A reduced calorie senior dog food is obviously not a good choice for a pet that is either at a good weight or is too thin.
As the case with people, your dogs diet should meet his individual nutritional requirments, which may or may not be similar to other dosgs his age. Your dogs body condition and any underlying diseases are more important considerations than his age.
Protein Requirments Do Not Decrease as Your Dog Ages:
In fact, studies point to an increased need for protein. Low protein will compromise kidney and liver function. The type of protein most dogs
thrive on is whole, unprocessed and often raw.
Added Fiber is not Biologically Appropiate for Dogs
While it is true senior dogs have problems with consitpation, the fiber added to commercial pet foods isn’t the answer
A senior formula with increased fiber will cause your little guy to poop more, but it will block absorption of healthy nutrients. Too much fiber can creat a barrier in your dog’s small intenstine which prevent antioxidants, vitamins and minerals from being assimilated.
When it Comes to Senior Dog Foods Buyers Beware
Dog food formulas marketed for senior aren’tbased on much science or even a solid set of guidelines outlining the general nutritional requirmements.
Please see your vet and discuss your old guys nutrtional needs and dietary requirements
I am constantly looking for food that I can feed Chico,, as well as your senior, and most importantly, food that they will eat. Not so easy, I know.
The following is what I have found by trail and error, in addition to checking with my vet for the go ahead:
Yogurt is a source of probiotics (beneficial bacteria that can help with digestive system)
Eggs provides protein that is missing from most “senior” dog foods
Liver is packed with vitamins and trace minerals. Feed small amounts regularly. Too much will cause the stools to be loose.
Fish provides omega-3 fatty acids that support the immune system, reduce inflammation and contribute to the skin and coat. Canned fish is best, such as sardines, jack mackerel and pink salmon (rinse to reduce the sodium content)
Broccoli cabbage, cauliflower and brussel sprouts. Good luck finding ways to disguise these vegetables. Chico does not like any of them, as your guy won’t either. You have to be creative to fool a seasoned senior dog, to eat these vegetables, and I am. After all, we are smarter than they are , right??
Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene. They are a good source of vitamin C. They should be cooked!
Berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries help to prevent cancer. Berries also provide fiber.
Chicken, dark meat provides more nutrition than low fat chicken breast. Remove skin and small bones. Chico has no problem eating drumsticks. Give him the whole thing-skin off, and small bone removed.
Beef. Red meat provides iron, zinc and other nutrients. Beef and Lamb supplies a variety of fatty acids. Cook beef and drain some of the fat.
Oatmeal and other whole grains provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants, as well as fiber that can help with digestive issues.
Make these items for the week, and it won’t seem so overwhelming to do each day.
My goal of course is to keep this guy around for as long as possible. Small sacrifice, right? I know you feel the same about your senior.
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There’s definitely reason to panic if your older buddy suddenly stops eating the food he used to love. But relax: these changes are normal in ageing dogs. You will also have to make changes regarding what to feed elderly dogs.
But first, how do you know when a dog is considered old? For small breeds that weigh less than 20 pounds, 7 years is the mark to consider them old. The same goes for medium breeds that are 21 to 50 pounds. Larger dogs that are between 51 to 90 pounds get old at around 6 years old. Giant breeds 91 pounds or more will get old by the time they reach 5 years old.
When your dog gets old, it’s time to change their diet in order to keep them healthy and prevent any chronic illnesses from striking them. Some health issues that you want to prevent are deterioration of their skin and coat, loss of muscle mass, obesity, dental problems, and CDS to name a few.
What to feed elderly dogs for optimum health
Older dogs have been shown to progressively put on body fat in spite of consuming fewer calories. This change in body composition is inevitable and may be aggravated by either reduced energy expenditure or a change in metabolic rate. Either way, it is important to feed a diet with a lower caloric density to avoid weight gain, but with a normal protein level to help maintain muscle mass.
Avoid “senior” diets that have reduced levels of protein. Studies have shown that the protein requirement for older dogs does not decrease with age, and that protein levels do not contribute to the development or progression of renal failure. It is important to feed older dogs diets that contain optimum levels of highly digestible protein to help maintain good muscle mass.
Talk to your veterinarian about increasing your senior dogs GLA intake. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid that plays a role in the maintenance of healthy skin and coat. Although it is normally produced in a dog’s liver, GLA levels may be diminished in older dogs. Does your older dog’s diet contain GLA? (Read more here.)
