True or False? Senior pets should keep eating their regular adult diet.

Answer: False

For some senior pets, it’s fine for them to stay on their regular adult diet, but a senior diet formulation is a better option. As pets age they often become less physically active. This makes them prone to gaining weight. Senior pet formulations typically have fewer calories, while still meeting all their other nutritional needs, which helps older pets maintain a healthy weight and body condition. The key to feeding a senior pet is threefold:

• Ensure the diet meets but doesn’t exceed their caloric needs.
• Avoid nutrient excesses specific to any health conditions they may have (e.g., kidney disease or high blood pressure).
• Provide an ideal mix of fats and protein.

Before you consider switching to a senior diet, discuss this with your pet’s veterinarian. They can provide recommendations on diets that meet your pet’s specific needs as well as portion recommendations.

Find out our top tips for feeding your senior pet. >>