Getting old isn’t fun for anyone unless you’re nine. The same goes for your pets; with old age; like humans, animals face health risks as they enter older ages. Animals battle with severe issues like arthritis, diabetes, cosmetic aging, etc. This post will talk about some of the suggested geriatric dietary options to ease this process.
Diet For Senior Dogs
Talking about dogs initially, senior dogs need a wholesome diet that is lesser in calories, higher in fiber and has adequate protein and fat.
For dogs with lower kidney functionality, it is advised to cut down on the protein intake so that it is not a strain during digestion. Arthritis in dogs is seen according to the breeds, some breeds are prone to it, and some suffer from it due to high calcium deposits causing higher bone density.
For these scenarios, vitamin and nutrient supplements are an excellent idea for facilitating more effortless movement in their joints. Now, coming to the fat intake, needless to say as in humans if your dog has been diagnosed as diabetic, then reduce the fat intake. Otherwise, it is very intuitive; if you notice your dog shedding weight, it is advised to spike the fat content in their diet to regain it and maintain a healthy body mass index.
Dental
Another common issue with an aging dog arises when it comes to their dental health. Many senior dogs find it very hard to chew through regular kibble food; the typical home remedy in this scenario would be to increase the probiotic intake through yogurt or tempeh. The probiotic bacteria in these foods help improve health and hygiene, removing the harmful microbes that may be infecting your dog’s oral health.
We all know how a healthy mind is a healthy body; the same goes for your dog. Older dogs like humans tend to have a slower mind leading to lousy memory and other common issues. The natural remedy for these situations would be to introduce small dosages of palm oil and coconut oil.
If you’re keen on feeding them vegetables, then carrots are your best option as they contain beta-carotene, which is very stabilizing for the brain. In a situation where your dog refuses to eat most of the time, it is because their sensory receptors are less functional, and therefore, the food you serve to them should be more palatable so that they are more likely to eat it.
Diet For Senior Cats
As cats age, they give very evident indications; they tend to sleep more, are no more as dynamic as they used to be, the effects of aging in cats are also seen on their fur, it tends to become dull and turns slightly white. Since most cats are carnivorous, their primary dietary resource should be from fish and other meat forms. Feeding them fish is essential as it provides them with amino acids, this helps them make nutrients that their body cannot on its own. The same rules for BMI apply for cats(https://tractive.com/bmi/cat); however, to improve coat health and nutritional functioning, given that fats act as soluble mediums for specific vitamins in the body, seed oils are the go-to. The hemp seed oil has proven to be an excellent nutritional supplement for cats. It helps their coat and makes it silkier and reduces aging indications like whitening or paling. Carbohydrates in small quantities are known to provide cats with higher energy cutting down on their need to sleep throughout the day, making more time for you to play with them!
Dental
To improve oral health in cats, milk is the solution. Milk contains necessary nutrients like calcium and zinc, which helps in building buccal strength. When it comes to cats, the scenario is similar to dogs. They may choose not to eat due to lowered sensory functionality, which can be avoided by making the food more palatable.
An important note for any pet parent before referring to any nutritional guide for their aging fluffies would be to get a regular health check for their pets to identify any diseases or abnormalities in their body. Accordingly, dietary implementations can be made.
Maintaining a healthy diet at the end of it all ensures more time for you to engage with them and lesser issues inflicted by natural aging.
(Disclaimer: This is purely informational article, please consult with a vet before making any changes to your pet’s diet.)
