Nutritional care of geriatric dogs for their health and well being. nutritional management of Specific diseases like diabetes, heart failure, arthritis etc.

1. Presented by:
Jaishri Chaurasia
M.V.Sc.
Enrol. No.:V/21/419
Dept. of Animal Nutrition
NagpurVeterinary College, Nagpur, M.S

2. C
o
n
t
e
n
t
s
Introduction
Definition
Changes in body that occur due to ageing
Importance of feeding
Diets for senior dogs
Diets for dogs with specific diseases
Conclusion

3. Introduction
• Ageing like all physiological effects has a multifactorial origin and is linked to the progressive
reduction in the function of some organs and systems.
• This age group has specific needs and is more prone to develop chronic illness.
India
(2018)
19.5
million
2023
31
million
Increase
11%
Geriatric
population
30-40%
https://www.thesoftcopy.in/2023

4. Who are geriatric dogs ?
Dogs in the last 25% of the life expectancy
Or has lived beyond the average lifespan
large and giant breed - 5 and 8 years of age
Medium size breed - 8-10 years of age.
Small breeds- 12-15 years of age

5. Average life expectancy of dogs
Breed size Expected lifespan Examples
Large breeds 8 – 10 years St. Bernard, Golden Retriever, Great Dane
Medium breeds Up to 15 years Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Bulldog
Small breeds Up to 20 years Chihuahua, Pug, Lhasa Apso

6. Human yearV/s dog year
No one formula for dog-to-human age conversion is scientifically agreed on, although within fairly
close limits they show great similarities

7. Oldest living Dog
Bobi
Earlier record
Bluey(29 yrs)
30 yrs and 266 days on
1st feb 2023.
Interesting…

8. Changes in the body
Loss of skin
elasticity
Deterioration of
bone and
cartilaginous
tissue
Ratio between
body fat mass
and lean body
mass increase
Reduction in
intra and extra-
cellular water
Decreased
immune
response
Change in
feeding behavior
Alterations in the
digestive system

9. Health
issues
Dental
Diseases
Cataract
Endocrine
disorder
Cardiac
disease
Skin
Tumors
Metabolic
Disorders
Urinary
problem
Cancer
Arthritis

10. • The three leading non-
accidental causes of death in
dogs are cancer, Kidney and
heart diseases(Bronson, 1982;
MacDougall and Baker, 1984).
• According to a recent study
cardiac diseases are the second
most prevalent cause of death
in dogs (Guglielmini, 2003)

11. Importance of feeding
• Controlling the rate of ageing process by improving the
quality of life of old dogs and preventing some
pathologies associated with age.
• Geriatric Dietics investigate
(i) Reduction in the physiological progress of metabolic
changes
(ii) Reduction in development of pathological states
associated with aging
(iii) Use of feeding strategies to improve the quality and
average life span (Anderson, 1996)

12. Diets for Geriatric dogs
• This latter option is preferable in old dogs because it will counteract
muscle deterioration and, will avoid additional pressure on the intestine
and kidneys.
Protein
Increase protein
concentration
Use high quality
protein

13. • Optimal protein content varies from 16- 23% DM
• Inclusion of essential and ramified amino acid
• Usually, the most digestible protein ingredients
are egg and fish, while cheaper sources such as
soy are of lower quality.

14. Fibre
• Fibre >5% in the diet is strictly associated with reduction in energy concentration and weight
control.
Ageing
Reduced
motility of
intestine
Constipation

15. Soluble v/s Insoluble fiber
Attracts water Turns to gel Slows digestion
Release more
calories in the colon
• Insoluble fiber promotes the movement of food through the digestive tract.
this will help the dog feel full but not provide excess calories.
• For diabetic dogs, moving the food through the digestive tract quickly is
advantageous.
Soluble fiber
Insoluble Fiber
Wong and Jenkins et.al

16. Energy
• A senior dog is usually less active and
has lower energy requirements (on an
avg. 10-20% less).
• They will be more likely to suffer
overweight, a condition that adds
more pressure to their joints and
muscles.
• Very old dogs are often underweight
and may have inadequate energy
intake.

17. • To estimate energy requirements (ME, Kcal/Kg) for old dogs, the following
equation based on metabolic body weight has been proposed by Bontempo
et al., 2003
• Diets for ageing dogs could have same energy concentration as the normal
adult formulations, but a reduced daily intake
ME = 1.0-1.2x [70x (BW0.75)].

18. Fat and Carbohydrate
• Dietary fat level between 7-15% DM are suggested for old dogs.
• An increase (>1%) in PUFA omega- 3 and 6 is recommended in diet
• An optimal omega- 3/ omega-6 ratio i.e; 5:1- 10:1 have beneficial effect in immune
system
• The fat level should be selected as needed to meet the desired energy density to
achieve ideal body weight and condition (body condition score 2.5/5 to 3.5/5).
• Reducing the diet’s fat and Carbodhydrate content helps to reduce energy intake
and avoid overweight.

19. Fat – 20%
Fiber- 5%
Fat – 15%
Fiber- 8%
In general, an aged dog needs the same nutrients as young dogs: proteins, carbohydrates,
fats, vitamins and minerals; but in different concentrations.

20. Supplements: Vitamins, Minerals and
Enzymes
• Inclusion of some supplements, such
as vitamins and minerals is highly
recommended because they
improve the functioning of the
animal’s organs (the digestive and
immune systems).
• Increase in zinc level for effective
immune response is suggested
• A reduction in the level of sodium
and phosphorous (0.2-0.4 and 0.4-
0.7% to avoid heart and renal
diseases

21. • Increase in the level ofVit. A,E,B1,B2,B6 and B12
• Vitamin E and C, carotenoids, flavonoids, and fatty acids is important
for its antioxidant activity.
• Some amino acid derivative such as L-carnitine, can help to prevent
different problems derived from aging.

