Does your aging cat or dog need a "senior" formula

One of my regular readers asked whether an older pet should be switched to a senior formula pet food. I am by no means an expert, so I did some checking on the subject. I wanted to know myself, as Abby and Angel are both entering their senior years, with Gidget soon to follow.

I found that most pet foods offer a senior formula, and there's a good reason for it. Old Mother Hubbard (Wellness), Natura (Innova), and Canidae and Felidae all provide reduced calories, and higher fiber to aid a senior pet's weight control and digestion. Also beneficial to an aging pet are glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for joint health, as well as probiotics to boost the immune system. Supplementation may be needed if you've always fed a cooked pet food (canned or dry kibble) as the cooking process diminishes the nutritional value of the food.

My personal preference is to feed a raw diet, as it provides everything your pet needs for all stages of his or her life in a form that the pet's body can utilize to the fullest. The B.A.R.F. diet by Dr. Ian Billinghurst provides the same diet your pet would naturally eat in the wild and is complete from puppyhood through their senior years. The initial price of the food may seem high when compared to commercial pet foods of inferior quality, but consider the convenience for you of premade patties ready to serve, and the nutritional benefits for your pet, which means fewer veterinary visits and medications for your pet as he or she ages. And your pet will love eating a diet they were made to eat - human grade meat, ground bones and organs, fruits and vegetables. If you've never fed raw food, you may be concerned about parasites, but remember the dog and cat's body is made to eat raw food. Just be sure to follow the same sanitary methods you practice when preparing food for your family - wash your hands, utensils and surfaces with soap and water - and you'll have no problem.

I hope this information helps you decide the best diet route for your cat or dog as they age.