You love your senior dog and want to feed them the very best food, but choosing the right food can be tricky. Here, our Laguna Woods vets share some senior dog food options to help keep your dog healthy throughout their golden years.
When Dogs Are Considered Seniors
The age at which a dog is considered senior or geriatric will vary depending on the breed and size. Small dogs generally have a life expectancy of 15-20 years, while larger dogs usually live between 12-15 years.
Because bigger dogs age more quickly, they are considered to be "older" around the time they turn 6, while small dogs generally pass into middle age at around 8 years of age.
Nutritional Needs of Senior Dogs
Yes, your dog will have different nutritional needs at each stage of life, and meeting your senior dog's nutritional needs can help them to stay healthy as they continue to age. Also, many foods for senior dogs have been formulated to address age-related health conditions. Below are a couple of things that need to be considered when choosing the best food for your senior dog.
The first thing to be aware of is caloric intake. Just like with people, a dog's metabolism slows down as they age, and gaining extra weight becomes easier. This means pet owners must ensure their dog receives the correct amount of nutrients and protein to thrive without taking too many calories.
The second consideration is trying to make sure their diet includes high-fiber options. Constipation is painful and it can lead to further gastrointestinal issues when it becomes severe enough. Maintaining gastrointestinal health is a common obstacle for older dogs, so the best dog food for senior dogs will have lots of fiber to help them stay healthy and regular.
Which health issues can food for senior dogs help prevent?
Does your senior dog suffer from health conditions such as kidney failure, diabetes or liver disease? He or she will likely need a special diet to help manage the condition. If your dog is ill and you are concerned about any potential effects of their diet, it's best to consult with your vet.
Best Dog Food for Older Dogs
Our team at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital has put together a list of some of the best types of dog foods for senior dogs. Ask your vet which senior dog food is best for your pet.
Prescription Dog Food
Depending on your dog's specific circumstances and health conditions, in some cases a medical prescription dog food might be the best option for your senior pooch. In other cases, your vet may simply recommend you switch to a healthy alternative.
Low-Calorie Dog Food
Low-calorie senior dog food can benefit dogs that are at a higher risk for heart disease (or who have already been diagnosed with it), as it will help keep their weight down. Low-sodium recipes are preferred.
High-Fiber, Low-Fat Dog Food
Our veterinarians in Laguna Woods recommend owners of pre-diabetic or diabetic dogs place a high priority on the slow absorption of food. Blood sugar tends to rise more slowly with special diabetic diets, reducing the risk for health complications. These diets are also exceptionally high in fiber and low in fat.
As mentioned previously since older dogs commonly struggle with constipation, the higher amount of fiber, the better. This will help to prevent constipation and keep their bowels working regularly.
Dog Food High in Protein
Many senior dog foods will also contain higher quality protein sources than standard dog food, which can help senior dogs maintain a healthy body weight without putting unnecessary strain on their aging kidneys.
Limited Ingredient Dog Foods
If your senior dog has allergies, your vet might recommend limited ingredient dog foods, which include just a single protein source (such as chicken, beef or lamb), often combined with one carbohydrate source.
This can be used to eliminate allergens that might be causing allergic reactions or symptoms. When looking for limited ingredient dog foods, it's important to check for the Association of American Feed Control's (AAFCO) seal of approval, in addition to a "complete and balanced" claim from the manufacturer.
Your vet will be able to provide dietary recommendations for your senior or diabetic dog, along with comprehensive senior care and exams.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets.