You might have heard that you have to adjust your dog’s diet as they age, especially for a senior pet. But is the difference between puppy kibble and older dog chow all that significant? How do you successfully transition your older pal to a different diet?
By definition, a senior dog is in the last third of their life span. For instance, bigger dogs like Great Danes tend to live to be about nine years old. When they’re around six years old, you may want to start thinking about changing their diet. Some breeds, like poodles, tend to have a longer lifespan and wouldn’t achieve senior status until they’ve reached about ten years old. However, the choice to change your dog’s diet should be based on their level of health, and not necessarily their age.
If your senior dog is in good health and is able to maintain a healthy weight, there’s no real need to adjust your four legged friend’s diet from adult to senior dog food. However, if you pet has been packing on the pounds or has developed digestive issues, it might be time to make the switch. If your pet’s weight is the only health issue, consider just lowering the quantity of kibble you give. This may be all the change your dog’s food needs to help him stay fit and healthy!
In order to prevent unnecessary weight issues, dog food that is specifically designed for senior pets typically has less calories than adult or puppy kibbles. Senior dog food usually tends to have more fiber in order to remedy any constipation issues that may arise in older animals. It is also not uncommon for older pets to experience renal failure, but altering your dog’s diet can prevent any avoidable kidney problems! Pet food for older dogs contains less protein, which will cut the work load for your best friend’s kidneys.
Whenever possible, try to encourage your pooch to eat dry food and emphasize excellent dental health. The dry kibble helps to prevent plaque and tartar from forming around the teeth, but if your dog doesn’t seem to be enjoying dry food, you can try moistening it with water or purchase canned varieties.
The best resource for more information about dog food is your veterinarian. Only a doctor can tell you exactly what your pet needs, so be sure to discuss any of your questions or concerns with him or her!
Read more about feeding older dogs here.
