Nutrition in senior cats and dogs: how does the diet need to change, when and why?

With an ever-growing senior pet population, it is vital that clinicians take a proactive approach to nutritionally assessing these pets and providing optimal recommendations for their life stage, taking into account both the physiological and metabolic changes seen with ageing, and the patient as an individual. The nutritional needs of senior patients can differ significantly compared to other life stages, and an increasing body of research is starting to help us as veterinary surgeons to instigate appropriate dietary changes to maximise longevity and quality of life. Factors requiring consideration include changes in the metabolic energy requirement, protein levels and fat levels in the food. There is a specific focus on minimising sarcopenia — delaying its onset, reducing its progression and minimising its clinical and functional consequences. Other nutrients with varying degrees of evidence for benefits in senior patients include omega-3 fatty acids, medium-chain triglycerides and antioxidants. This article explores some of the latest knowledge on key nutrient requirements of older pets, to assist the clinician to provide more confident advice to owners. It also looks at some of the challenges that can be faced in the senior life stage, as well as how best to approach the nutritional assessment and achieve long-term compliance in order to maximise the chances of a successful outcome.