This is a paid press release. Contact the press release distributor directly with any inquiries.
Purina and Senior Dog Veterinary Society Collaborate to Advance Nutrition Care for Aging Dogs
PR Newswire
Fri, July 31, 2026 at 7:00 PM GMT+5:30
4 min read
ST. LOUIS, July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As more dogs live into their golden years, veterinary teams are seeing an increasing need for proactive care that supports healthy aging. Recognizing this shift, Purina has announced its partnership with the Senior Dog Veterinary Society to help veterinary professionals address the unique health and nutritional needs of older dogs. The collaboration will deliver nutritional insights for Senior Dog Veterinary Society members as well as the broader veterinary professional community.
The senior dog population has grown substantially over the past 15 years, with more than half of U.S. dog-owning households sharing their homes with a senior dog.1 As dogs age into the senior years, it’s increasingly important to understand that their bodies and nutritional needs are changing too
“Senior dogs are not simply adult dogs who have reached a certain birthday,” said Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, senior veterinarian at Purina. “Subtle changes in muscle condition, mobility, cognition and digestive health may begin before a more significant decline, creating an important opportunity for veterinary teams to take a more proactive approach to senior dog care – especially through nutrition.”
Addressing the Senior Nutrition GapUnlike puppies or adult dogs, there is no universally defined ‘senior’ life stage for dogs, as life expectancy and aging rates can vary significantly by breed, size, genetics and environment. As a result, organizations such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) do not establish specific nutritional requirements for senior dogs, making individualized nutrition that is created in partnership with veterinary nutritionists and backed by scientifically proven benefits an important part of supporting healthy aging. Over the past century, Purina scientists have researched canine nutrition and made countless breakthroughs that have been proven to help dogs live longer, healthier lives, including extending the healthy years for senior dogs.
Creating a More Consistent Approach to Senior CareThe Senior Dog Veterinary Society aims to help veterinary professionals advance the care and experience of older canine patients through advanced-training certifications from industry leading specialists and researchers. Through the partnership, Purina will provide veterinary professionals with additional tools, including nutrition webinars from board-certified veterinary nutritionists, to build clinical expertise and empower veterinary teams to use nutrition as a tool for healthy aging.