At your dog’s old age, you might also want to turn to antioxidants, such as vitamin E and beta-carotene, as these can eliminate radical particles that damage your body’s tissues and even speed up the effects of aging.
At this point, you will need to have routine care for your senior pet. It might be a bit costly, but it’s important if you want to prevent skyrocketing costs when you find out that your pet has a chronic illness.
When your dog lives to a ripe age, you will notice certain changes in their lifestyle. One of them, and this might worry you the most, is their diet. Food is a huge concern for most pet owners, and you might want to know what to feed elderly dogs so you can make the transition as soon as they hit old age.
Your foremost concern should be the prevention of obesity. This is a huge problem for most senior dogs—a problem that can be solved by turning to a high-fiber diet. Because of the slower metabolism rate of older dogs, they have a tendency to get overweight and obese more easily.
What to feed elderly dogs in their ripe age
Many dog food companies now offer senior dog food formulations, which Nunez recommends as an age-appropriate diet for older pets because they’re lower in calories.
If possible, owners should feed their pets foods that are suitable to their stage in life. But some owners have more than one dog and would prefer to buy just one type of food.
In that case, foods labeled “multi-stage” would be acceptable for puppies, adults, and seniors. “You make some compromises when you do the ‘multi-stage’ diets,” Nunez says. “So they’re my second choice. But some people just can’t separate the foods. The puppy will get into the senior diet, and the senior dog will get into the puppy food.” (Read more here)
As you shift to a healthier senior dog diet, does this mean you should let go of treats altogether? Certainly not! There are a few low-fat and low-sodium treats based on healthy recipes that you can try. From carrots to apple slices, find out what your old buddy likes the most. You will also have to give them more water, as their water balance is much lessened as they grow older.
If your dog has a problem like a liver disease or diabetes, with more reason should you consult a veterinarian for a special deit. The same goes for dogs with heart disease. For diabetic dogs, you best stick to foods that are low in fat and high in fiber, considering their slower absorption. This is also good for senior dogs that have constipation.
Sometimes, your dog will refuse to eat. This may be entirely natural, because of their reduced appetite. When this happens, you might want to try something new, like a home-cooked meal, a little chicken broth, or even canned food. In other cases, it may be caused by an underlying health concern, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or dental disease.
Feeding your older dog might be a tougher challenge than it ever was, but take it as another opportunity for you to get to know your older buddy even more. Who knows, you might even discover a new favorite that your fur baby can’t resist!
Senior Dogs Protein Foods: Health Risk or Benefits?
The controversial topic on feeding pet dogs, especially senior dogs, with high protein foods have been a consistent controversy among pet owners and veterinarians alike. Although scores of veterinarian’s give advice to pet owners against incorporating a high protein diet with their pets, recent research shows a great deal of support with a protein-rich diet.
Even more mind boggling to some, research reveals that a meaty diet is acceptable even to senior dogs with mild kidney problems. The question remains, is a high protein diet good or bad for pet dogs? A conclusion made by researchers in two published studies conducted for dogs with kidney disease maintains that certain results does not support the claim of having adverse effects when feeding pets with a high protein diet.
Another study where senior dogs were divided into two groups was conducted to determine more accurate results between the comparisons. One group was fed a high protein diet while the other one was fed with a low protein diet. This method was done consistently for four years. No adverse effects were seen to be present with the group fed with a high protein diet. While the mortality rate or death rate is higher in the low protein diet group as compared to the other group.
High Protein Diet – Cause for Kidney Disease?
Doctors Foster and Smith of The Veterinary and Aquatic Services Department addresses the false rumor regarding the high protein diet on pet dogs. They maintain that pet foods containing high protein are not harmful to a normal animal’s kidneys. Nitrogen as a by-product is released as protein is metabolized in an animal’s body. (read more here)
The kidneys then excrete the excess nitrogen. A diet which is high in protein produces more nitrogen by-products which the kidney excretes in the urine. This process may seem to be a labor abuse on the kidneys’ part and would probably lead to kidney problems, but both Doctors Foster and Smith maintain that this is false.
However, the answer to the question that most veterinarians ask still remains unconvincing. They believe that there is a risk in high protein diet especially for senior dogs and their kidney health. Another report on this subject matter lies on the myth that has been around since before. In the past, patients with kidney problems and diseases were commonly advised to have low protein diets which in turn produces low nitrogen, which is probably the reason where dangers are associated with high protein meals.
