6 Healthy Tips for Feeding Your Senior Dog

Make sure your aging doggie receives the nutrients he needs

Learn more about your aging dog's changing nutritional requirements, and then formulate a modified diet plan to help him thrive as he enters his "golden years".

As they age, dogs require different nutritional components to accommodate their changing bodies. The biggest change that occurs for aging dogs is the combination of a significant drop in metabolism and reduced activity levels. Many dogs also exhibit a decreased interest in eating. This apparent lack of hunger can stem from a variety of factors, including kidney trouble, dental problems, liver disease, and changes in taste.

Most veterinarians and pet dieticians classify any dog more than seven years old as a "senior", but this threshold should be used only as a general guideline. Based on your dog's physical condition, size, weight, life expectancy, and breed, he may qualify for a senior diet earlier or later than the seven-year mark.

Below are some considerations to keep in mind when planning a senior diet for your aging dog:

1. If your aging dog is experiencing dental problems that make eating difficult, try mixing in water or broth with their food to make it softer and easier to chew.
2. To help prevent renal failure, small, inactive dogs should be introduced to a diet with lower amounts of protein, which helps to give the kidneys a break. However, the school of thought that all senior dogs need less protein is a myth. For active older dogs, maintaining a high protein intake is essential to promoting strong muscles.
3. To make up for older dogs' slower metabolic rates, typical senior diets include less fat and fewer calories than regular adult diets.
4. To alleviate constipation, help achieve longer periods of fullness, and promote digestive health, older dogs should receive higher levels of fiber than when they were younger.
5. Some dog foods for senior pets contain special supplements to help enhance their quality of life. Glucosamine can help to fight canine arthritis and hip dysplasia, as well as other immobilizing conditions. Vitamins C, A, and E are also frequently added to help slow the aging process and boost overall well-being for older dogs. Check with your vet to make sure it's safe for your pet to consume these additives.
6. Consuming dry dog food will help keep your pet's teeth in top-notch shape, preventing plaque and tartar from building up on the enamel.

There are a variety of senior dog foods that can be found at specialty pet supply stores and on pet food websites. Not all pet food diets will be right for every older dog - be sure to check with your veterinarian about your animal's specific nutritional needs.

Be sure to visit our trusted friends Drs. Foster & Smith and Only Natural Pet to buy products mentioned here.

We hope you find better living for your dog, natually.
John & Heidi Walsh
Pet lovers for over 20 years.

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