As pets get older, you might wonder how much and how often you should feed them. These are important questions, as research shows that obesity is a big problem for cats and dogs worldwide.1 The condition puts them at greater risk for many diseases including some forms of cancer and diabetes mellitus. It can also aggravate any existing orthopedic problems and shorten their expected lifespan. And since senior pets become less active as they age—cats and small dogs are considered "senior" around age 7 or 8, larger dogs around 5 or 6—feeding them just the right amount becomes even more critical to helping them stay healthy.2
Some older pets may naturally eat less as they become less active and have fewer caloric needs. Still, you'll need to watch for signs of undereating since proper nutrition becomes more important as cats and dogs age. Pets begin to crave more food as they creep into their senior years, usually due to underlying health conditions that become more likely as your pet gets older.3 For example, if your pet is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, medications steroids used in conjunction with these treatments can trigger an insatiable appetite.4
Remember: Any change in your dog or cat's eating patterns may indicate a serious condition, warranting a trip to the veterinarian for a checkup.
How to tell if your pet is overeating
The most obvious thing to check first is your pet's overall shape.5
When it comes to dogs, you should clearly be able to see their waist. If you need to give them a gentle squeeze to find their ribs because they're covered by a layer of fat, that's a sign that your dog is overweight. Likewise, if you notice that your pet's rib cage is suddenly a lot more noticeable, that could be a sign of undereating and/or disease.
Changes in bowel movements could mean your pet is getting too much (or too little) to eat. Other signs your dog isn't getting the right amount to eat include flatulence, lethargy, limping or other signs of excess weight.
Why is my dog so hungry?
A sudden increase in appetite in older dogs, while less common than a decrease in appetite, can be a symptom of a medical condition. Endocrine disorders such as Cushing's disease and hypothyroidism are examples of medical-related appetite surges.
Intestinal blockage or foreign body ingestion
While an obstruction or blockage in the intestinal tract occurs more commonly in dogs (who are more likely than cats to eat something weird), senior pets with poor eyesight and dulled taste buds may eat a foreign object by accident. Symptoms indicating an obstruction include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Inability to have a bowel movement
- Lethargy and other changes in behavior
An immediate veterinary examination may be warranted. Obstructions can be life-threatening if appropriate intervention isn't taken quickly. Also, make sure you haven't left any foods out that are toxic to pets.
Cushing's disease
Endocrine disorders like Cushing's disease affect glands and hormones. Symptoms include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Skin problems or hair loss
- Lethargy
- An increase in weight
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is common in Cats, especially between the ages of 4 and 10. Feline hyperthyroidism is found mostly in older cats, with an average age of onset of around 12 years old. It can cause:
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
- Increased water intake
- Vomiting
- Increased heart rate
Nutritional imbalance
Overeating can be a sign that your dog is expending extra energy at the dog run or that their food is not nutritionally balanced, or it could simply be part of the normal aging process.6 A visit to the vet is the quickest and easiest way to get to the bottom of it. No matter the cause, do your best to help your dog avoid excessive weight gain, as obesity can cause or exacerbate many medical conditions and also put a strain on aging bones and muscles.
Competition for food
In dogs, "scoffing"leads to taking in way too much delicious food.7 Inhaling dinner in seconds and then retching or gagging directly afterward is your cue that scoffing is happening. One dog may be competing with another dog in the house to consume all available food. It's also possible that your dog learned this behavior as a stray, he's not being sufficiently fed or given enough high-quality food, or he has intestinal parasites.8
Increased Begging behaviors in Pets
In Pets, excessive begging for food can lead to human companions giving in and offering a few extra treats or an extra spoonful of tuna. But pet parents should resist the urge to indulge these adorable demands. Instead, call your vet if there's no clear reason for aggressive begging (e.g., you haven't brought home another animal that's eating the bulk of available food).
Sudden appetite loss in dogs and cats
If your senior pet consistently refuses to eat or suddenly reduces food intake, this can result in weight loss, lethargy and sometimes dehydration. Be on the lookout for these signs—they could be an early indication of disease. Don't wait too long to seek professional help. Call your vet if you notice that your cat or dog has refused food for more than 24 hours.
Common causes for a pet's change in appetite
You'll need to rule out obvious reasons for your pet's sudden change in appetite. Some common causes of not eating are:
- Upset stomach
- Stress due to a change in environment, diet or routine
- Grieving the loss of a companion pet
- Having an off-day
- A disease process
Medical reasons for a pet's change in appetite
As mentioned earlier, there might be an underlying medical cause for changes in appetite in your senior pet, including internal organ dysfunction, intestinal blockage and/or endocrine disorders such as Cushing's disease or hyperthyroidism.
