Cats and Dogs After Seven: Senior Nutrition and the Signs of Ageing
Animals age faster than we do, and the changes arrive gradually enough that we notice them late. Food that suited two years ago may now be too rich. Here is when the senior stage begins, what changes, and what to do.
When an animal counts as senior
There is no single number.
Cats
Usually considered senior from seven, and clearly so from ten.
Small dogs
They live longer, and the senior stage begins around eight or nine.
Large dogs
They age faster. For a German Shepherd or Labrador the senior stage can begin at six.
What changes in the body
Changes that bear directly on food.
Metabolic rate falls
Activity and muscle mass decline, so the calorie requirement drops by roughly ten to twenty percent.
The kidneys tire
The most common issue in older cats. Very high protein and high phosphorus both strain them.
Teeth hurt
Tartar or missing teeth make dry kibble difficult. Refusing food may be pain rather than a lost appetite.
Digestion slows
Absorption of some nutrients declines, so quality matters more than quantity.
The senses weaken
A dulled sense of smell reduces appetite, because smell rather than taste is what stimulates it.
The right feeding for seniors
Small adjustments with a large effect.
Reduce calories, do not slash protein
A common error is cutting protein out of concern for the kidneys. An older animal needs good protein to preserve muscle, in high quality and moderate quantity. A vet decides on reduction if kidney disease is confirmed.
Review the amount with the calculator
The requirement has changed, so the old portion is now excessive: petzybites.com/pets-calculator
Smaller, more frequent meals
Easier on digestion and on teeth.
Warm the food slightly
Gentle warming strengthens the aroma and stimulates appetite, particularly with a weakened sense of smell.
Moisten the kibble if teeth are a problem
Warm water over dry food softens it without altering the formula.
Water matters more with age
Weakened kidneys need more hydration, and the sense of thirst declines with age.
Signs to watch for
Earlier is better.
Gradual weight loss
Even while eating normally. This is the first symptom of many conditions at this age.
Drinking or urinating much more
A classic sign of kidney disease or diabetes. Do not wait.
A sudden refusal of dry food
Look for dental pain before assuming it is a mood.
More sleep and disorientation
If the animal seems lost in the house or calls out for no reason, these are cognitive changes that come with age.
Lumps or swellings
Any new lump deserves examination. Not all are serious, but delay is the danger.
Small things that matter a great deal
Not only food.
A non-slip mat
Tired joints make smooth flooring hazardous.
A slightly raised bowl
Reduces neck strain while eating.
A check-up every six months
Rather than annually. Early detection changes the outcome entirely at this age.
Warmth in winter
Older animals feel the cold more, and joints ache in cold weather.
Our brands, made in Egypt
Petzy Bites is an Egyptian factory in the industrial zone of Banha. We produce our own brands for the Egyptian market: 101 Bites and Doggo for dogs, Bessa, MshMsh and CatCoty for cats, formulated to international standards with a lot number on every batch.
Where to buy
In our store at 101bite.com/store, priced in Egyptian pounds with delivery inside Egypt, or through the retail points we serve in Cairo, Giza and other governorates.
Thinking of manufacturing your own brand
We manufacture for third parties with a minimum order of three tons. Request a quote at petzybites.com/private-label
