Scratchings-and-Sniffings

Our Aging Pets: Why Nutrition is so important for them

Posted: 13 May 2010 07:35 AM PDT

Truth is, nutrition is vitally important throughout our dog's and cat's lives. We know that, right? But, do we understand what it really means? Are we, as pet parents, actually paying attention to the health benefits of a proper diet?

I know that I have been guilty of grabbing the cheapest bag of dog food, in the past. (long past - I haven't done that in many years) But today I concentrate on the needs of my cat, Wabby, who graces these pages now and then with her grumblings. And, when we adopt dogs, Tom and I will be selective about their diet. (I promise we'll try not to share too much people food, Dr. Larry - really, I promise!)

A month ago, Purina held a webinar on Healthy Aging in Cats and Dogs, to which I was invited and ended up missing due to technical difficulties. There were a number of veterinarians there - discussing the latest research on diet, exercise and the environment. The webinar was part of the Companion Animal Nutrition Summit - just one of the things Nestle Purina does to keep up on their motto, "Your pet, our passion" - the better for a "long and healthy life."

Here are some takeaways from the event:

"You are what you eat" applies to our pets the same way it applies to us! Stop giving your dog donuts, pizza, gravy, etc. Too much fat and sugar will surely affect them just as it affects us.

Dr. Karen Overall, VMD and a whole bunch of other letters, from the Center for Neurology and Behavior at the University of Pennsylvania, discussed the link between brain energy and cognitive function. I wish I'd been able to hear her talk. She did say (from my sources at Nestle Purina), "...a diet containing alternative energy sources such as fatty acids from medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) may prove beneficial in offsetting cognitive decline." Ok, I think that means a better diet is good for the brain.

Dr. Dottie LaFlamme, DVM, and a whole lotta other letters, talked about how the findings of the research and studies will help veterinarians work with pet parents to fight age-related disease. The Summit was attended by over 100 vets and scientists from 22 different countries.

Of course, lean body mass plays a part, also. Dr. Joe Wakshlag, DVM, and you guessed it - lots of additional letters too numerous to list here, presented a study that showed "the age-related loss of lean body mass cannot be prevented but may be reduced through a combination of diet and exercise."