As your dog ages its nutrition needs changes. What you feed your senior dog will greatly impact its longevity and quality of life.
For senior dogs, the two main concerns are obesity and gastrointestinal health. As a dog ages, its metabolic rate slows down. Therefore, your dog will need a low-calorie diet to help it from becoming overweight.
If you have multiple dogs in your household at various ages, you might want to consider getting multi-stage dog food. It contains the nutrients dogs need at various stages in life. Keep in mind that multi-stage dog foods may not contain the all the necessary nutrients for a senior dog.
When selecting food for a senior dog you need to take into account any health issue it might have.
Due to ageing, a senior dog will be less active which could lead to obesity. If your dog is overweight, putting it on a low-calorie diet is highly recommended. Your veterinarian will be best qualified to determine the optimal weight for your dog based on its age and breed. Purina Canine OM Overweight Management Formula can be beneficial in the management of obesity while meeting you dog’s nutritional needs.
Mature dogs who suffer from constipation will benefit greatly from a high-fiber diet. Purina Canine DCO Dual Fiber Control Canine Formula contains high levels of complex carbohydrates, optimal soluble and insoluble fiber and a moderate level of calories, while providing a proper balance of total nutrients for adult dogs.
Most senior dog foods are rich with high-quality protein which is excellent in maintaining a healthy body weight and muscle mass. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Chicken Recipe Senior Dog Food is a grain-free protein-rich food plus a precise blend of nutrients and antioxidants selected to help maintain the health of your senior dog.
Joint pain and arthritis is of great concern for ageing dogs. Help alleviate pain by feeding your senior dog foods that contain chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. Purina JM Joint Mobility Canine Formula has been formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for dogs with arthritis. It centers on reducing excess body weight and providing nutrients with anti-inflammatory characteristics.
If you have an older dog that has diabetes, feeding it low-fat, high fiber dog is highly recommended.
For senior dogs with heart disease, a low-sodium, low-calorie dog food is the way to go.
There is a wide variety of supplements for dogs on the market that can address many health concerns your senior dog may be facing. Consult with your veterinarian before introducing supplements into your dog’s diet.
Cholodin Canine Chewable tablets can help geriatric dogs that may display clinical signs unexplainable by a specific pathological diagnosis. CHOLODIN a significant dietary factor in preventing fatty-liver syndrome in diabetic dogs.
Cardio-Strength Canine Bite-Sized Chews is formulated to support cardiovascular and cardiac muscle strength and overall health in canines. Designed to promote oxygen utilization and circulation, Cardio Strength contains 10 synergistic nutrients.
VetCrafted Joint Care Soft Chews with MSM for Dogs provides a comprehensive blend of essential minerals and nutrients for your dog’s daily joint needs.
When it comes to feeding treats to a mature dog, look for ones that are low in fat and sodium. You can try feeding your dog natural treats such as carrots and apple slices, but do not feed it grapes and raisins: they are very harmful to dogs.
If you do not want to take the natural food route with treats, there are a variety of ready-to-serve, tasty and nutritious dog treats your senior dog will enjoy:
I’d Rather Be with My Dog Venison Bites are soft/chewy dog treats that provide the perfect snack for dogs on paleo diets. These bites are formulated with no fillers like grain, gluten, dairy or soy, and contains only the healthy protein/ingredients they need.
Blue Buffalo Blue Mini Bars Blueberry and Yogurt Dog Treats are bite-size biscuits that are oven-baked for a crunchy and delicious treat that includes wholesome and rich ingredients like Blueberry, Yogurt, Carrots, Oatmeal, Flaxseed and Barley.
Pet Naturals Daily Digest for Dogs is a great treat to support your dog’s digestive and immune system function. Great for dogs with digestive issues or for times of stress, such as traveling, trips to the vet, etc.
In summary, a dog’s dietary needs change as it ages. Obesity and joint issues tend are common issues facing elderly dogs. Therefore, a low-calorie diet that is low in fat, high in protein and fiber, and contains glucosamine is ideal for an ageing pooch. Feeding treats to a senior dog should be kept to a minimum to prevent obesity. If you want to give your dog a treat, consider feeding it treats that are low in fat and sodium, and specially formulated to treat specific problems. Supplements for elderly dogs are a great way to ensure your longtime, four-legged companion is getting the proper nutrition it deserves.
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