How much food should my senior dog eat per day?
Howell Herzog
2025-08-31 20:03:22
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: 19
To provide optimal nutrition for your ageing companion, consider gradually switching them to a complete, balanced senior dog food, as these are specifically formulated to meet the changing nutritional needs and eating habits of older dogs. Senior dog foods typically offer a higher protein content to support muscle mass, and a reduced calorie count to help maintain a healthy weight as your dog's activity level decreases. As senior dogs tend to be less active, and have a slower metabolism, you might notice them putting on a bit of weight as they get older. As they get on in years, changing to a lower calorie diet can be a good idea. If you think your dog is overweight, make an appointment to speak to your vet to discuss the best way forward. It may be a simple case that your dog is eating too much, or they may have an underlying medical problem that can be addressed. Either way, your vet may recommend a more calorie-restricted weight loss diet or a specialist diet dog food for older dogs. Remember, treats should only make up a small portion of your dog's overall diet. Overindulging in treats can contribute to weight gain and negate the benefits of a calorie-controlled diet. Mental enrichment is still important for senior dogs but instead of using treats, consider using bits of their daily food ration. Consult your vet for personalised advice.
Landen Will
2025-08-28 14:38:08
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: 27
Most senior dogs tend to have lower caloric needs, because their metabolism slows down and they may not be as active, due to arthritis and other health issues. Because of this, we usually recommend feeding your dog 2% of their body weight as a general guideline. However, other dogs lose weight as they get older. Health issues and failing sight/smell can cause your dog to eat less calories than she needs to to stay healthy. If your dog appears underweight, you may need to increase their calorie intake or switch to a more palatable food. Dogs’ caloric needs vary according to their breed, activity level, and size, and every dog will have a different need. For any dog, a wholesome, unprocessed diet is better than one with empty calories. A natural, wholesome diet of lean proteins and fresh produce should provide most dogs with the nutrition they need in their old age.
Leola Feil
2025-08-17 08:40:38
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: 12
Most people feed their dogs twice a day. But instead of facing a couple of fully-loaded bowls a couple of times a day, senior dogs tend to prefer smaller portions, served more frequently throughout the day. 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. Take Things Slowly Introduce your dog to the senior dog food gradually. A sudden chance might cause some digestive issues, so begin by adding small portions of senior food to your dog’s bowl, aiming to make a complete shift over a period of 7-10 days. If you have more than one dog, feed them at the same time, but in different places. Otherwise, one dog might bully or otherwise intimidate the other, and at this age, the last thing your dog needs is stress. The older your dog gets, the more likely they are to suffer from such conditions as arthritis, so you should make things as easy as possible for them. For example, consider feeding them out of a slightly raised bowl to save them from having to strain themselves when reaching down.
Humberto Batz
2025-08-09 08:28:58
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: 23
Watch how much you’re giving them – If your older dog is less energetic and burning fewer calories, then it’s easy to give them too much food for their energy requirements. 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. 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. As your dog gets older, it’s a good idea to switch over to a diet that is lower in calories. Being less active, often due to joint problems, and having a slower metabolism means that it’s much more difficult for them to burn the calories that they gain from food. Regardless of your dog’s age, it’s always good to keep an eye on their weight.
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