top of page
Writer's pictureChristopher Mayell

Nutritional Needs for your Aging Pet!

Updated: Nov 30, 2023

As your pet ages, health issues may arise including deterioration of skin and coat, loss of muscle mass 💪🏻, more frequent intestinal problems, arthritis, obesity, dental problems 🦷 and decreased ability to fight off infection. Nutrition 🍽 can be a powerful tool in helping manage or even prevent these complications. However, deciding on the best diet for an older dog or cat can be a difficult decision and can be overwhelming with the variety of products available in the pet food industry. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤔 So let us help make sure you aren’t barking up the wrong tree.🌳

As pets age their metabolisms slow down and their muscles 💪🏻 start to deteriorate, which means it’s a lot easier for them to become overweight or even obese ⚖️. Senior animals typically need lower calorie diets to help maintain a healthy weight and high fibre to help with gastrointestinal health. 🐶🐱

Some of the ways a senior pet diet might differ from a regular adult pet diet:

- Nutrient adjustments 🧪 - Higher digestibility - Softer texture and/or formulated to fight dental disease - Added joint supplements 🦵🏼 - Added MCTs, omega-3s, and antioxidants

When searching for a brand of food to swap your dog or cat onto there are some key things to look 👀 out for:

1. Avoid foods with lowered protein levels- studies have shown that protein levels do not decrease in aging pets but instead help to maintain good muscle mass. 🙌 2. Look for foods with high levels of Vitamin E and Beta-Carotene - these antioxidants help to increase the effectiveness of a pets immune system and eliminate free radical particles that can damage body tissues.😻 3. Increase Omega 3 Fatty Acid and FOS intake - Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega 3 fatty acid that plays a crucial role in skin and coat health. When a pet ages, their gastrointestinal bacteria can be affected so any senior diet should contain Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.🦠✅

Some examples of completely balanced foods that could be ideal for your pet 🐈 include; Royal Canin, Hills Science Diet or Eukanuba. Each pet is so individual and every brand has multiple life stage diets so give us a call 📞 on 07 3288 1822 and we would pawsitively love to help you with all of your pet nutrition queries!!! ‼️

For more information about senior pet foods visit:


Comprehensive Pet Care for Collingwood Park, Forest Lake, Greater Springfield, Ripley and Beyond

Goodna Vet is your trusted partner for exceptional pet care in a wide range of areas, including Collingwood Park, Greater Springfield, Springfield Lakes, Ripley, Ipswich, Forest Lake, and Redbank Plains. As a premier veterinary clinic, we proudly extend our services to pet owners in Jindalee, Darra, Oxley, Sumner Park, Sinnamon Park, Riverview, Redbank, Dinmore, Karalee, Karana Downs, Camira, Gailes, Brookwater, Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park, Bundamba, Mount Ommaney, Westlake, Riverhills, Middle Park, Jamboree Heights, Richlands, Inala and Ellen Grove. Your furry friend's well-being is our priority, and we can't wait to welcome you both to our clinic.


Book Your Convenient Same-Day Appointment Now!!!

We understand the urgency of pet care needs. Don't hesitate to request a same-day appointment today. Experience the exceptional care that defines Goodna Vet and ensures your pet's health and happiness.

0 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page