Integrating Nutritional Assessment into Geriatric Pet Care: A Clinical Framework for Vets

Aging in dogs and cats brings progressive changes in metabolism, digestion, and body composition that directly influence health, longevity, and quality of life. Detecting nutritional issues early is central to preventive veterinary care. 

Veterinarians play a pivotal role in assessing whether an animal’s current diet supports its physiological needs and in identifying when nutritional intervention or adjustment is required. A systematic nutritional evaluation conducted alongside standard clinical examination enables early detection of malnutrition, obesity, or subclinical disease linked to dietary imbalance. 

Nutritional Assessment: The Fifth Vital Sign 
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recognizes nutritional assessment as the fifth vital sign, emphasizing its inclusion in every routine consultation. 

Even without specialist nutrition training, veterinarians can implement a structured first-line evaluation to answer one key question: 

Does this pet medically require a change in nutrition or dietary prescription? 

This approach can be performed independently in general practice, supported by digital tools, or in collaboration with a veterinary nutritionist for complex cases¹. 

Step 1: Diet Assessment 
A thorough understanding of the pet’s current feeding pattern is the cornerstone of nutritional evaluation. The veterinarian should record all food sources—commercial diets, home-prepared meals, treats, supplements, and table scraps—ideally maintained consistently for at least one month. 

During the owner interview, four practical questions help collect reliable data²: 

1. What food do you give to your pet? 

2. What else, and in what amount daily? 

3. Are you satisfied with your pet’s current diet? 

4. What changes would you like to make? 

These simple questions establish the foundation for identifying nutritional risk factors. 

Table 1. Interpreting Diet Type and Risk^1,2,3 

Clinical interpretation: 
This table helps differentiate between diets that are nutritionally complete and appropriate versus those that pose potential risks. Diet (2) scenarios often require correction, especially in older pets with lower metabolic tolerance. 

Step 2: Pet Assessment 
After evaluating the diet, the next step is to assess the pet’s clinical and physical condition. Subtle changes in body or coat condition often signal nutritional inadequacy before biochemical abnormalities appear. 

Table 2. Physical Indicators of Nutritional Status² 

Clinical interpretation: 
This checklist serves as a quick visual reference during physical exams. Recording each parameter allows veterinarians to identify whether dietary modification may improve or stabilize the pet’s condition—particularly relevant in geriatrics where subtle deficits have outsized clinical effects. 

Step 3: Integrating Findings into Clinical Action 

Integrating dietary data with clinical findings allows veterinarians to prioritize interventions and decide whether a change is preventive or therapeutic. 

Table 3. Clinical Decision Matrix² 

Clinical interpretation: 
This matrix translates assessment findings into clear action steps. For example, even pets on balanced diets (Diet 1) may show poor condition (Pet B) due to incorrect feeding amounts or comorbidities. It ensures that every nutrition-related decision is evidence-guided rather than assumption-based. 

Step 4: Monitoring and Follow-Up 

Following any dietary change, monitoring is essential to confirm compliance, assess tolerance, and detect early deviations². 

• Pets should be re-evaluated approximately one month after initiating a new diet. 

• In cats, intermediate checks are advisable due to their sensitivity to food transitions. 

• Monitoring should include a repeat nutritional assessment, adjustment of diet quantity or type if required, and evaluation of clinical response. 

Follow-up frequency should reflect the animal’s health status and life stage. At every subsequent visit, nutritional assessment—recognized by WSAVA as a vital sign—should be included in the routine examination. 

Any unexpected change (weight, appetite, stool, coat quality) warrants investigation. When clinical targets (e.g., ideal body weight) are achieved, the dietary plan should be revised to maintain long-term stability. 

Conclusion 
In aging dogs and cats, nutritional assessment is not an adjunct—it is a core element of preventive medicine. 

By systematically integrating diet evaluation, physical assessment, and structured follow-up into every consultation, veterinarians can detect and correct nutritional imbalances early. 

Routine, evidence-based monitoring ensures that each animal’s dietary plan continues to meet its evolving physiological needs—supporting healthier, longer lives. 

References  

1. Villaverde C, Chandler M. Commercial vs homemade cat diets: what you need to know. J Feline Med Surg 2022;24(5):415–428. 

2. Blanchard G, Priymenko N, Oh WS. Nutrition and aging in dogs and cats: assessment and dietary strategies. Journal of Veterinary Science. 2025 Sep 24;26(Suppl 1):S96. 

3. Choi B, Kim S, Jang G. Nutritional evaluation of new alternative types of dog foods including raw and cooked homemade-style diets. Journal of Veterinary Science. 2023 Aug 7;24(5): e63.