Thinking of switching your pet to "Senior" food?

Think again! AAFCO (the Association of American Feed Control Officials) sets standards for both cat and dog foods.  There are different standards for cats and dogs for “adult maintenance” and “growth and reproduction.”  Since there is no official definition of a “senior” cat or dog food, senior foods vary widely in their compositions.   For instance, some companies’ senior foods are lower in protein due to a concern about increased rates of kidney disease in senior pets.  Other companies’ senior foods are higher in protein in an effort to preserve senior pets’ lean muscle mass.  If your pet is doing well on its current diet, it’s better to keep it on that diet, rather than changing to a senior diet when he or she hits a certain age.  Consult with your Westgate Pet Clinic veterinarian about whether a different diet is indicated for your aging pet during his or her next annual physical examination appointment.