There are more than 45 million senior pets in the US.
And, whether you’re adopting a senior pet, or your beloved longtime companion is growing older, every pet owner wants to keep their faithful companion healthy as long as possible.
As your pet ages, their nutritional needs will start to change. Providing the right diet is crucial for supporting their health and longevity.
Here are six important things to know about senior pet nutrition and health:
1. Adjust Their Calories for Less Activity
Senior pets are usually less active than when they were younger. However, their caloric needs don’t decrease at the same rate as activity levels.
Work with your vet to determine the ideal caloric intake for your senior pet’s current lifestyle. Reduce their calories gradually to avoid too rapid weight loss.
Consider switching to a senior-specific food or working with a veterinary nutritionist to formulate a custom weight loss plan, if needed.
2. Support Joint Health
Arthritis and joint problems are common in older pets. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, glucosamine, chondroitin, and anti-inflammatory nutrients can help reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
Look for senior pet foods formulated with joint support. Ensure that you feed your pet to avoid weight gain, which puts additional strain on joints.
Regular gentle exercise also helps maintain mobility. Low-impact activities like a calm walks, swimming, or gentle play sessions can encourage muscle strength and flexibility without overtaxing fragile joints.
Provide padded orthopedic beds and easy access to food, water, and litter boxes to reduce discomfort.
3. Aid Digestive Health
Digestion often slows down as pets age, so highly digestible protein sources like chicken, fish, and egg are ideal.
Fiber keeps things moving and helps soften stools. Probiotics support healthy gut flora.
Avoid rich foods and excess fat, which can trigger gastrointestinal upset. Ensure your pet is well-hydrated to support regular bowel movements.
Dental issues can be common in senior pets, making chewing kibble difficult. Consider switching to wet food or add warm water to kibble to create a soft, palatable texture.
4. Antioxidants Fight Cell Damage
Free radicals and oxidative damage contribute to many age-related diseases. Antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and lutein neutralize free radicals.
Senior pet foods with added antioxidants can help combat cellular aging. Blueberries, kale, and fatty fish are just a few natural antioxidant sources you may want to consider.
Supplements may provide an antioxidant boost, but check with your vet first, as improper dosing of certain vitamins can be harmful.
5. Monitor Their Organs and Systems
Internal organ function tends to decline with age. Kidney disease, heart disease, cancer, and liver issues become more common.
Regular vet exams, bloodwork, and diagnostic tests can catch problems early. Medications, dietary changes, or supplements may help manage age-related conditions.
Signs of a potential issue include increased thirst, changes in bathroom habits, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and labored breathing.
Don’t assume these are just due to old age – discuss any significant changes in senior pet health with your vet.
6. Keep a Close Eye on Appetite and Weight
Appetite loss or weight loss can signify an underlying health issue in senior pets.
Track their eating habits and weight closely, and inform your vet of significant changes.
Stimulate their appetite with warming, aromatic foods. You may also want to consider dividing their meals into smaller, more frequent portions.
Ensure proper nutrition with palatable, calorie-dense options if their food intake is poor. Weigh your pet weekly to monitor any decrease that may necessitate intervention.
Saying Goodbye
No matter how well you care for your pet, eventually, the time will come when it’s time to say goodbye.
Making the decision to euthanize a pet is incredibly difficult. Quality of life should be your key consideration.
When your pet’s comfort cannot be maintained through reasonable measures, or their suffering outweighs any remaining joy, it may be time to let go.
Your veterinarian can guide you through this gut-wrenching process with compassion, or you may want to consider the benefits of in-home euthanasia with a service like CodaPet.
Caring for a senior pet requires diligent observation skills and proactive adjustments. You’ll want to put active effort into ensuring your pet is healthy for as long as possible.
While senior pet health declines are inevitable, early intervention and supportive care can significantly extend and improve your pet’s golden years.
With some extra TLC and partnership with your vet, your aging furry companion can continue to live a happy, comfortable life by your side for as long as possible.