What food is best for senior dogs?

Pro Plan Small & Mini Breed Age Defence 9+ Senior Dry Dog Food Chicken is available. Pro Plan Medium & Large Age Defence 7+ Senior Dry Dog Food Chicken is available. Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Medium Breed Light Dry Dog Food is available. Royal Canin Medium Ageing 7+ Dry Adult Dog Food is available. Hill's Science Plan Medium Breed Mature Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken is available. Hill's Science Plan Large Breed Mature Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken is available. Hill's Science Plan Small & Mini Breed Mature Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken is available. Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Wet Dog Food Chicken is available. Royal Canin Veterinary Urinary S / O Ageing 7+ Wet Dog Food In Loaf is available. Royal Canin Veterinary Urinary S / O Ageing 7+ Dry Dog Food is available.

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 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. 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. Give them access to water – an important part of any dog’s diet is access to clean water. Staying well hydrated can help to keep them healthy.

Senior dogs are like humans in lots of ways, they like longer naps, might move a bit slower, and their nutritional needs change over time. As your dog ages, their sense of taste and smell becomes less strong, so it’s important to give them highly palatable food. 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. 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. Older dogs often lose their appetites and may eat less, which can lead to health issues. 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.