Companion Animal Welfare

Companion Animal Senior Nutrition Science

Evidence-based senior nutrition for companion animals addresses age-related metabolic changes, muscle loss, and disease management through targeted dietary strategies.

Key Facts

Protein requirements increase rather than decrease in senior dogs to prevent muscle loss
Senior cats often benefit from higher calorie density diets as calorie absorption decreases
Kidney disease, dental disease, and diabetes require specific dietary management in seniors
Omega-3 fatty acids show benefit for cognitive function and inflammation management
Body weight monitoring monthly is more useful than annual checks in seniors

Welfare Considerations

Senior nutrition is a direct welfare intervention that maintains muscle mass, supports organ function, and manages age-related diseases that compromise quality of life. The common assumption that senior animals need less protein is actually incorrect for most species, making evidence-based senior diets genuinely welfare-improving.

What You Can Do

Discuss senior nutritional requirements with your vet at each wellness visit
Monitor senior pet weight monthly rather than relying on annual check-ups
Learn about the specific nutritional needs of senior dogs and cats