What You Need to Know About Dog and Cat Nutrition

Seniors

Senior dog and cat nutritional requirements vary greatly depending on breed, activity level, health, and type of food being fed.Older animals may not utilize nutrients as well as they did when young.Therefore, it is vitally important that they receive an optimal amount of easily absorbable nutrients.An older dog or cat that is less active will need the total amount of food decreased, yet may need an increase in the amount of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.It is important to feed high quality protein as poor quality protein may put unwanted stress on the aged kidneys of an older dog. When considering what type of diet to feed your dog or cat, it is important to remember that many important nutrients are damaged by heat, light, and oxygen.It is also important to keep in mind that a dog or cat will best utilize nutrients that their body evolved to thrive on.

Each species’ body evolved a particular way that enables it to utilize very particular foods.For example, cows did not evolve to eat rabbits; and dolphins are not built to eat horses.If an animal guardian wishes to raise a healthy dog or cat, it is up to them to choose a species-appropriate diet that provides nutrients that the animal can easily use to achieve good health.

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