Should I feed my senior dog wet or dry food?
Marco McKenzie
2025-08-15 11:48:53
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Changing what they eat Moving from an adult diet to one that is more suited to a senior dog is not as straightforward as it may sound. A diet to support ageing should contain antioxidants, high quality protein, reduced levels of phophorus which isn't needed in such quantity and can help to reduce the burden on the kidneys, and extra joint support for those ageing bones and joints. As your dog gets older, it’s a good idea to switch over to a diet that is lower in calories. If you feed your dog anything that is refrigerated, ensure that you take it out of the fridge two hours before giving it to them. If giving dry food, make sure it’s kept somewhere dry and clean and ideally in a re-sealable or airtight package to keep it tasting and smelling fresh. If you forget or it’s not possible to do this, then you can briefly warm wet food in the microwave, but make sure it’s not hot as this could burn their mouth. Changing how much and how often they’re fed – Many dogs are used to being fed twice a day, but older dogs may prefer to be fed smaller amounts more frequently. Always speak to your vet before changing your dog’s diet.
Roselyn Dicki
2025-08-02 07:03:22
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When your dog is considered of senior age, you may need to start feeding them a diet that is higher in fibre, and which contains a suitable amount of protein and fat. If your dog likes to eat dry food, it can help to control tartar build up and could help to reduce gum disease. You may find that your dog struggles to eat dry food as they age, especially if they have a few missing teeth, so you may need to add a tiny bit of warm water to make it easier to chew. Alternatively, you may find that your dog prefers to stay on the same food, just in a smaller quantity. Routine vet exams and blood testing can be a good indication for what diet is best for your senior dog, so always consult your local vet practice if you are ever in doubt what you should be feeding them.
Destini Jacobs
2025-08-02 06:35:14
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Generally, you will want to look for healthy wet food for your senior dog because it has many advantages. Wet food is easier to eat for dogs with dental health issues, but if they have good dental health, dry kibble can help keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. Wet food contains more moisture, so it helps older dogs stay hydrated. It contains more Omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for older dogs, than kibble because it can be destroyed as the kibble is being processed. The main thing is to find a quality food that has been designed for the health needs of senior dogs. But just because wet food is labeled “for senior dogs” doesn’t mean that it is good for your older dog. You might want to try a senior version of their current food or a variety of senior food that is similar to their current food. Your vet can help you feed your dog properly. They can work with you so that your dog is getting the right amount of protein, fats, carbs, and fiber, as well as vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.
Russ Leuschke
2025-08-02 06:34:56
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When it comes to diet, every dog has unique, individual needs, regardless of age. So, there's no one easy answer to the question of soft food versus hard food. Both types of food can provide your dog with the nutrition they need — as long as you feed your dog a high-quality dog food that’s nutritionally balanced and complete. If your dog has very specific health concerns, such as aging joints or weight issues, consult with your vet for more information about what type of food best addresses your dog's needs. That being said, there are a few reasons why you may consider switching your senior dog to soft food. Teeth Sensitivity As your dog gets older, their teeth may become more sensitive, which can make chewing kibble more difficult and even uncomfortable. Switching to a soft food can help to alleviate your pet’s oral discomfort when eating. Many nutritionally balanced wet dog foods offer high protein content with fewer carbs than dry food, which can benefit older dogs with slower metabolism. Whether you choose dry food, soft food or a mix of both, ask your vet before making any transition.
Maurice Bergstrom
2025-08-02 06:09:43
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Wet dog food, or canned food, sometimes provides benefits that dry food doesn’t offer, such as: Higher moisture content: Wet food may be a good choice if your dog doesn’t drink as much as they should, or if they have a medical condition that could benefit from proper hydration. Palatability: Canned dog food is often more aromatic and flavorful when compared to dry food. This may entice sick or older dogs to eat if their appetite is decreased. Easier to chew: Dogs that have dental disease or other oral abnormalities may find wet food easier to chew than dry food. On the other hand, dry dog food, or kibble, often offers certain benefits that wet food doesn’t provide, such as: Dental health benefits: Dry food encourages dogs to chew their food, which aids in preventing tartar buildup and secondary periodontal disease. Mixing wet and dry dog food is another option that may provide the best of both worlds. However, it is very important to ensure you are still providing the proper daily feeding amount to prevent overfeeding.
Christelle Wisozk
2025-08-02 04:40:49
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You’ll want a food that meets the needs of both small and senior dogs. It also needs to be complete and balanced, meaning that it contains all the nutrients your dog needs in the right proportions. You can feed wet food, dry or a combination of the two, depending on your dog’s taste and your preferences. Older dogs may have diminished appetite, so you may find that feeding wet food helps stimulate their appetite. Smaller, more frequent meals may also suit some senior dogs. The good news is that there are lots of foods formulated specifically for small senior dogs so you’ll have plenty of choice and a nice variety for your senior friend. Talk to your vet about which might suit your individual dog best so that you and your dog can enjoy as many of those golden years as possible.
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