Old Dogs - New Tricks - Optimizing Nutrition in Senior Patients
(TTC)
As cats and dogs age, their nutritional needs and challenges change significantly.
Metabolism slows down, so they need fewer calories to avoid weight gain. Muscle mass decreases, requiring higher-quality, easily digestible protein.
Digestive efficiency declines, leading to reduced nutrient absorption. Immune and joint health become more important. Hydration can become a challenge, especially for older cats that drink less water.
Senior pets benefit from balanced, age-appropriate diets focused on maintaining lean mass, supporting joint and organ health, and encouraging proper hydration.
The Australian Veterinary Nurse and Technician (AVNAT) Regulatory Council has allocated (1) AVNAT CPD point to this continuing education activity.
Recorded 5 November 2025
Dr. Stefanie Handl, Dipl. ECVCN
Stefanie Handl graduated in 2002 from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. She received her doctorate degree in 2005 and started working as post-doc researcher at the Institute of Animal Nutrition at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. She spent 1.5 years at the Gastrointestinal Laboratory at Texas A&M University and completed her Residency from the European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition in 2011. In 2013, she opened “Futterambulanz”, a nutritionist practice for small animals in Vienna. Besides, she is lecturer at the Vetmeduni Vienna and co-editor in chief of the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition.
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