Your dog's nutritional needs change as they grow older and so too must their diet. Our Moreno Valley vets have laid out exactly what you need to know to meet your dog's nutritional needs as they move gracefully into their golden years.
Why Change their food?
Your dog might not want to play fetch for hours anymore, or get tired halfway through a walk they used to do with ease. If your dog is starting to slow down with age, it is important that their diet changes with them.
If your dog isn't using as much energy, they don't need to be eating as many calories in a day. Not switching to a low-calorie diet can contribute to unhealthy weight gain that can put stress on your dogs joints and reduce their quality of life.
Adding a bit more protein to their diet can help support healthy muscles which in turn helps support their joint health. Loss of muscle tissue may also impair immune fusion and decrease the body's ability to respond to physical trauma and infections.
What Type of Dog Food Is Best?
As your dog ages their nutritional needs change, they become less active so the best dog food for senior dogs should reflect this change. Our Moreno Valley vets recommend foods with these nutritional aspects:
- High-protein
- Low Calorie
- High-fiber
- Low-fat
- Low in sodium
- No high-risk preservatives
Every dog is different so it would be beneficial to speak with your veterinarian to discuss the right dog food for your canine companion.
Why Dry Food?
Dry dog food are still recommended for older dogs because as they age, they are at higher risk for dental issues. Hard, crunchy foods combined with adequate dental care keep your dog's teeth strong and healthy.
While there are some benefits, if you are purchasing dry dog food simply to clean your dog's teeth, then it might be more beneficial to buy dry prescription dental dog foods. They force dogs to actually chew their food and help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, but no matter which dog food your pooch is on, they still require proper dental care.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.