As our furry companions grow older, their nutritional needs evolve too. Do you notice your adult dog behaves differently when fed? Or maybe you simply want to know if it is time to make some changes with their diets? Like us humans, dogs require individualised nutrition to maintain healthy bodies in their golden years. But of the countless types and brands available, how do you go about choosing the perfect dog food for your ageing pal? Let's get started!
What Should I Feed My Senior Dog?
Senior foods for dogs come specifically to pay special attention to the nutritional requirements that must be fulfilled by an older pet. These foods are made specifically to allow for healthy ageing, improvements in mobility and energy levels to confer your dog with the long, happy life they deserve.
When to Feed Dogs on Senior Food?
This depends on the breed and size of your dog. The rate of maturation is faster for the smaller breeds but age slower. The larger breeds age faster, and by a younger age, they are considered older. Examples abound.
Small dogs, such as Chihuahuas or Terriers, aren't considered senior citizens until around 10 or 12 years of age, whereas the largest breeds, such as Great Danes or Mastiffs, are often declared seniors as early as 5 or 6 years old. Generally speaking, most veterinarians recommend that a dog's diet be transitioned to senior food between 7 and 8 years of age.
Metabolism slows down for them when their body becomes inefficiently incapable of repairing cells, and a dog will therefore find it hard to maintain stamina and energy. Older dogs also have different food than the young due to weight management, for joint health, and the proper maintenance of organs. Therefore, here comes the best senior dog food.
Best Diet for Older Dogs
When selecting the best food for older dogs, such nutrition should address the ever-changing needs of your ageing pets. While many senior dogs will need fewer calories than their predecessors who are younger, and with typically lower metabolisms, many of these dog foods are low-calorie foods to prevent weight gain in the older dog, which is such a common complaint with older dogs. A good senior dog food is rich in high-quality protein to prevent the loss of muscles and healthy fats to keep the coat well and the skin thriving.
Fibre also should be included in the best dog food as it aids its proper digestion. After all, dogs suffer from digestive tract problems in their old age, so prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods will be helpful. Finally, joint stiffness and arthritis are common to older dogs; therefore, foods with glucosamine and chondroitin can help them to keep mobility smooth and joints healthy. Some of the popular options include:
Canine Choice Senior Light Dog Food:
Canine Choice offers older dogs the right balance of protein and energy. It comes with 45% lamb, which is a high-quality protein that vets highly recommend. The food contains a blend of cranberry, chamomile, and parsley, that promote digestive health as well as healthy skin and coats, followed by joint health. L-carnitine will help regulate weight by enhancing fat-to-muscle ratio.
Adult Dog 8+ Scottish Salmon & Trout Gluten-Free Food for Dogs:
Great for older dogs ideally above seven years old, this food contains fresh prepared fish mixed with vegetable fibre and prebiotics for digestive health, glucosamine for joint health, and salmon oil to keep the brain sharp.
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult 7+ Active Longevity Chicken:
This includes Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and cartilage repair. balanced sodium and phosphorus in the diet helps to keep vital organs intact for the mature adult dog This food is highly digestible, with maximum nutrient absorption for the ageing dog
Royal Canin Senior Consult Mature Dog Dry Food:
This food is a mix of nutrients that support the vital functions of mature dogs, such as having patented complex to support skin health. Also, it aims at preserving muscle mass with supporting tolerance to digestion in a way that your mature dog will get adequate nutrition.
Nutritional Needs of a Senior Dog
Changes occur in the nutritional needs of older dogs in order for them to continue being healthy. Nutrition wise, older dogs require a higher level of fibre, which helps aid digestion and keeps them at a healthy weight. Protein levels need to be adequate but not as high because overburdening the kidneys can occur, especially if they are known to have kidney problems. Most older diets include lower percentages of fat, preferably 8-12% for protecting against obesity and many other weight-related health problems.
- Protein: Adult dogs do require some protein to sustain the muscles, but it must be from a good source of protein-not too tough or hard to digest on the canine digestive system. The best source of protein can be meat, in chicken, lamb, or fish.
- Fibre: As you must know, the geriatric dog is usually so prone to constipation and other gastrointestinal problems. Thus, fibre plays a very important role in the diet of this age group. A good senior dog food should contain 3-5% fibre to help bowels move freely.
- Fats: Healthy fats-omega-3 and -6 fatty acids-are quite important for healthy skin and coat but need to be fed in balance so that the dog doesn't become too chubby. These types of fatty acids also support joints and mental capabilities in older dogs.
Wet Food Better for Senior Dogs?
Many senior dogs seem to like wet food, but it's not inherently better than dry food. Between wet and dry, it depends on which your dog prefers and needs. Wet food is better to let senior dogs with dental issues chew on, while dry food is better for helping control tartar and reduce gum disease. However, the shelf life is shorter. If your adult dog can't chew well or has lost appetite, you can add some wet food to his dry kibble or moisten dry food with just a bit of water so it is easier to eat.
Do I Need to Add Supplements to My Older Dog's Diet?
Old dogs require extra nutrients to be maintained in good health. There are supplements which will be useful for pets with arthritis, loss of memory, and digestive upset. For example, joint support stiff joints mobility and will ease it with chondroitin and glucosamine, like Yumove dog food or treats, with ActivEase® Green Lipped Mussel having 4 times more Omega-3 than any other supplement on the market and Hyaluronic Acid cushions these joints.
However, sometimes your older dog simply doesn't get sufficient vitamins or minerals from their diet, in which case an appropriate supplement might be called for. Old dogs often just can't absorb the foods they require, and supplementation may compensate for this. You should consult with your vet to determine if your dog needs any specific supplements like a multivitamin, omega-3s, or fibre.
What to Do if Your Senior Dog Doesn't Eat?
If your older dog is not eating well, first consider it a rule-out of medical problems. Weight loss and lack of appetite can often be symptoms of illness, so your vet will want to give a good checkup if your dog is not eating like he used to. If there are no medical conditions, here are a few ways to help your old dog feel like eating again:
Some older dogs find it challenging to chew dry kibble; thus, smaller kibble or softening the kibble with a little water should make it appealing to them. Try adding canned food or add home-cooked meals such as chicken and rice to make the meal more appealing to your dog. However, do not allow your dog to feed much on the high-protein cat food since it is not balanced for dogs.
Select the Best Diet Dog Food for Older Dogs
A dog's best diet in their golden years is essential not only for long-term health but also happiness. As dogs grow older, their nutritional needs change, and right dieting can support healthy joints, muscles, skin, and the rest of overall health. Wet versus dry food does not matter but rather the high quality and balanced feed formulated for older dogs.
If you do not know when to feed your dog to be on senior food or which the best food for your dog is, consult your veterinarian for suitable advice. Your older dog will feel comfortable and healthy as long as you feed him with the proper diet and care.
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