As pets enter their golden years, they may experience some age-related physical changes such as weight change, decreased mobility or arthritis and joint pain. In addition, senior dogs are more likely to have dental disease and may experience tooth and gum sensitivity as a result.
Adjusting your pet's nutrition as they get older may help keep your pet healthy and may aid in the management of some medical problems. Various over-the-counter and prescription diets are available that provide nutrients to help with conditions like arthritis and gastrointestinal issues.
Here are a few things you can do at home to make sure your pet’s diet meets their needs:
Your pet's energy requirements may vary over time. Changes in activity level and overall health can make your senior pet more prone to gaining or losing weight. Food intake, size and frequency may need to be adapted or the diet changed to include lower or higher calorie foods to ensure that your pet maintains a healthy body condition. Read more on how to control calorie intake when feeding senior cats or feeding senior dogs.
Aging can also repress your pet's sense of thirst and some chronic conditions common in older pets can increase their water needs. So, be sure your pet has easy access to water. Top cat tip: Spread water bowls around the house to make sure your cat always has water available. In some cases, it may be appropriate to switch your pet from dry kibble to canned wet food.
As your pet ages, their nutritional needs can change. Dietary modifications may be helpful in managing chronic diseases such as kidney disease or arthritis. Talk with your veterinarian before switching diets to ensure your pet’s diet meets their changing needs as they age.
Dental disease can make chewing painful, and your pet may struggle to eat hard foods. Other health conditions may also make your pet want to eat more or less than usual. These changes should always be discussed with your veterinarian. They may recommend a dental diet or softer food that is easier for your pet to chew.
Shop senior pet food options to find a diet ideal for your pet.
