What do you feed your seniors?

**allthatjazz** · 08-31-2011, 11:33 AM

Jazzy is 8 and just got a glowing report from our vet! Good coat, teeth, bloodwork and vitals. HD being managed well. The vet did tell me to consider a food change with less protein because it is easier on a senior dog's kidneys. What are your thoughts?

**TBGSAM** · 08-31-2011, 02:37 PM

I thought seniors needed the protein to support muscle? Mine are getting 25% with proplan weight management and 27% with proplan selects.

**labby** · 08-31-2011, 07:23 PM

your vet's info is outdated. my seniors eat whatever the rest of the dogs are eating and yes they need the protein for muscle mass.

**allthatjazz** · 09-01-2011, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by labby

your vet's info is outdated. my seniors eat whatever the rest of the dogs are eating and yes they need the protein for muscle mass.

Good to know, Laura! We'll continue doing what we're doing! "If it ain't broke..." lol

**labby** · 09-01-2011, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by allthatjazz

"If it ain't broke..." lol

Exactly. If the oldster is doing well on the food and doesn't have digestive or other issues, then they don't need to change. Since their metabolism slows down, you might have to feed less or substitute green beans (drained and rinsed) for part of the meal to keep them from getting chunky.

**Nick** · 09-10-2011, 12:31 AM

Jes has HD, as well, and keeping him at a healthy weight, fortunately, is all we have to do. He turns 9 in a few months, and I have yet to change his food.

Originally Posted by labby

your vet's info is outdated. my seniors eat whatever the rest of the dogs are eating and yes they need the protein for muscle mass.

How is this myth still around? I don't get it.

**labby** · 09-10-2011, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by Nick

How is this myth still around? I don't get it.

Obviously this vet doesn't keep up with new data. I would switch vets in an instant if that were the case with my vet, but my vet calls me and asks me what I've found/read, ect. so he can keep up to date on new trends/information.

**Snowco Labradors** · 09-16-2011, 10:24 PM

I agree your vet needs to update his info. see this article on protein/kidneys in seniors.

Proteins, Kidneys, Senior Dogs | B-Naturals.Com Newsletter

**allthatjazz** · 09-20-2011, 06:51 PM

Unfortunately this is the vet that is available to us at this practice now, as our regular vet is out on medical leave. She is awesome, does her research, and has gone above and beyond in the past when my dogs have had serious illnesses

That's why I asked here, as I know what is working for my dogs, but I don't feel like an expert. That being said, I don't have any problem "sharing" this information with him. We'll be glad when November gets here and our regular vet is back.

**LuvBrown** · 09-21-2011, 11:22 AM

I put my seniors on Pro Plan 7+ chicken and rice. It's 28/12. So it's got more protein than the ALS version but less fat. Both are doing great on it. In fact, one that's had a weight issue is really slimming down. Coats are great, stools are great.