Only 43% of senior pet owners acknowledge giving their dogs and cats a special diet at their age

According to a survey conducted by Virbac it follows that only 43% of dogs and cats “senior” provides a diet appropriate to their age. This survey has been carried out through the company’s social networks and has allowed to discover the eating habits of pets in the third age of their life. Let’s talk clearly, it’s a bad result. Each stage of a pet’s life, be it a dog or a cat, has a chord diet. We, as owners of these pets, must provide adequate food for their stage of life.

Senior pets must have their own diet according to their age

Although 83% of senior dog and cat owners claimed to have adapted their pet’s food throughout their lives, more than half stated that despite this, upon reaching the senior stage, they did not He had changed his pet’s diet by adapting it to this new condition.

These data obtained following the survey shed light on the lack of knowledge among the owners of the importance of adapting the diet of their pets to their vital stage. Something that is very present in the care of a puppy, but in the case of seniors continues to generate many doubts.

A good prevention that ensures the well-being of our senior pets, begins by visiting our veterinarian to advise us on the choice of a diet that meets the needs of a senior and that, in turn, respects the carnivorous origin of our best friends . In this sense, numerous studies have shown that a diet rich in protein and low in carbohydrates can help us preserve the health status of our dogs and cats. So why not recover your carnivorous instinct at this stage of your life?

New stage and new care

The survey has also revealed the physical and behavioral changes associated with the passage of time, as well as the importance of offering our seniors specific care to ensure their well-being.

For owners of dogs and senior cats surveyed, the appearance of joint problems, reduced physical activity and weight gain, are the 3 most present changes in their animals. On the other hand, they position veterinary reviews, oral health care and the choice of a specific diet among the 3 most important factors to improve the life of a senior pet. That is why in this stage full of changes and specific care, the veterinarian can be your best ally so that our hairy (and the owners themselves) adapt to this new condition in the best possible way.