Diets for Each Life Stage
Deborah E. Linder, DVM, MS, DACVN, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
YOU HAVE ASKED...
What do clients need to know about proper nutrition for pets at each life stage?
The expert says...
The nutrient needs of dogs and cats change with age, so veterinarians should consult established guidelines and give clients clear direction in selecting the appropriate pet food at each life stage. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines, based on reviews of current evidence by the National Research Council, provide nutritional adequacy statements for all life stages (ie, from growth to full skeletal maturity).1 There are no nutritional guidelines for senior pets, and AAFCO does not separate animals beyond full skeletal maturity. The clinician should make dietary decisions based on each patient’s needs.
Growth
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