What food is best for senior dogs?

Food for senior dogs meets the nutritional needs of older dogs, which differ from those of younger dogs. Senior dogs are typically less active and have slower metabolisms, so they need fewer calories and fat. Elderly dogs also have a harder time digesting protein, so their food often has a lower protein content than regular dog food, helping to increase their quality of life. Senior dog food may also contain additional nutrients that are beneficial for older dogs, such as Glucosamine and chondroitin to help to support joint health, Omega-3 fatty acids that hold anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve skin and coat health, and Antioxidants to help to protect cells from damage. The best dog food for older dogs can help with joint health and mobility, check that it includes fruits, vegetables, healthy Omega-3 fatty acids and ingredients like green lipped mussel which can help to alleviate any joint-related symptoms. A good senior dog food can help to manage your furry friend’s weight, these foods tend to have less fat and calories which can help to manage any weight related issues. While there are benefits to both types of food for mature dogs, wet food may be better for them as it is easier to digest and rich in fluids to ensure they remain hydrated.

The best food for senior dogs is one that provides them with the nutrients necessary to help them live a happy, healthy life. Senior dogs have different nutritional needs compared to their younger counterparts. Fatty acids: Omega-6 fatty acids are great at promoting healthy cell growth, adding shine to coats, and replacing oils in the skin, whereas omega-3 fatty acids treat inflammation in the skin and joints. High-quality protein: Senior dogs need their diet to contain plenty of high-quality protein to fuel their muscles, as loss of muscle mass is a common problem in older dogs. Higher levels of vitamins C and E: Senior pups can benefit from higher levels of vitamin C, as it reduces inflammation, and vitamin E, which promotes a healthy immune system, skin, coat, and more. Fiber: Constipation is a common issue with senior dogs, so a diet that is high in fiber can help keep them regular. Antioxidants: Adding antioxidants to your senior dog’s daily diet helps to improve memory and cognitive function. An easy way to help increase your pup’s overall hydration is making a switch to fresh food, such as Freshpet’s refrigerated food, which is high in animal protein and has the same moisture content as fresh, human-grade meats, which is between 70-75% moisture. High moisture content: Senior dogs are also more likely to be dehydrated throughout the day, so increasing their water intake is a great way to decrease age-related changes. If you’re not sure where to start, our Freshpet Vital Healthy Aging recipe as it has a high moisture content, antioxidant-rich cranberries, and high-quality protein that is a healthy dog food option for senior dogs. Alternatively, you could consider a recipe where one of the primary proteins is salmon, such as the Freshpet Select Multi-Protein Complete meal with Chicken, Beef, Egg, and Salmon recipe, which is high in vitamin E, beneficial for senior dogs.

James Wellbeloved Hypoallergenic Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Rice is available. James Wellbeloved Senior Dry Dog Food Fish & Rice is available. James Wellbeloved Senior Dry Dog Food Lamb & Rice is available. Wainwright's Grain Free Mature Dry Dog Food Turkey is available. Royal Canin Medium Ageing 10+ Dry Senior Dog Food is available. Wainwright's Mature Dry Dog Food Salmon with Rice is available. James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Lamb & Veg is available. AVA Optimum Health Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food Chicken is available. Arden Grange Senior Dry Dog Food with Chicken & Rice is available. Wainwright's Mature Dry Dog Food Turkey with Rice is available. Step Up Naturals Mature Dry Dog Food Chicken with Turkey is available. Scrumbles Complete Dry Adult and Senior Dog Food Salmon is available. James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Veg is available. Wainwright's Mature Dry Dog Food Lamb with Rice is available. Royal Canin Maxi Ageing 8+ Dry Dog Food is available. Harringtons Complete Natural Senior Dry Dog Food Chicken & Rice is available. Wildways Dry Senior Dog Food Fresh Chicken with Salmon & Vegetables is available. James Wellbeloved Wet Senior Dog Food Turkey & Rice in Gravy is available. James Wellbeloved Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Rice is available. James Wellbeloved Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Rice is available. Scrumbles Complete Dry Adult and Senior Dog Food Chicken is available. ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food with Chicken Turkey & Fish is available. Wainwright's Small Breed Mature Dry Dog Food Turkey with Rice is available. Hill's Science Plan Medium Breed Mature Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken is available. AVA Optimum Health Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food Chicken is available.

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.