10. Why Your Senior Pet Might Need More Protein, Not Less

How much protein should my senior pet get? In this episode, Dr. Amanda discusses a common misconception: that protein should automatically be reduced as pets age. In reality, a lot of the time we actually need to be giving our seniors more protein, not less. She covers: Why protein restriction isn't supported by current research for most healthy senior pets, and how it can contribute to muscle loss, frailty, and a shorter lifespan How muscle wasting impacts senior pets, such as reduced mobility, slower recovery, and more Why cats and dogs can lose significant muscle mass with age, and why early nutrition changes matter Protein needs for senior pets, including gram-per-kilogram guidelines and how they shift for dogs and cats How to read food labels and why dry matter calculations matter, especially for wet, homemade, or fresh diets Listen in to learn more about senior pet protein needs, and how muscle loss can be improved through diet changes, easier-to-digest protein sources, and other supportive care. LINKS Missed the first episode? Listen in here! Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet. Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Introduction to senior pet nutrition and common misconceptions 02:19 - How muscle wasting affects lifespan and quality of life 03:05 - Reevaluating protein restriction in healthy senior pets 06:07 - Specific dietary needs for senior dogs 08:27 - Specific dietary needs for senior cats 09:15 - Reading pet food labels 11:39 - Recommendations for dry food, wet food, and more 15:30 - Muscle loss in cats and how protein can help 19:23 - Easier proteins for senior pets 21:39 - Muscle loss affects more than mobility 23:18 - The exception to adjusting protein 25:00 - Final thoughts on restricting protein in senior pets Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.