{"id":1732,"date":"2024-10-28T05:55:33","date_gmt":"2024-10-28T12:55:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bowmanvet.com\/blog\/?p=1732"},"modified":"2024-10-15T05:57:03","modified_gmt":"2024-10-15T12:57:03","slug":"feeding-your-senior-pet-a-guide-to-balanced-nutrition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bowmanvet.com\/blog\/feeding-your-senior-pet-a-guide-to-balanced-nutrition\/","title":{"rendered":"Feeding Your Senior Pet: A Guide to Balanced Nutrition"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Dogs<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As our pets age, their bodies change\u2014and so do their dietary needs. Many senior pets need specific senior dog food or senior cat food to stay healthy. It can be hard to understand why this happens and what to do about it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So whether you have a senior dog or cat, the team at Bowman Veterinary Hospital<\/a> would like to share our best tips about senior pet nutrition. Here’s what you need to know about senior pet dietary needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Understanding Senior Pet Dietary Needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like humans, our elderly pets undergo changes in their metabolism, energy levels, and immune system as they age. This means their diet<\/a> needs to be adjusted to meet these new requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, senior dogs and cats might need fewer calories, but they still need high-quality protein to maintain their muscle mass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And older pets often deal with conditions like arthritis, dental issues, and digestive problems. With the right senior pet diet, you can help your pet avoid the worst of these issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the Right Senior Pet Food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you’re looking for the best senior dog food or senior cat food, it\u2019s important to choose a formula specifically designed for older pets. These foods usually have just the right balance<\/a> of protein, fat, and fiber for our older animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before anything else, look for a label that says the food is for senior or geriatric pets. Then choose from senior pet foods that include high-quality animal proteins like beef, salmon, lamb, or chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are easier for senior pets to digest. They also provide essential amino acids, which help with muscle maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might want to consider using wet food more often for your senior cat, too. It provides extra moisture, which is key for sustaining your kitty’s kidney health and helping her avoid UTIs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senior dogs don’t necessarily benefit in the same way from wet food. But they do benefit from foods<\/a> that include joint-supporting ingredients, like glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients can help keep your dog’s joints healthy as he ages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Incorporating Supplements into a Senior Pet\u2019s Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Supplements can be incredibly useful for helping support your senior pet\u2019s health. It’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian<\/a> before starting your senior pet on any supplements, but in general, try the following supplements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n