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What should I feed my elderly pets?

Like us, our pets’ dietary needs change as they get older. As responsible pet owners, it’s up to us to manage their diets and make sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need to help them live long, happy lives.

It can be difficult to know exactly how to do that, especially as their needs change as they age. Thankfully, the expert team at Animal Welfare League has you covered!


Feeding your older cat

As cats age, it can be common for them to develop medical conditions such as kidney disease and thyroid disease. These can cause them to lose weight. If your cat is underweight, you should speak to your vet as soon as possible.

On the other hand, some older cats can be prone to gaining weight if they eat too much. This can lead to serious illnesses such as kidney disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

Before you decide on a diet for your older cat, you need to determine if they are at a healthy weight. Since cats vary in size, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether they are at a healthy weight. The only way to tell if your cat is overweight is to examine them.

Look at them from above to see if they have an hourglass waist, then check to see if you can feel their ribs with a light finger touch. If they don’t have an hourglass waist and you can’t feel their ribs by lightly touching with one finger, your cat might need to lose weight. You can do this by feeding them smaller portion sizes.

Most good brands of cat food also have a senior diet available, which are lower in calories and reduce the likelihood of weight gain. Keep in mind that any weight loss needs to be gradual – it is unhealthy for a cat to lose weight too quickly.

If you suspect your cat is overweight, the best thing to do is speak to your vet about your options, as they can vary depending on the circumstances of your cat.


Feeding your older dog

As dogs age, you may notice that they become more prone to gaining weight. If you notice this, it’s a good idea to reduce the amount of food they’re eating. On the other hand, if you notice that they’re losing weight, you should speak to your vet immediately as it could be a sign of illness.

Before you decide on a diet for your older dog, you need to determine if they are at a healthy weight. The best way to do this is examining them. Look at them from above to see if they have an hourglass waist, then check to see if you can feel their ribs with a light finger touch. If they don’t have an hourglass waist and you can’t feel their ribs by lightly touching with one finger, your dog might need to lose weight.

Over the last few years, dog food brands such as SavourLife have been able to develop specially formulated diets for older dogs that can help meet changes in their nutritional needs as they age. These types of foods are also often lower in calories and fat, which can help to reduce weight gain that comes with less physical activity associated with ageing.

Before starting your dog on any new diet, you should always consult your vet.

To receive more pet advice, just click the button below!

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Animal Welfare League

Animal Welfare League of South Australia Inc (AWL) brings together lost and abandoned pets and caring humans to create happy homes where everyone feels loved.

Contact
Animal Care Centre
1-19 Cormack Road,
Wingfield SA 5013
10am - 3pm
Tuesday - Sunday

Edinburgh North Shelter
4 Hewittson Road
Edinburgh North SA 5113
10am - 3pm
Tuesday - Sunday
P: 08 8348 1300
E: support@awl.org.au
Pet adoption
Cat adoption
Dog adoption
Rabbit adoption
Frequently asked questions
Find a vet
Help us help animals
Donate online
Sponsor a pet
Donate items
Leave a legacy to animals in need
Do your own fundraising
Buy lottery tickets
Volunteer with our team
Become a foster carer
Animal welfare education
Pet boarding
Make an enquiry
Cat boarding
Dog boarding
Boarding services menu
House rules
Pet daycations
Terms and conditions
Pet cremations
Make an enquiry
Remembering your pet
Bringing them home
Equine cremation
Volunteer with our team
Frequently asked questions
Find a vet
Op shops
Our locations
Donate items
Volunteer with our team
I've lost my pet
Hints and tips
Submit a lost pet report
List of found pets
List of pets found by councils
Lost pets noticeboard
I've found an animal
Lost pets noticeboard
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Rehome my pet
Rehome your cat
Rehome your dog
Rehome your rabbit
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