What is the best diet for an elderly dog?
Gerardo Christiansen
2025-08-13 18:49:16
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There is no true reason to feed a senior diet to our aging dog unless there are noted problems, such as lean body wasting, arthritis or obesity. Typically, we like to see slightly higher protein diets; however, many of the senior diets on the market are lower protein. Protein is necessary to build and maintain muscles, and as dogs age, they often stop synthesizing as much protein on their own — increasing the need for it in their diet. If the dog is losing lean body mass then a diet higher in protein may be necessary. Most dogs become less active as they age, which means they have lower energy requirements. Monitor your dog’s body condition and weigh them on a regular basis to be aware of any significant changes. If your dog is still going for long hikes and is otherwise active every day, there is no need to decrease portions. Diet recommendations should be customized to the dog. Consider getting an individualized diet assessment.
Peyton Hackett
2025-08-06 13:57:18
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Get the Right Dog Food, all the major brands of dog food offer a specialist senior versions of their most popular lines. Specifically formulated to suit your dog’s changing eating habits and nutritional requirements, senior dog food is generally packed with high quality protein, and is designed to be easy to chew and digest. Senior dog food contains a careful balance of the nutrients older dogs need to stay happy and healthy, with a good mix of antioxidants and fatty acids to support their joints and immune systems. Finally, because senior dogs are less active and have slower metabolisms, their food generally has a lower calorie content. If you’re worried about your dog’s weight, call your vet, they’ll be able to recommend a specialist senior diet to suit your dog’s changing lifestyle and metabolism.
Michele Witting
2025-08-06 13:47:41
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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. Always speak to your vet before changing your dog’s diet. If you’re concerned that your dog is overweight, contact your vet to discuss an action plan on how best to help your dog. Changing from an adult diet to one that is more suited to a senior dog is not as straightforward as it may sound. Suddenly switching to any new diet can cause your dog to have an upset stomach. When changing your dog’s diet, it’s usually best to add a small amount of new food to their current one, and gradually change the ratio of old food to new food over 7-10 days. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the quantity of food to give your dog and remember to weigh it out to avoid giving them too much. Manufacturer’s guidelines are, as the name suggests, just a guide, so keep an eye on your dog’s size and adjust the amount if you need to.
Pete Abshire
2025-08-06 09:58:32
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: 20
As your dog ages, their sense of taste and smell becomes less strong, so it’s important to give them highly palatable food. And aging organs process nutrients differently and sometimes need a little extra support. This might include switching to a higher-quality protein, providing extra nutritional support, and adding prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive and immune system health. When buying food for your senior dog, our vets recommended focusing on foods that are approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and paying special attention to the ingredient list. Look for added antioxidants, supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids. Focus on foods with high-quality protein that your dog will enjoy.
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