Nutritional Considerations for Aging Dogs and Cats

As dogs and cats age, they may undergo multiple physiological changes which affect their health. These can include a decline in skin and coat quality, a decrease in sense acuity, slowed metabolic rate, a decrease in digestive function, a decrease in lean body mass, a decrease in metabolic flexibility, a decrease in immune function, and a behavioral or cognitive decline. Senior dogs and cats are also at higher risk for certain age-related pathologies including kidney disease, neoplastic disease, orthopedic disease, endocrine disease, and gastrointestinal disease. This presentation will provide an overview on some recent research highlights regarding nutritional considerations for senior pets.