Why Your Senior Pets Have Different Dietary Needs
As living beings age, their bodies change in many ways. These changes also occur in our pets as they get older. One of the most notable changes is in their nutritional needs. Just as our senior loved ones have different dietary requirements than young adults, so too do our senior pets.
As your pet ages, their metabolism slows down, and they become less active. That means they require fewer calories than they did when they were younger. They also have a decreased ability to absorb nutrients from their food. That is why feeding them a diet specifically designed for older pets is essential.
Senior pet food is generally lower in calories and higher in fiber than regular pet food. The extra fiber helps them feel full without overeating. The added nutrients also make up for those that aren’t being absorbed as well as they used to be.
If your pet shows signs of aging, talk to your veterinarian about switching them to senior pet food. It’s the best way to ensure they get the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy in their golden years.
Young vs. Older Pets
As pets age, their nutritional needs change. That’s why it is essential to feed them food specifically designed for their life stage. Adult dogs and cats have different dietary requirements than puppies and kittens, and those needs change again when they reach their senior years.
As we’ve mentioned, one big difference between adult and puppy/kitten food is the number of calories. Puppies and kittens need more calories because they’re growing so quickly. But as dogs and cats reach adulthood, their metabolism slows down, and they don’t need as many calories. On your next pet store visit, look for low-calorie food for your senior pet.
Adult pets also need less protein than puppies and kittens. That is because their bodies are no longer growing, so they don’t need as much protein to build new tissue. However, they still need some protein to maintain their muscle mass.
Another difference between adult and puppy/kitten food is the amount of fat. Puppies and kittens need more fat than adults because it’s a good energy source. But too much fat can be harmful to adult dogs and cats. That’s why adult pet food has less fat than puppy or kitten food.
Adult pets also need different amounts of specific vitamins and minerals than puppies and kittens. For example, adult dogs need more calcium than puppies because their bones need it to maintain density. Alaso, adult cats need more taurine than kittens because they need it for their heart health.
So, as you can see, there are a lot of differences between adult and puppy/kitten food. That’s why feeding your pet food specifically designed for their life stage is important.
When to Start the Diet Change
So, how do you know when to switch to senior pet food? The answer is different for every pet. It typically depends on the size and breed of your pet.
The general rule of thumb is that small dogs and cats can be fed senior pet food around the age of seven. Large dogs can be fed senior pet food around the age of five.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, so it’s best to speak with your veterinarian about your pet's specific case.
How to Choose the Right Adult Food for Your Pet
Pets are like family members and deserve the best of everything, especially when it comes to their food. Just like people, pets need different types and amounts of food as they age and their health conditions change. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right adult food for your pet.
1. Age
As pets age, their metabolism slows down, and they become less active. That means they need fewer calories and less fat in their diet. Look for senior formulas in pet stores that are lower in calories and fat and higher in fiber to help keep your pet feeling full.
2. Health Conditions
Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, liver issues, and kidney disease, require special diets. If your pet has any health conditions, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best food options.
3. Activity Level
Very active pets, such as those participating in agility or other sports, will need more calories than pets that are primarily sedentary. Choose food with higher calories and protein to help your pet maintain its energy level.
4. Allergies
Some pets are allergic to certain ingredients in pet food, such as corn, wheat, or soy. If your pet has any allergies, choose a food that does not contain any of its allergens.
5. Picky Eaters
Some pets are just picky eaters and will turn their noses up at anything that isn’t their favorite food. If your pet is a picky eater, you may have to experiment with different foods to find one they will eat.
The best way to determine the best food for your pet is to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you choose the right food for your pet's age, health condition, and activity level.
The Diet Change Process
Making the switch to adult food can be a challenging process for some pets. The best way to transition is by slowly mixing your cat or dog's old food with their new food.
To do this:
- Start by mixing a quarter of adult food with three-quarters of your pet's old food.
- After a few days, increase the amount of adult food and decrease the amount of old food.
- Continue this process until your pet is eating all adult food.
If you notice that your pet is experiencing any digestive issues, like vomiting or diarrhea, slow the switching process. More importantly, ask your vet if you have questions about switching your pet to adult food.
Check out our senior pet products!
Conclusion
There are many benefits to being mindful of what your adult pets eat. Not only can it help them maintain a healthy weight, but it can also improve their overall health and quality of life. Additionally, it can help you avoid costly vet bills down the road. So, do your research and ensure you are feeding your furry friend the best food possible.
At Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming, we have a wide variety of pet supplies in Marysville, Washington, available for purchase. That includes natural pet foods, raw foods, quality treats, and CBD treats. You can shop for these items online or visit our physical store.