Food preferences
Some pets may eat less because their food begins to taste and smell less appetizing as their senses become less acute with age. Try enticing them with a new flavor of food, by mixing dry and wet food together, or by heating up their food.9
Weather
Increased heat and other weather changes may cause your pet to skip a meal occasionally.
Helping your senior pet maintain a healthy weight
Decreased appetite is much more common in senior pets than increased appetite, but be sure to monitor any change in eating. Maintaining a healthy weight has extra relevance in a cat or dog's twilight years because excess weight can cause heart disease as well as joint and bone problems. Too little weight (brought about by decreased food intake) can cause dehydration and other complications. While a slight change in eating habits isn't necessarily unusual for an older pet, a sudden or dramatic change is a cause for concern.
Senior diet for dogs
Switch to a senior diet to ensure your senior pet gets the right amount to eat, as well as proper nutrients. These special formulations contain supplements that support healthy bones, coats and digestion. They also offer optimal amounts of fat, fiber and protein to keep less active animals feeling and looking fit.
Pet food safety and feeding frequency
Stay abreast of any pet food recalls, and check labels for unhealthy ingredients that might upset your elder pet's stomach. If you're unsure about the right portions to feed your pet, speak to your vet about this as well. Bottom line: Don't make any changes without consulting your vet first.
Keeping your dog hydrated
Of course, proper hydration is essential. Check your pet's water bowl throughout the day to ensure that it's always full and clean, and monitor whether they're drinking more or less than usual.10 Excessive drinking, as mentioned earlier, may be a sign of disease. Make sure that water and food bowls are easily accessible to your pet. They shouldn't be too high off the ground or too low to reach. Either can cause pain or discomfort for older pets with arthritis or joint pain.
Can senior pets have treats?
Even though senior pets need fewer calories than they did when they were younger, you won't want to give up the pleasure of feeding them the occasional treat. Talk to your vet about the most nutritious treats for your animal, and how many to offer. And remember, a little praise and encouragement can go a long way in getting your beloved senior pet to take a nibble of food when they're feeling ambivalent about eating—even a simple "good girl" may suffice!
The bottom line
If you see changes in your elderly pet's diet, it's usually an indicator that it's time to book an appointment with your vet for a checkup. With a Pets Best pet insurance policy, you can focus on keeping your pet healthy and treating underlying conditions that might be triggering appetite changes, without worrying about affording the best care available.
Sources
1Ernie Ward, DVM et al., "The Global Pet Obesity Initiative Position Statement," Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 2019, https://petobesityprevention.org/global-pet-obesity-initiative, accessed July 13, 2022.
2"Senior pets," American Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/senior-pets, accessed July 21, 2022.
3"Feeding your Dog or Cat for their Life Stage," Braden Run Animal Hospital, October 7, 2021, https://www.bradenrunanimalhospital.com/post/feeding-your-dog-or-cat-for-their-life-stage, accessed July 13, 2022.
4"Chemotherapy for Dogs and Cats — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)," Veterinary Specialty Center, https://www.vetspecialty.com/specialties/medical-and-radiation-oncology/treatment-options-for-pets-with-cancer/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-for-dogs-and-cats-frequently-asked-questions, accessed July 21, 2022.
5"The 10 signs that show you are damaging your pet's health through over feeding," Burns Pet Nutrition, https://burnspet.co.uk/nutrition-blog/the-10-signs-that-show-you-are-damaging-your-pets-health-through-over-feeding, accessed July 13, 2022.
6"Why Is My Dog Always Hungry?" PetMD, June 17, 2022, Vet Reviewed by Katie Grzyb, DVM, https://www.petmd.com/dog/symptoms/why-my-dog-always-hungry, accessed August 31, 2022.
7"Overeating in Pets," Klein Animal Clinic, November 18, 2019, https://kleinanimalclinic.com/overeating-in-pets, accessed July 13, 2022.
8Patty Oelze, "Why Do Dogs Eat Quickly," Wag! January 30, 2020, https://wagwalking.com/behavior/why-do-dogs-eat-quickly, accessed August 31, 2022.
9"Is Your Older Dog Not Eating Like They Used to?" Iams, https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-articles/your-mature-dog-eating-less, accessed July 13, 2022.
10Krista Williams, BSc, DVM and Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM, "Feeding Mature and Senior Dogs," VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-mature-and-senior-dogs, accessed July 13, 2022.