficial in many pets, they may
not be right for every mature animal. Working with your veterinarian can help
direct the nutrition that is best for your pet. The ASPCA has some great
information about feeding older dogs which can be found here.
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