We are excited to provide our customers with some very important information regarding senior canine health and longevity. It is common practice to recommend lower protein diets for senior dogs in order to deal with kidney issues as the animal ages. Unfortunately, this recommendation has been generalized to include all senior dogs and has led to a major misconception. For animals that are not dealing with severe kidney problems, reducing the protein content of their diets can accelerate the aging process and lead to serious health issues as the pet continues to age. This misconception has been countered by research studies that demonstrate that senior canines require more high quality protein in order to thrive, not less. Fortunately, this more considered and informed understanding is available and at The Critters & Me we feel that it is our responsibility to help disseminate the information to pet owners that wish to become more informed and self-sufficient when it comes to pet nutrition and health.
That is why would like to share an article by one of the foremost authorities on pet health and nutrition, Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM. The link below will take you to an article by Dr. Dodds that explains in detail why indiscriminately reducing the protein in the diet of an otherwise healthy senior dog is not the best course of action for their health. In the article she cites the work and articles done by Diana Laverduer-Dunetz. This article is detailed but very easy to follow and understand. If you have a senior animal or an animal approaching senior age for their breed, we strongly encourage you to expand your understanding so that you can better provide for their health and wellbeing. As always please feel free to contact us at The Critters & Me if you have questions or need further information.
See the Link below: