Senior dogs and cats. What should we be feeding them? And when are they considered senior?
Join Animal Nutritionist Dr Shay Rutherford BSc., MSc., PhD as she gives you some tips on what you can do to enhance your ageing pet's quality of life in their senior years
Generally, you can consider your cat to be senior from the age of 7 upwards. From here, any age related changes would need to be monitored a bit closer.
Seniority in dogs, however, depends hugely on their breed and size. Small breeds age slower, meaning they don't reach senior status until around 8-10 years of age. Medium sized breeds can be considered senior between 8 and 10 years old and giant breeds age much faster. They can be considered senior as young as 5 years old!
So, what do the nutrient requirements for your senior pets look like?
The official, recognised nutrient requirements for senior dogs and cats are the same as those of adult dogs and cats. They require the same amount of each specific nutrient as their younger counterparts. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to feeding our ageing pets as their primary diet only delivers on their base requirements, without considering any health issues, activity levels or extra nutrients they may benefit from as they age.
Let's dive in to some things to look out for when feeding your ageing pet.
Do they have any specific health issues?
If so, they may require certain nutrients to be restricted (for example, dogs with or prone to pancreatitis may benefit from a lower fat intake). Some dogs may also benefit from higher levels of certain nutrients (for example, if your pet suffers from joint issues). For serious, vet diagnosed health issues, they may require a specialised diet. This would need to be discussed with your vet or a qualified pet nutritionist who can help you with your next steps.
How active are they?
Older dogs and cats tend to be far less active than they were in their younger years. This means they don't need as much energy, and therefore food each day. Obesity in cats and dogs is a quickly growing issue worldwide and can lead to serious conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases and osteoarthritis. Ensuring you keep your pet at an optimal weight decreases their risk of developing any of these conditions and can lead to a longer, happier life.
Would they benefit from extra nutrients?
For many senior pets, a nutritional supplement is a great addition to their daily diet. For example, pets with early joint issues can be greatly aided by a supplement containing nutraceuticals such as green lipped mussel and omega 3 fatty acids. You can also find supplements to help with digestion, skin and coat health as well as their overall wellbeing and immunity. It is important to consider adding a supplement to your senior pet's diet, regardless of whether they struggle with any health related issues.
Are they eating less at mealtimes?
As pets age, their appetite often decreases and they start to leave more food behind at mealtimes. You may find that they prefer to be fed in small amounts throughout the day, rather than 2 designated mealtimes where they are given larger quantities of food.
If your senior pets are suffering from joint issues, mealtimes may be uncomfortable for them. Try using a slightly raised bowl for their food, as they may be struggling to reach the lower bowls. Raised bowls can decrease the stress and strain on their necks at mealtimes and allow them more comfort to enjoy their food.
Always ensure your pet has plenty of fresh drinking water available. They often need a bit more hydration than they used to as they age.