22. Digestive enzymes
• Subtilisin is useful in diets containing plant-based protein ingredients, such
as soy, which have anti-nutritional factors that reduce protein digestibility.
• Carbohydrases are useful in diets containing poorly digestible cereal by-
products, such as distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS).
Subtilisin Protein digestion
Improves protein
utilization
Prevents loss of
muscle

23. Hepatoprotectors
• The inclusion of liver conditioner
pronutrients, active molecules of plant origin
are recommended to,
1. protect the liver
2. promote and recover an
optimal hepatic physiology after
suffering liver damage.

24. Factors Normal weight and body
condition
Inactive/ obese
condition
Energy density (kcal ME/g) 3.0-4.0 3.0-3.5
Energy density (kJ ME/g) 12.5-16.7 12.5-14.6
Crude fat (%) 10-15 7-10
Crude fiber (%) 2 10
Protein (%) 15-23 15-23
Phosphorus (%) 0.3-0.7 0.3-0.7
Sodium (%) 0.15-0.4 0.15-0.4
Chloride (%) 1.5 x Na 1.5 x Na
Antioxidants (amount/kg food)
Vitamin E (IU) 400 400
Vitamin C (mg) 100 100
Selenium (mg) 0.5-1.3 0.5-1.3
Nutritional requirements of inactive and active senior dogs

25. • Some diseases such as diabetes, heart failure or arthritis are
more common in geriatric dogs and require special diets.
Diets for dogs with specific diseases

26. Diabetes
• Dog should stay thin
• Avoid high energy diet
• Increase the percentage of fiber in the food to
slow down its absorption.
• For an overweight dog - 10-20% fiber on DM
basis
• For a dog who is in good weight or slightly
underweight - 5-15% fiber on a DM basis.
Weickert M.O., Pfeiffer A.F. Metabolic effects of
dietary fiber consumption and prevention of
diabetes. J.Nutr. 2008;138:439–442

27. Cataract
• carbohydrate metabolism-related problems increase.
• Preventative measures for cataract are critical.
• Risk of cataract can be diminished by diets that has optimal level of
• vitamin C
• lutein/zeaxanthin
• B vitamins
• omega-3 fatty acids
• Multivitamins
• recommended levels of micronutrients are salutary

28. Heart problems-
• It is advisable to limit the intake of
• increase in BP
sodium
• damage the kidneys and,
consequently, increase BP
Protein
• predisposing factor for
heart and kidney disorders
phosphorous

29. Joint Problems
1. Include omega-3 fatty acids
2. Use chondroitin and glucosamine supplements
to strengthen the cartilage
3. Reduce the energy intake to avoid overweight.

30. kidney disorders
• There are four core goals for
managing CKD in dogs:
1. Control the clinical signs associated
with accumulating waste products in
the blood.
2. Minimize problems with fluid and
mineral balance.
3. Sustain adequate nutrition.
4. Modify/slow the progression of CKD.

31. • Diet should contain
1. less protein
2. Less sodium and phosphorus
3. increased omega-3 fatty acids.
• The recommended range of protein on a dry
matter basis for dogs with CKD is less than or
equal to 14-20%.
• The recommended phosphorus range is 0.2-
0.5% on DM basis
Diets are formulated to help dogs with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis

32. Feeding in Geriatric Dogs
Key points to consider to meet their special needs are
• Control calorie intake and avoid nutrient excesses
• Provide an ideal mix of fat, protein, phosphorus, and sodium
• Consider specialized diets
• Ensure proper hydration
• Include treats and snacks
• Feed little and often
• Store dry food properly
• Consider a raised food bowl
• Don't overfeed

33. Management
and care
Avoid
stress
Avoid
abrupt
change in
routine
Avoid free
choice
feeding
Control
calorie
intake
Regular
exercise
water
Dental
care

34. Conclusion
• Geriatric dogs needs special attention
with respect to proper feeding as per
health condition.
• Guidelines and care programs have
been developed for geriatric dogs
• A diet for ageing dogs should be
personalized considering both the
nutritional and extra-nutritional factors
which contribute to guarantee optimal
wellbeing and health.

35. References
• A.Willems, D.Paepe, S. Marynissen, P Smets, I.Van de Mele, P. Picavet, L. Duchataeu
(2016) Results of Screening of Apparently Healthy Senior and Geriatric Dogs, Journal of
Veterinary Medicine
• Jean A. Hall, M.Yerramilli, E. Obare, M.Yerramilli, K. S. Panickar,G. Bobe, D. E. Jewell,
(2015); Nutritional interventions that slow the age-associated decline in renal function in a
canine geriatric model for elderly humans;The journal of nutrition, health & aging
• Jacques Debraekeleer, Kathy L. Gross, Steven C. Zicker; Feeding Mature Adult Dogs: Middle
Aged and Older; Chapter 14 Small animal clinical nutrition.
• Ryan Llera, Robin Downing; article Nutrition for Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease;VCA
Animal Hospitals
• Weickert M.O., Pfeiffer A.F. Metabolic effects of dietary fiber consumption and
prevention of diabetes. J.Nutr. 2008;138:439–442
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4097885/

36. “Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable.They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well.”
BonnieWilcox ‘Old Dogs, Old Friends’