Senior Nutrition - Feeding Our Senior Pets
Senior nutrition
As a general guideline, dogs and cats may be considered to be senior once they reach the final third of their anticipated lifespan. Pets these days live longer, (average age 11 to 13 years) since 1920Õs due to advances in disease control and better nutrition.
The aim of feeding elderly but otherwise healthy animals is to slow or prevent the progression of metabolic changes associated with ageing and thus to increase longevity and preserve their quality of life. Old age can, however, be accompanied by clinical disease, such as chronic renal failure or heart disease, for which dietary management may constitute an important component of therapy.
Dogs
Common Symptoms of old age include:
Obesity - Many senior dogs are at risk of obesity unless their energy intake is reduced according to their needs (reduced metabolic rate, activity levels and body tissue). Calculation of their energy intake is relatively straightforward and should be based on a 20%-30% reduction of adult energy requirement. As a rule, protein sources for older dogs should be highly digestible and of high biological value. Husse Senior is a Super Premium food made from Chicken and Rice because this reduced calorie food is easily digested and nutritious.
Stress - Age can lead to stress. Biological antioxidants are natural elements which protect body cells against ageing. Body cells are under constant attack from so-called free radicals*.
*Free radicals: unstable, harmful elements derived from oxygen that are continuously produced in the body under influence of stress, ultraviolet radiation, pollution, inadequate feeding.
Husse super premium products contain the following anti-oxidants:
Vitamins with anti-oxidant activity: High doses of vitamins C and E are added. The vitamins are powerful anti-oxidants which protect the cell membrane of the body cell.
Carotenoids: Husse super premium products contain high levels of lutein and beta-carotene. These natural plant pigments have an anti-oxidant activity in the body cell.
Grape extract: Added grape extract contains high levels of polyfenols which
protect the nucleus (kernel) of the body cell.
Arthritis - Dogs can become arthritic. There are a number of nutrients available that provide the vitalÊcomponents for healthy joint structure and function and ease of mobility. These nutrients are referred to as Òchondroprotective agents,Ó and include glucosamine and Chondroitin. These supply the raw material necessary to produce new cartilage, and may even help rebuild worn cartilage. The supplementation of glucosamine and chondroitin is indicated in older dogs. Older dogs often have stiff articulations because aging causes cartilage breakdown. Green lipped mussels are used as natural source of glucosamine in Husse Senior.
Renal, Heart Disease, Diabetes and Cancer are all major causes of death in older dogs.
While some of these illnesses are hereditary, correct feeding can help to inhibit or delay their onset. Husse products contain ascophyllum nodosum, a natural sea algae. This sea algae contains sources of heart protective magnesium, potassium, and beta-carotene. It is an excellent source of highly absorbable plant-based calcium and contains high amounts of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Many studies have shown that L-carnitine supplementation can also help heart function more efficiently in dogs that have been diagnosed with heart disease. L-carnitine is also supplemented in some Husse products.
Taurin helps to support the heart function and is important in the nutrition of older dogs
Poor dental hygiene: Bad breath and sore gums, broken or loss of teeth, Sore teeth and gums can lead to anorexia and related disease
The crispy kibbles of Husse Dry Food including Husse Senior cause mechanical cleaning of the teeth with less tartar formation as a consequence. Scientific research has demonstrated
less tartar formation in dogs fed dry dog food as compared to dogs fed canned dog food or homemade diets. Husse products also contain ascophyllum nodosum, a natural sea algae. The beneficial effect of these sea algae on dental health has been recognised for well over a century. Ascophyllum nodosum is a large, common brown algae. It is seaweed from the northern Atlantic Ocean, also known as Norwegian Kelp. It is common on the north-western coast of Europe (from Svalbard to Portugal). It is a type of kelp and has several medicinal uses. Its best known use is in reducing plaque; not only dental plaque but also arterial plague.
Annual Gum and teeth inspection by your Vet is also recommended which may include some De-Calcification.
Husse Senior also contains all the vitamins and minerals required to support their aging immune system and Salmon Oil to ensure optimal coat condition.
Cats
Until recently, it has been assumed that older cats may need less energy than younger cats, and have a tendency towards obesity. However, recent studies support the view that, although obesity may be a problem in individual, particularly middle-aged, cats, there is a greater tendency for senior cats to be underweight. Studies have demonstrated that many senior cats exhibit a significant decline in digestive efficiency, particularly of fat and protein. The combined effect of this is a highly significant decline in energy digestibility, with some cats exhibiting energy digestibility coefficients as low as 0.65. Interestingly, the cats with compromised digestive function increased their daily food intake to compensate for this effect, suggesting that cats continue to control energy intake as they age.
Thus, senior cats maintain their energy requirements but often derive less energy from their diet. Cat owners should be advised to feed senior cats at the same energy level as younger adult cats, with highly digestible, energy dense foods to ensure an adequate energy intake. Highly digestible protein sources of high biological value should be employed for all older cats.
Husse Kroketter (Fish or Chicken)
A premium food containing all the nutrients that cats need, it is enriched with taurine - an essential dietary requirement for all cats. Low amounts of magnesium and controlled urinary pH reduce crystal formation and guarantee optimal urinary tract health. Husse Kroketter contains hydrolysed chicken protein to give a great taste and for its hypoallergenic properties. A high meat content to satisfy catsÕ carnivorous needs
Husse Exclusive Light is a complete food for less active, overweight or older cats. It is also ideal for cats kept indoors. This super premium food, based on chicken, provides complete nutrition and protection for weight management. With an optimal balance of protein to fat, Husse Exclusive Light will help to ensure your cat stays in shape whilst looking and feeling great. It contains chicken, which is naturally rich in taurine. (Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats donÕt produce themselves, taurine helps prevent blindness and promotes a healthy heart)
Exclusive light is enriched with Vitamins A and E which boost the immune system. It contains an optimal content of fatty acids Omega 3 and Omega 6 to counteract inflammations and strengthen immunity and to improve the condition of the skin and coat. Enriched with copper to stimulate enzymes which maintain the colour of the coat
Previous Months Topics
|