In conclusion to Drs. Foster and Smith’s findings, they advise a restriction on a high phosphorus diet, not protein. Animals with kidney problems have been reported to regain both their health and strength by limiting and even restricting phosphorus intake. There is, of course, a real basis for the restriction of a high protein diet and it is only when senior dogs have an alarming rate of urinary nitrogen or an elevated urinary protein. Apart from that, no substantial evidence suggests otherwise.
Anti-flea dog biscuits? Believe it! For dog owners who are struggling to find a fix for their fur buddies who are infested with fleas, here’s a dog recipe that will finally put an end to your problem once and for all. It’s also a perfect senior dog food—you don’t have to worry about disrupting your old buddy’s diet. It’s the perfect treat not only for your dog’s good behavior but also for your dog’s health. It’s also a treat for you, a stressed out pet owner who doesn’t know how to deal with your dog’s flea problem!
Out of love for our senior pets, we tend to feed them more than they used to feed on when they were younger. It’s about time pet owners truly understand the senior dog food that’s appropriate for their aging buddy. Although there’s no fixed equation when it comes to senior dog food, there are certain guidelines that you need to follow.
A well-balanced diet for an older dog usually consists of low-fat, low-calorie, high-fiber, and high-protein foods. You can continue feeding your dog a regular diet (that is, of course, approved by a veterinarian), but in smaller quantities. You can also check out commercially prepared diets with a protein content of around 18%. The protein content, however, should be lower if your dog has decreased kidney function.
What you need to know about senior dog food
At what age should I switch my adult dog to senior food (or is this really necessary)?
Veterinarians generally consider a dog in the last third of his normal life expectancy to be “older.” For example, a large breed dog (such as a Great Dane) that normally lives to be 9 years old would be considered “senior” at age 6. A Poodle that normally lives to 15 years would be “senior” at 10. Of course, many exceptions exist, and if a dog is active and in good shape, he may be able to be fed the adult formulas and exercised as if he is a younger dog. Routine veterinary exams and blood testing can help determine what diet is best for your older dog. (Read more here)
Aside from changes in your dog’s diet, you should also consider giving senior dog supplements to your aging dog. Some older dogs have lower absorption of certain minerals and vitamins, and lose most of these through their urinary or kidney tract. The solution lies in antioxidants like Vitamins A, C, and E. Fiber products are also considered effective in helping your dog stay healthy.
And then there’s the problem of your old buddy not eating. This can only be solved by having a complete veterinary exam. In the meantime, there are certain steps you can take to motivate your dog to eat more.
If your dog usually eats dry food, you can try giving smaller portions. Another technique is to give microwave canned or moistened food; this will let your dog smell the aroma.
I can relate to how difficult it must be to see your fur buddy not eat as much as before. But try not to worry too much: by doing the steps I just mentioned, your dog will eventually get back to normal.
The older your beloved pet gets, the more you have to pay attention to your buddy’s diet and weight. The good news is that there are several options for healthy diet food for old dogs and that whatever weight issues your dog has is already explained by science.
You will notice that there are many dog foods marketing themselves as “senior diets”, but take note that they only differ in terms of less omega-3 fatty acids, anti-oxidants, and
chondroitin/glucosamine products. They are also lower in calories. While switching to these specialized foods is a viable option, there’s nothing wrong with continuing the diet your pet is on but on a different schedule. Another option is to add special ingredients that contain antioxidants, omega-3s, and fiber. If you’re feeling experimental, there’s a bunch of home cooked recipes perfect for adult dogs you might want to try.
If you want to give senior dog foods a try, the brand does make a difference. You might be tempted to buy low-priced generic brands, but their ingredients aren’t of good quality. Those that are average-priced, on the other hand, have better quality. If you want the best, premium formulas sold by national brands usually are made of the best ingredients. You might not want to go for niche brands specially sold in pet shops; their manufacturers don’t have the manpower to control the quality of their products. They are also likely to stay in the shelf and get stale over time.
Aside from making changes in your dog food, you will also need to hydrate your dog more than ever. Their kidneys are not as strong as before, so they will need all the water they can get.
The Lowdown on Healthy Diet Food for Old Dogs
Does My Old Dog Need A Supplement ?
Probably not. If your dog is eating a balance, commercial diet or a home cooked one that follows an intelligent recipe and meets AAFCO guidelines, it does not need a supplement.
But if your dog is a picky eater, if it has chronic digestive problems or if your veterinarian feels it could benefit from an increased level of a specific nutrient, do place it on a supplement targeted to that specific problem.
