Senior dog diet
Senior dog food diets are pet foods that are catered toward the senior or mature pet population. The senior dog population consists of dogs that are over the age of seven for most dog breeds,[1] though in general large and giant breed dogs tend to reach this life stage earlier when compared to smaller breed dogs. Senior dog foods contain nutrients and characteristics that are used to improve the health of the aging dog. Aging in dogs causes many changes to occur physiologically that will require a change in nutrient composition of their diet.[1]
A major change that occurs is the decrease in energy requirements
Brain and cognitive health decline as the dog ages which leads to the inclusion of
Senior dogs | |
|---|---|
 Dogs are considered seniors around seven years of age for most dog breeds. |
Energy demand
The maintenance energy requirement (MER), or the energy that is required to maintain normal activity, decreases significantly as a result of
ME (kcal/kg) = 10[(3.5 x Crude Protein) + (8.5 x Crude Fiber) + (3.5 x Nitrogen Free Extract)]
This equation takes into consideration the amount of energy availability from
It is important to consider the metabolizable energy content of senior or mature pet foods using this equation, as energy requirements will vary with age.[5]
Protein
A dog's requirements for protein increases as a result of a reduced ability to synthesize proteins as it ages.[3] As a result, it is extremely important to not restrict protein consumption to a senior dog as it can be as just as harmful as protein deficiency in young dogs.[3]
To ensure good health, it is important to provide dogs with the 22 amino acids which they require. Of these 22 amino acids, 12 can be synthesized. The rest must be provided by good sources of dietary protein in adequate quantities. Good sources of protein include eggs and fish, which have a high biological value. This value describes the percentage of usable amino acids within the protein.[6] It has been recommended that a minimum of 2.55 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight should be fed daily to ensure that protein requirements are met.[3]
It is important to understand that protein requirements based on weight are variable and that many factors influence the protein requirements of each senior dog.
Bone and joint health
Joint deterioration occurs as dogs age. As their joints become less lubricated there is increased friction between the bone and the cartilage. With this increased friction, the cartilage deteriorates and wears away. The reduction of this cushion in the joints causes bone-on-bone contact to occur, causing the animal great discomfort. This can cause various related issues such as altered gaits and changes in activity levels resulting in a greater possibility of obesity and other conditions related to mobility and activity levels.
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There has been research done in human medicine that indicates the positive effect that a combination of chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine can have on moderate-to-severe knee pain.[7] This effect is likely very similar to the effect these two ingredients have on the joints of aging dogs. It is important to note the effects of these supplements is not instant and the aforementioned studies showed approximately a 3-month period between the beginning of supplementation and the reduction of symptoms.[8]
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a building block for the synthesis of cartilage tissue.[9] It is found naturally in the body, mainly in the fluid which surrounds the joints.[8] This can help aging joints by maintaining the cartilage, thus reducing the pain caused by bone-on-bone contact within the joint (this is the primary source of joint pain in aging animals). This will increase the mobility of the dog which is vital for the maintenance of a healthy weight and general body function. There have also been some studies which have showed anti-inflammatory properties of glucosamine which would also help joint function in aging dogs.[8] Glucosamine is usually provided in supplements in the form of glucosamine sulfate, or by the inclusion of chicken meal in the diet, as it contains glucosamine as well as chondroitin.[9][10]
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is a major component in the composition of cartilage.[9] It helps the cartilage retain moisture, lubricating the joint and allowing ease of movement of the bone across the cartilage.[8] This reduces the damage to the cartilage over time. Chondroitin is produced naturally in the boy but older dogs can often benefit from a supplemental dose of chondroitin.[8] Chondroitin is commonly supplied as a supplement in the form of chondroitin sulfate.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These two fatty acids have been shown to improve gait score and lameness in dogs with osteoarthritis.[11] Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to have noticeable anti-inflammatory properties. It is for this reason, among other benefits, that they are routinely included at supplemental levels in senior dog diets.[12] A good source of omega-3 fatty acids in dog foods include fish oils and other fish sources (especially salmon and herring) as well as flaxseed.[13]
Calcium and phosphorus
One of the most basic requirements of the aging dog's body is the requirement for maintenance of their bones. In order for the bones to be able to heal from any injury or erosion, as well as maintain their strength to avoid these problem, they need a ready supply of calcium and phosphorus.[14] Both of these are essential nutrients according to AAFCO guidelines, and should be included in a senior dog diet.[15] Calcium and Phosphorus are also very valuable in the maintenance tooth health of dogs. In order for calcium to be properly absorbed into the body dogs will require another nutrient, vitamin D.[16][17] adequate vitamin D is needed to form enough calcitriol, known as the active form of vitamin D.[17] If enough is not present the body will begin to draw from stores of vitamin D within the body like the bones and teeth for its needs.[17] This can lead to bone weakening and the inability to repair bone damage.[17]
Gastrointestinal health
Sources of Fiber
Beet pulp
Beet pulp is a common ingredient in dog diets as it is a very versatile and useful fiber source.
