Body Condition Score in Mature and Senior Dogs
Loss of Muscle Mass
Maintaining Bone and Joint Health
As your dog ages, his nutritional needs change. Recent research has shown that nutrition can proactively help manage body condition problems such as obesity and loss of muscle mass- common concerns in Mature dogs, and weight loss as seen in Senior dogs. Mature and Senior dogs also benefit from special nutrition to support bone and joint health.
Loss of Muscle Mass
Protein is the building block of muscle tissues. It is important for maintaining muscle tissues, muscle strength and mobility. Recent research conducted by The Iams® Company has shown that Senior dogs who eat a higher-protein diet actually maintain muscle mass. By feeding your dog a diet with optimal protein levels for muscle maintenance, you can help him continue to be physically active.
It has been found that, contrary to conventional opinion, if Senior dogs are fed a high-protein diet they maintain stable kidney function.
Maintaining Bone and Joint Health
During the ageing process, cartilage between joints often begins deteriorating. Optimal levels of vitamins and minerals can help promote the efficient production of cartilage and nutritionally support bone and joint function. And a complete and balanced diet with essential fatty acids, like those found in vitamin-rich fish meal, nutritionally supports the natural healing process.
Obesity
Due to changes in their metabolic rate, Mature dogs tend to gain weight despite consuming fewer calories. They can benefit from eating a diet with reduced fat levels and lower caloric density than adult maintenance foods. In contrast, Senior dogs tend to lose weight and now benefit from a diet higher in fat.
Recent Iams® research also indicates overweight Mature dogs can benefit from diets with L-carnitine. A vitamin-like compound which is made in the body and also found in red meats, fish, chicken and milk, L-carnitine helps reduce weight in overweight dogs by burning fat into energy and it can also help to conserve muscle tissue, a benefit for both Mature and Senior dogs.
