Paws-itive Press
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION FOR SENIOR DOGS
By Mark Planco of Planco Veterinary Care
The nutritional requirements of older dogs differ in amount rather than in type from those of younger dogs. The same nutrients are required, but in different amounts. One of the effects of aging is a slowing down in the metabolic rate, the speed at which the body “burns” food for energy. The older dog typically needs fewer calories due to a decrease in activity. During the last third of a dog’s life span, it usually requires 10-30% fewer calories. The amount of reduction will be influenced by such variables as breed, living habits, and general physical condition.
Another change brought on by aging is a reduction of the functional capacity of body organs such as the heart, kidneys, and digestive system. As the digestive processes become less efficient, it is important that the ingredients in the older dog’s diet be of a high biological quality that is easily digested and utilized by the body.
This is the type of technical information known and used by scientists in the formulation of the higher quality pet foods. With these foods, the products are backed and proven by many years of research and testing. In pet foods, you really do usually get what you pay for. Quality pet foods do NOT use cheap ingredients and therefore are more expensive to make than the generic foods available. Beware of the marketing schemes of poor quality food. Don’t buy food according to cost or what the bag says, looks like or compares itself to. Use a food your veterinarian recommends or approves. You can spend a lot of money on poor quality food.
It is best to feed a high quality food and nothing else unless recommended by your veterinarian because of special needs of the pet. There are circumstances that sometimes require a prescription diet to be recommended due to metabolic issues. In some conditions, your veterinarian may recommend specific supplements for the diet. Supplementation should be done under medical guidance only since adding supplements can create an unbalanced diet, which may be harmful to the dog.
WATER:
An essential nutrient, and your dog should have free access to water at all times. Change it often. When you go on trips or outings with your dog, be sure to take a supply of water with you. Offer it frequently.
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Dr. Mark Planco’s compassion for animals has been a lifelong labor of love. He earned both his undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at the University of Florida. Dr. Planco has treated small and large animals since 1991, and has been in Palm Beach County since 1994. Dr. Planco is a member of the Palm Beach Veterinary Society, American Veterinary Medical Association and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association. Visit for further information or call 561-795-9507.
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Note: Planco Veterinary Care is in need of an experienced Veterinary Technician. It could be part-time or possibly full time. Please post and repost. Anyone interested please send resume to Planco@
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Disclaimer: This column is not intended to provide information on which you should use to diagnose or treat a medical condition or delay seeking medical attention. This column is of no value with respect to any medical condition that needs prompt attention. If you have a question that needs an immediate answer, you should call your own veterinarian or emergency animal hospital, especially if you are confronting a medical emergency!
Furthermore, we urge you to always seek the advice of your own veterinarian, and you should not disregard, discount, or delay seeking the advice of your veterinarian because of any response posted in this column.