Flax seed
Flax seed is the whole seed of the flax plant which contains both soluble and insoluble fiber.[20] The insoluble fraction includes cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin.[20] These components have a very good water binding capacity which aids in adding bulk into the diet of the dog.[20] This has varying benefits for dogs depending on their lifestyle. In some dogs, it aids in digestion by preventing constipation, in others it acts to improve satiety and encourage weight loss.[21] Flaxseed is also a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which have multiple health benefits for the animal such as improving coat quality.[21] Flax seed is also one of the richest sources of alpha linoleic acid (ALA).[21] ALA can be converted by the dog to DHA and EPA to carry out various functions in the body.
Fructooligosaccharides and mannanoligosaccharides
A study carried out in dogs determined that these two compounds when supplemented together can help with overall immune function.[22] This is due to the decrease in overall bad bacteria and an increase in good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. These two compounds also were not found to have any detrimental effects on food consumption, stool quality or stool output.[22]
Brain and cognitive health
A dogs brain undergoes many pathological changes during the aging process. Some of these changes can include damage to the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), a decrease in the amount of myelin overlay on nerve cells as well as a buildup of protein in the brain which can potentially have toxic effects.[23] Due to these physiological changes senior and aging dog can have possible impairment of proper cognition.[23] This impairment can include complex learning tasks as well as memory issues.[23]
Vitamin E
The addition of Vitamin E as an
Studies carried out in aging dogs looking at the effects of antioxidant supplemented diets have shown that older dogs supplemented with antioxidants including Vitamin E were able to correctly perform tasks more often than senior dogs whose diets were not supplemented.[23] It has also been shown that in senior dogs consuming these antioxidant enriched diets there was an increase in positive behavioural actions during the feeding period compared to senior dogs consuming diets that were not supplemented.[23]
L-carnitine
L-carnitine is an amino acid and precursor of acetyl-L-carnitine which is a mitochondrial cofactor.[23] It acts to help with overall mitochondrial function as well as lipid metabolism which is an important function of mitochondria.[23] This is important as an increase in mitochondrial function will help to reduce the rates of oxidative reactions in the brain which overall decrease damage to DNA and stimulates better cognitive function.[23]
Skin and coat health
Several physiological changes in the senior pet can lead to a decline in skin and coat health.[2] Some of these changes include a loss of elasticity in the skin which leads to wrinkling, hair follicle atrophy which can cause hair loss, a decrease in oil secretion which can lead to dry and flaky skin as well as a loss of melanocytes which causes the loss of pigmentation of the hair follicles.[2] Skin and coat health is one of the most noticeable aging changes due to the fact that it results in a change in appearance of the senior dog. Skin and coat health are important to upkeep as dogs age and there are many components in senior dog foods that can benefit this important area of health.
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Linoleic acid
Linoleic acid is a
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a
Zinc
Zinc is one of many trace minerals recommended for dogs of all ages.[27] Dogs experience loss of elasticity and dryness of the skin as they age.[2] The addition of zinc in the diet aids in the development of collagen and wound healing, and also will prevent the skin from becoming dry and flaky.[27] Senior dogs can obtain zinc in their diet through the addition of various ingredients, including; red meats, whole grains, poultry by-product meals, and fish meals.
