You hate to admit it, but your furry sidekick is getting a little older. You want 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 really 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 advice about dogs diet is your pets vet. Only you and your trusted vet know the particular needs of your pet. Talk with your veterinarian about any concerns and questions you may have. Your veterinary surgeon will aid you with any changes, that is if any, need to be made to your dogs diet.
If your senior dog does not have any health troubles and keeps a healthy weight, then there will be no need to alter your dogs diet from adult to senior dog food. But, on the other hand, if your dog has difficulty keeping there weight down or digestive troubles, you may want to change diet. If weight is the only problem, then consider lowering the amount of dog food you give to your pet. This may be all the change your dogs diet needs.
A senior dog is classified as a dog in the last third of their life span. Larger dogs, for instance a Great Dane, live to be about 9 years old. Around the sixth year of life, you may want to consider a senior dogs diet. A poodle, on the other hand would not reach senior status until about age ten due to the longer life expectancy. In The Main, the decision to change your dogs diet should be dependent on health condition rather than actual age in years. Your veterinary surgeon will help you to determine when the right time is to alter your dogs diet.
Dog food specially made for senior dogs typically has less calories. This helps to combat any weight issues. The senior dog food also contains more fiber for the different 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 frequently 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 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 gain all of the nutrients from their food for various health reasons. Supplements such as daily vitamins and glucosamine can be beneficial to maintaining a healthy diet for your dog.
Glucosamine helps joint health. For senior dogs, glucosamine can assist to fight arthritis and hip displasia.
Vitamins C, A, and E may prevent the natural aging process and promote better health for senior dogs. Speak to your veterinary 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 make up one's mind 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 vet.
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