Our E-mag

How can I adapt the diet of my ageing pet?

23 November 2022

Your pet is getting on in years and you want to know how to adapt its diet. Although your veterinarian will be able to give you the best advice for your four-legged friend’s needs, here is some information that may be helpful.

 

Restrict calorie, phosphorus and sodium intake

Because they expend less energy, older pets have lower energy requirements, so it is necessary to limit calories… At least initially. Afterwards, they tend to lose weight. The recommendations are therefore to weigh your pet regularly, to monitor the body condition score, and to keep an eye on a muscle score. It is also recommended to monitor phosphorus and sodium intake to maintain kidney and heart health. Also, monitoring the quality of raw materials is essential, particularly to support the liver.

Pay attention to water intake

An ageing animal is at greater risk of dehydration. It is therefore important to ensure that it always has fresh, clean water available. It may also be a good idea to increase the number of water points in the house: add a small bowl of fresh water in the various rooms where he likes to spend time, as well as outside. You can also moisten his food.

Increase intake of non-fermentable fibre, essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants

The digestive system tends to get fickle with age, and a little help is usually welcome. You can add fibre to his food or opt for an enriched ration. Be sure to use non-fermentable fibre, which has the advantage of producing little or no gas. Essential fatty acids become even more essential with age. An intake of omega-3 fatty acids, and more particularly EPA and DHA, is essential for older animals. These help to modulate inflammation – which is always present with age – and also support organs such as the kidneys, heart and brain. Anti-oxidants help to protect the organs and strengthen the natural defences.

Thinking about the well-being of your pet’s joints

90% of animals over the age of 12 suffer from arthritis. If this is already the case for your four-legged friend, it is all the more important to monitor his calorie intake. Adding supplementary foods containing joint-friendly herbs to his diet should help, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. To find out more, read our e-mag “How to improve my pet’s mobility“.

Varying textures

As your four-legged friend gets older, his appetite is likely to become fickle. Varying textures can help. Switching from dry to wet food can help. Also, warming up the food can increase its palatability. Try this if your cat or dog is not convinced by the day’s menu.

Making a dietary transition

When changing food, it is preferable to make a dietary transition, in order to avoid upsetting your four-legged friend’s probably more sensitive digestive tract. Ideally, this should be done gradually over a good week: 1 third of the new food with 2 thirds of the old food for 3 days, half and half for the next 2 to 3 days, then 2 thirds of the new food and 1 third of the old food for 3 days.

 

Bibliography :  

Nutrional guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs : This guide, provided by FEDIAF (The European Pet Food Industry) and FACCO (Fédération des Fabricants d’Aliments pour Chiens, Chats, Oiseaux et autres animaux familiiers), provides annual recommendations on the nutrient levels of pet foods.

 

Ajouter aux favoris
MP Labo
The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.  

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat.  Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.    

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.    

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet. 

in order to be informed of our news, new products and promotions.
You can unsubscribe by email at any time.

I subscribe to the newsletter

*