Supplements that say something to the effect that they are “Specifically Designed To Meet The Health Needs Of Older Dogs” are just marketing ploys. (Read More Here)
By the time your old buddy advances in age, you will have to change not only their diet but also their meal time. You might need to give them several meals a day instead of one or two a day. This will make them less likely to develop bloat.
Weight is another issue that older dogs have to struggle with as they advance in age. Overweight dogs tend to experience more problems, related to joints, bones, skin, and urinary tract. That’s why you may have to control their weight as they grow old. Keep them fit and trim, and they’ll experience less problems growing up.
Some older dogs, on the other hand, experience weight loss. This is just as troubling as obesity, because it can cause dental and gum problem. It might also be a sign that your dog is seriously ill. Or it might be something less grave and distressing, such as a simple change in your dog’s preference. When this happens, all you have to do is to make more savory treats for your old buddy.
With all the food and weight issues that your older dog will face, it will take a lot of effort on your end. But it will all be worth it in the end, if it means getting to spend more time with your dog for a few more years.
Cure for Arthritis in Dogs: Supplements, Acupuncture, and a Great Diet
The kind of arthritis dogs have are similar to that of humans. As dogs age, their joints and bones degenerate, and the pain and inflammation become much worse. If you’re a firm believer in natural therapy, you might be interested to know that there are methods that can help your old buddy. Traditional Chinese medicine and supplements, in fact, have been used on dogs with arthritis, with a considerable measure of success.
A few natural remedies that you can start with are nutritional supplements. Supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate with MSM contain anti-inflammatory properties that relieve joint pain both in humans and animals. The MSM and glucosamine have been proven by years of research to relieve arthritic pain.
You should also look for supplements with Omega 3 essential fatty acids. This is usually available in fish oil or flaxseed oil for dogs. Omega 3 helps in lubricating the joints and combating the inflammation. But its benefits don’t end there: it will also make your dog’s coat look thicker and help reduce excess weight.
Other supplements that work great against arthritis are those that contain antioxidants and enzymes. These will not only improve circulation, but also strengthen the immune system.
Cure for Arthritis in Dogs: Supplements, Acupuncture, and a Great Diet
When you purchase nutritional supplements for your dog, you may only be able to find human versions of the products. That’s okay, but be careful about using recommended dosages. Dosage information for most supplements is based on the needs of an average person of about 125 pounds in weight. To calculate your dog’s needs, consult with your pet health practitioner, or do the math yourself:
Divide your dog’s weight by 125. For example: 40/125 = .32
Multiply the recommended dosage by this number: For example: 3 tablets, twice per day. 3 tablets X .32 = .96.
Rounding the final number a bit, the dosage of this supplement for a 40 pound dog would be 1 tablet, twice per day. (Read More)
You shouldn’t only focus on the treating arthritis in your dogs, but also focus on preventing them. You best stay away from wheat products and by-products, as studies have shown that it can even worsen the pain. Instead, opt for free-range and organic meat, and free from wheat, corn, and soy. These will not only cause joint pain, but also put on weight in your dog.
Lastly, you might want to look at canine acupuncture as an alternative treatment. Acupuncture has been shown to improve circulation, and is a tried and tested treatment for hip and elbow dysplasia, and tendon injuries. However, acupuncture is not a band-aid, immediate treatment. Its effect will be felt over a number of sessions, so you best prepare your time and money for more than one acupuncture session.
Try some of these suggestions and see if any work for your fur baby
Older dogs often get diagnosed with pancreatitis and obesity. As your dog ages, you will need to take the lead and cut down on your dog’s high-fat diet with too much meat and carbs. The best senior dog food comprises quality low fat dog foods. Quality is the most important qualifier here—because most low fat dog foods are low in protein and high in calories.
Quality low fat dog foods must have 12% or less fat for dry foods, 15% or less for wet foods, and 17% or less for raw foods. This is information that you can see in the nutritional information of the product you’re buying.
While some low fat dog foods in the grocery still have too much fat and calories in them, a number of them do have great nutritional content.
For dry dog foods, there are quite a number of choices:Acana Light and Fit (5-star, 11% fat and 39% protein),Addiction (5-star, 10% fat and 40% protein),Amicus Senior and Weight Management (5-star, 12% fat and 33% protein),Annamaet Adult Dog Food (4-star, 11% fat and 26% protein),Avoderm Natural Large Breed (4-star, 11% fat and 29% protein),Blue Buffalo (4-star, 10% fat, 28% protein).
There are quite a number of options for wet and raw dog foods, as well as kibbles.
Looking for the best senior dog food that’s low-fat?
