Does my pet really need to go on a “special” diet when they reach a certain age? In this article, we answer this and other commonly asked questions about senior pets and their nutritional requirements.

Q: When is my pet considered to be old?
A: In general, cats and smaller breed dogs are considered to be senior by the time they reach eight-to-ten years old, whilst larger to giant breed dogs are considered old at seven-to-eight years of age.

Q: What health problems might my senior pet be at risk of?
A: Senior pets are more likely to be affected by arthritis. For various reasons, they generally also become more sedentary, which puts them at risk of weight gain and obesity-related health issues.

Older animals are also at higher risk of organ problems (such as chronic kidney disease) and dental disease.

Lastly, senior pets may experience a decline in brain health and function, similar to dementia in people.

Q: What benefits will a senior diet provide compared to a regular dog diet?
A: High-quality senior pet diets may offer a number of health benefits, such as:

• Clinically-proven antioxidants for the support of brain and organ health
• Concentrated omega 3’s to support joint comfort and mobility
• Higher digestibility for sensitive stomachs
• Appropriate caloric balance to support healthy lean muscle mass

Q: So, does my pet actually need a senior diet?
A: Senior diets can be an easy way to help support the health of an older pet.

Equally, your pet is likely to do just as well on a high-quality, balanced adult pet food, with some added supplements to support brain and joint health as required. We recommend using veterinary-approved supplements designed for pets to ensure safe, correct dosages.

Lastly, if your senior pet does develop any significant health issues, we may recommend a specific prescription diet to support their particular needs (such as a kidney support diet for chronic kidney disease).

For more advice on supporting your older pet’s health, we’d recommend consulting our senior-savvy vets.