Copper
Loss of hair pigmentation is a common concern for senior dogs.[2] Copper has been shown to improve coat conditions by reducing dry skin and improving the overall pigmentation of the coat.[28] Therefore, copper may able to delay the natural aging process of the whitening of a dog's coat.[28]
Riboflavin
Senior dogs require a larger amount of riboflavin for maintenance compared to adult dogs. Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, plays an important role as a cofactor for the metabolism of carbohydrates. Riboflavin is required in the diet to prevent cracking and dry skin, as well as a darkening of the pigmentation of skin.[29] Riboflavin is also important for the vision of the senior dog as deficiencies can cause alterations in blood supply to the cornea which may lead to impaired vision and potential blindness.[29] A source of riboflavin in senior dog diets is important to help prevent changes that aging can cause on skin.
Immune system health
Ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids
It is recommended to have a ratio of 5:1 to 10:1, with there being more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3's. AAFCO has a maximum ratio listed of 30:1.[15] For ideal health and decreased risk of low-grade chronic inflammation, it is more beneficial to have a lower ratio versus a higher one.[32] Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and therefore need to be supplemented in a closer ratio to omega-6's which are more inflammatory.[33] Out of all of the omega-3 fatty acids that could be used, the most potent are found in fish oil in the forms of EPA and DHA, these have the highest immunomodulatory activities.[33] Omega-3 fatty acids tend to increase antioxidant requirements because they oxidize so rapidly, therefore when they are in a closer ratio to omega-6 fatty acids, as recommended, antioxidants must also be supplemented in the diet.[33]
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can be supplemented in the diet in order to strengthen the effect of
2O
2, which is a reactive oxygen species that suppress lymphocyte proliferation, can be decreased by vitamin E.[35]
β-Carotene
Prebiotic and probiotic
Since the gastrointestinal tract is exposed to foreign materials from ingested food, a healthy
See also
References
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- ^ a b c d e Churchill, Julia A. (2015). "Nutrition for senior dogs: New tricks for feeding old dogs" (PDF). Clinician's Brief. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
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- ^ "Metabolizable energy and caloric density". Pet education. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
- ^ "Dietary protein for dogs and cats - the importance of digestible proteins". Happy Dog Food. November 8, 2016. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
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- ^ a b c d e "Glucosamine and Chrondroitin for Arthritis". www.arthritis.org. Retrieved 2017-10-30.
- ^ a b c "What is Chicken Meal in Dog Food? - Purina® | Purina". www.purina.com. Retrieved 2017-10-30.
- ^ Nutro. "NUTRO™ WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS™ Large Breed Senior Farm-Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe". www.nutro.ca. Retrieved 2017-10-30.
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- ^ "Common Pet Food Ingredients" (PDF). Skaerv Veterinary Clinic. October 31, 2017.
- ^ "Calcium Supplements". vca_corporate. Retrieved 2017-10-30.
- ^ a b "The Association of American Feed Control Officials > Home". www.aafco.org. Retrieved 2017-10-30.
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- ^ a b c d "Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age | NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center". www.bones.nih.gov. Retrieved 2017-10-30.
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- ^ a b c d e "Common Pet Food Ingredients" (PDF). Retrieved 2017-10-30.
- ^ a b c Adolphe, Jennifer; Fitzpatrick, Kelley. "FLAXSEED: Nutrition Benefits for Dogs and Cats" (PDF). Flax Council of Canada. 2: 1–4.
- ^ PMID 11983825.)
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- ^ a b c d Straus M. (November 2012). "Plant oils: do you know which plant oils may help your dog, and which ones could cause problems?". Whole Dog Journal. 15: 16.
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- ^ a b Tewari, D.; Singh, V.K.; Gautam, S.; Dwivedi, V. (December 2013). "Nutritional dermatosis - a review". Intas Polivet. 14: 199–202.
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- ^ Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino ACids (Macronutrients). Washington D.C.: National Academy Press. 2005.
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External links
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