You hate to admit it, but your furry chum is getting a little older. You wish to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy for many years to come. You have seen all of the hype about the new dog diets for older pets. Is there actually a difference between dog food for adult dogs and kibble recommended specifically for seniors? How do you know when to switch your pet to a different diet?
The best resource for information about dogs diet is your pets veterinarian. Only you and your veterinary know the specific needs of your pet the best. Talk Over with your veterinary your concerns and questions. He or she will be able to advise you on what alterations, if any, need to be made to your dogs diet.
If your older dog does not have any health problems and maintains a healthy weight, there is no need to alter your dogs diet from adult to senior dog food. On the other hand, if your dog has trouble keeping the weight off or digestive issues, you may need to change your dogs diet. If weight is the only issue, consider somewhat lowering the amount of dog food you give to your pet. This may be all the change your dogs diet requires.
A senior dog is classed as a dog in the last third of their life. Larger dogs, such as Great Danes, live to be about 9 years old. When they reach the age of 9 years old, you may want to think about a senior dogs diet. On the other hand, a Poodle will not reach senior status until about age of ten, this is due to the longer life expectancy. The decision to change your dogs diet should be based on there health condition, rather than there actual age in years. Your vet will help you to determine when the right time is to switch your dogs diet.
Dog food especially prepared for senior dogs typically has less calories. This helps to combat any weight issues. The senior dog food also contains more fibre for the various needs in your dogs diet. As dogs age, they tend to suffer from constipation, this extra fiber will help remedy this problem.
Renal failure can be another medical problem for senior dogs. How can your dogs diet help this problem? Reducing the amount of protein in your dogs diet will decrease the work load for the kidneys. For this reason, senior dog food often has lower protein content than regular adult formulas.
Whenever feasible, allow your dog to eat dry dog food to promote excellent dental health. The dry kibble helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. If your older pet resists to eat the food dry, you may need to moisten it with water or purchase moist canned varieties.
If your veterinary surgeon recommends, supplements may be helpful as part of your senior dogs diet. Some pets are unable to eat properly due to oral issues. Other older pets are unable to gather all of the nutrients from their food for different health reasons. Supplements such as daily vitamins and glucosamine can be advantageous to maintaining a healthy diet for your dog.
Glucosamine helps to promote joint health. For senior dogs, glucosamine can combat arthritis and hip displasia.
Vitamins C, A, and E, help reduce the natural aging process and encourage better health for senior dogs. You should speak to your veterinarian about adding such supplements to your dogs diet.
We all want what is best for our pet. Your senior dog should have a diet that meets their nutritional needs. You and your veterinary surgeon should work together to decide what is the best diet for your senior dog. Your dogs diet will directly affect their health. Take care of your pet by monitoring your dogs diet closely with the help of your veterinarian.
For further free information be sure to visit Free Dog Diet Tips
Subscribe To Blog RSS