Senior Dogs Need More Protein in Their Diet

It is commonly believed that geriatric dogs should be fed less protein. Most commercial diets for older dogs feature lower levels of protein. Actually, the opposite is true. Geriatric dogs need more protein. Studies indicate that aging in dogs can decrease intestinal protein digestion and absorption. Other geriatric changes also necessitate the need for increased protein in the diet of these dogs.

muscle loss
Most muscle loss in geriatric dogs is the result of a natural aging change called sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is common among all mammals, including humans. Inadequate protein intake can speed up this process. Lack of physical activity also promotes the loss of muscle mass. This is very common in dogs with arthritic joints or back conditions that are too painful to exercise. Other geriatric conditions such as heart, kidney and gastrointestinal diseases decrease appetite. Refusing to eat enough dietary protein contributes to muscle loss. Some kidney and gastrointestinal diseases are characterized by loss of body protein and, if not compensated, also contribute to loss of muscle mass.

Bone density loss
Protein loss can play a role in decreased bone density or osteoporosis. The calcium and phosphorus that characterize bone strength are largely due to the protein structure that contains these minerals. Low protein diets can lead to a failure to maintain a healthy bone protein framework which increases bone fragility and may predispose older dogs to fractured bones.

immune system function
The immune system also depends on adequate levels of protein and amino acids. White blood cells need adequate proteins to produce protective antibodies and fight infections from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The vulnerability of nursing homes to infectious diseases is well documented. Inadequate protein intake or loss can contribute to a weaker immune system.

The Benefits of High Protein Diets in Senior Dogs
Studies show that feeding senior dogs high-protein diets can slow and even reverse muscle loss. Bones and immune strength also benefit from high-protein diets. Even dogs with kidney disease that are often treated with low-protein diets benefit from high-protein diets. Muscle preservation in these patients provides a better quality of life. Kidney patients usually only need severe protein restrictions in the advanced or terminal stages of kidney failure.

How much protein do geriatric dogs need?
Studies suggest that diets containing a minimum of 24% protein are appropriate for the aging dog. Because we don’t know exactly how inefficient protein digestion and absorption is in older dogs, 24% may still be inadequate. A diet with 27-30% provides a greater margin of safety. It is difficult to find commercial dog foods with these levels of protein for adult and senior dogs. However, well-crafted homemade dog food recipes can easily meet these protein requirements. Always check with your vet before switching to a high-protein diet to make sure it’s right for your senior dog.