Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

re: Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

jwkphoto — 5/6/2018 2:23:30 PM

On May 17, my kitty, Gizmo, will be 15 years old in people years. When I took him to the vet last year for his shots, the vet said he has never seen a 14 year old cat with perfect teeth. Not only that, at 1 year old he weighed 9 pounds and he still weighs 9 pounds with no excess fat on him. Also he has never been sick. The only food he has eaten in all these years is Hill's Science Diet Oral Care and Hairball Control. I mix his food in the same bowl and he eats a little at a time every few hours. If I'm home, he comes to me and lets out a soft meow asking if he can go eat. I say, "you can go eat" then he leaves to eat. He's always been an indoor kitty although he does enjoy going for a ride in the car every now and then.

Maybe I've fed him wrong all these years, all I know is he seems to be very happy, healthy and very lovable!

re: Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

jocelyncroft — 2/24/2018 8:42:31 AM

My Swedish Vallhund will be 16 in 2 months. She has put on a couple of pounds this winter, which, for a small dog, is a lot. With spring around the corner I will get her out for more walk time. As for her diet, she gets a mix of senior dry kibble, a prescription diet dry kibble for her liver, a scoop of pumpkin, a bit of canned food for flavor, an egg and green beans. I don't know if this is the perfect diet, but she is doing good. Also, she gets a sardine each day as a snack.

re: Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

Christine.4USA — 9/10/2016 1:52:11 PM

We have breed Dachshunds for several years. We stopped breeding the dogs when they were about 6 -7 years old. We have 6 dear female dogs ranging in age form 8-10 years old, who we call the "girls".

We always fed them High Protein dog food. Mistakenly thinking that that was the best for them.

Now our oldest girl Sophie has started to drink a lot of water and with a Vet check up we find that she has kidney failure and is border diabetic.

I told the Vet that we feed High Protein dog food and she then told me that high protein for older dogs can cause kidney problems.

I feel so shocked and disappointed that I did not know enough that the food we were giving our dogs was not good for them.

In reading other peoples comments I am learning a lot.

I just don't want to give them the dry food anymore but I am really afraid I won't know how to make food for them.

I am on a somewhat limited budget but will do whatever is best for our very dear sweet dogs.

Would anyone have a recipe that I could start out with? Something that would be good for the kidney issues we are having with the one dog now.

I imagine the raw dog food recipe would be the best for all of the dogs.

I am so happy to have found this site and I hope that someone could help me.

Thank you,

re: Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

por2610 — 3/19/2016 12:04:18 AM

I just purchased your book ''Real Food for Healthy Dogs and Cats'' and I noticed there are no recipes for low-protein, low-phosphorus diets for dogs with elevated kidney values, by 3-2 points. Do you recommend feeding the same homemade diet for young, adult and seniors dogs? Dogs with slight renal inflammation?

Just this past year, due to his wellness visits, I started my dog on quite a few holistic supplements, like thyroid support, pure omega 3 oil, glucosamine, amino acids [renal amino acids] and a daily vitamin with immune support. He's been eating dry plus wet all his life. I've always rotated his food, with dehydrated raw, sometimes all wet, sometimes I cook meat / vegetables, eggs, with crushed eggs shells, and will replace the wet food with that. I prepare different things at meal time, he's always eaten this way and has never been sick, stool always fine, but now his kidney values are high.

Any recommendations, diet or supplemental, for a senior dog who's renal values are starting to elevate?

I would love a recipe!

re: Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

MotoLisa — 11/23/2015 6:01:19 PM

My dog recently got diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He is my world and I want to do everything in my power to lengthen and improve his life and health. My veterinarian suggested I compare dry matter sodium levels in his food. So, how do I find the dry matter sodium content in a dry dog food? Kirkland Signature™Nature's Domain™Salmon Meal Sweet Potato? I would greatly appreciate any advice!!

re: Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

michaela68 — 9/19/2015 3:05:00 PM

I agree every dog is different and as long as it's healthy and meets he's nutrition let him eat what he prefers!

re: Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

dillonsmom — 2/9/2013 11:07:09 AM

I am a firm believer in feeding "raw".....you know what goes into your dog's mouth.....you control how much......protein, . organ meats..omega 3 .....etc my Doberman is seven this month........his coat shines, teeth nice, energy level that

of a 2 year old......dog people who just meet him think he; is actually 2-3

Dillonsmom

re: Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

PatriciaAndBud — 5/13/2011 11:50:26 AM

You did not mention the benefits of yogurt... For the past 6 years, my 2 elderly dogs eagerly look forward to their daily 8 pm bedtime snack of 3-4 heaping tablespoons of non-fat plain, organic, probiotic-brand yogurt.. I can't begin to explain all the serious ailments that have been cured in both dogs, due to this addition to their diet..

re: Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

MyLady — 5/12/2011 8:28:14 AM

Thank you for responding, Mercola.com Tony R.

I appreciate your response and recommendation. :)

re: Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

MyLady — 5/10/2011 1:22:23 PM

In response to your comments, carenstar...I was wondering if we could give Astaxanthin to our canines and felines for eye health. My little guy, canine, has cataracts. Anyone?

Thanks,

Marie

I'm submitting this again in hopes for a response...thank you!

re: Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

puzzykat2 — 5/6/2011 3:56:54 PM

I am soooooooooo disappointed that you didn't also write this article for cat food. I am so disgusted with the crap that's on the store shelves masquerader as "the best cat food for your cats". After searching and searching on line, it seems that 'making it yourself' is the only healthful answer out there. This is such a very serious situation. I had to pay a $600 vet bill for Frankie, one of my beautiful cats because of a bad cat food and I had to borrow from my rent money to do it. I just couldn't let him die. Can't anyone see this as a good and prosperous market idea???? Pleaseeeeeeeeee

re: Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

badboy2 — 5/5/2011 10:58:42 PM

"Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets", quite possibly because they do not know what to feed themselves as far it comes to good nutrition. When I go to dog shows, I see beautiful dogs with nice shiny fur, so it is clear (for the most part)they are eating well. Then I look at the people that are showing the dogs. As they run around in front of the judge, I always have a fear that they will have a heart attack. Most are overweight, have dry brittle hair, and for the most part do not look healthy. If more people learn to feed themselves with better understanding of nutrition, then maybe they will know how to feed their pets through all ages.

re: Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

ctrylvg — 5/5/2011 4:31:01 PM

My older dog is eating a no protein dog food bought and recommended by my vet. I was told after a blood test given to him that his kidneys are not functioning fully. How much not they didn't say but I'm not supposed to give him anything but that food and his renal treats. He seems to be hungry though and bored with his food. Since reading the article about aging dogs would I be able to chose other foods and treats for him or do I need to follow the vet's advice. I would like to give him other foods but would I be harming him? He's also experiencing constipation and arthritis would it be safe to give him what the article says. Thanks if you can comment!!! Judy

re: Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

heather8 — 5/5/2011 2:07:12 PM

what is the brand of coconut fiber you recommend

re: Why 84% of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

carenstar — 5/5/2011 10:19:22 AM

My vet just determined that he believes that my dog has SARDS. She is in good health otherwise, and is about 8 years old. Is there anything that be given to her to improve her vision? caren.singer@yahoo.com