Fromm Four Star Nutritionals Canned Dog Food is a 5-star wet product. The Shredded Pork contains 15% fat and 39% protein, the Shredded Beef reports 12% fat and 39% protein and the Shredded Chicken lists a very low 7% fat and 44% protein.
OC Raw Dog Food is a 5-star frozen product. The Fish and Produce recipe contains 12% fat and 72% protein, the Rabbit and Produce reports 16% fat and 60% protein and the Goat and Produce lists a very low 9% fat and 77% protein. (More here)
You can also tryPrecise Holistic Complete Senior (4-star, 11% fat and 28% protein),Premium Edge Weight II (4-star, 9% fat and 28% protein),Primal Canine Rabbit Formula (5-star, 17% fat and 59% protein),Professional Senior Dog (4-star, 11% fat and 29% protein),Simply Nourish (4.5 star wet dog food, 8% fat and 59% protein),Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream (4-star, 15% fat and 38% protein),Wellness Core (5-star, 11% fat and 37% protein),Weruva Human Style (5-star, 10% fat and 61% protein), andWellness Super 5 Mix (12% fat and 28% protein for the large breed and 10% fat and 31% protein for the small breed).
Phew! The list of quality low fat dog foods is quite extensive. Ultimately, your decision should be based on just how much fat you need to cut off from your dog’s diet. If your older dog is sick, you may have to settle for dog food with really low fat content and more carbs.
As you dog advances in age, you may have to modify their diet to suit their changing needs. But what are the qualities that meet the criteria of the best senior dog food?
A little effort goes a long way toward keeping your older fur baby healthy!
For one, it must be healthy, considering that your senior dog will need more nutrients to overcome their physical weaknesses. Also, it must be palatable—what used to be delicious for them before won’t be as tasty for them today. In terms of taste and nutritional value, there are ten best foods that your senior dog will love.
Yogurt, being a rich in probiotics, can help with your dog’s digestive problems. All you need to do is add a spoonful of yogurt in every meal.
Another healthy treat are eggs, which have several nutrients and area easy to digest. You can feed two for your large dog who weigh around 60 pounds, one for your 30- to 60-lb dog, and half an egg for your small dog.
Liver is great for your dog, because it has vitamins and minerals that can keep your dog energized. It should comprise around 5% of your dog’s daily. To give you a picture of just how much liver you can feed your dog: 2 ounces for your 100-pound dog daily, ½ ounce for your 25-pound dog daily, ½ ounce for your small dog every other day.
Fish is one of the best meats for your dog, with its omega-3 acids that not only keeps their coat healthy but also strengthens their immune system. Don’t worry about spending too much on this, because canned fish with bones (pink salmon and sardines) are perfect for your buddy.
Aside from fish, chicken and beef will help keep your older dog healthy and strong, as long as you feed them both in moderation and remove the fatty parts. The dark meat of chicken are better than the chicken breast and the skin.
As for beef, a great idea would be to feed them a mix of poultry that includes beef and turkey. Just make sure you drain the fat beforehand.
At your dog’s advanced age, vegetables are an absolute must. Broccoli, sweet potatoes and berries are the best ones.
YUM! Best Food For Senior Dogs
Broccoli. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts provide antioxidants and other nutrients that might help prevent cancer. Limit amounts if they cause gas. These vegetables are best served cooked because the raw form can suppress thyroid function if you feed too much.
Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, also found in other yellow-orange vegetables. They are also a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Sweet potatoes and other starchy foods should always be cooked.
Berries. The antioxidants in blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries might help prevent cancer. Berries also provide fiber. (More here)
To wrap up this list is a healthy favorite both for dogs and humans alike: oatmeal. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. There’s more than one way to cook oatmeal, so you can experiment until you get the best flavor for your favorite buddy!
And the best part about these ten foods? They’re pretty flexible, so feel free to add a dash of flavor and come up with a recipe that’s perfect for your furry friend.
At a certain point of your dog’s aging process, you may notice that they don’t respond as excitedly as before to dog treats. This is normally, as dogs normally becomes a bit more picky and sensitive as they grow old. One of the changes you may notice is that they simply don’t love the same dog treats they used to.
It’s about time for you to look up new senior dog treats that will get them excited! Senior dogs would love oven-baked goodies filled with flour, eggs, and chicken stock among other healthy ingredients. Learning how to bake fresh-baked dog treats is a great alternative to buying grocery store treats. Just keep at it, and your dog will surely love what you come up with!
