Senior Dog Diet

You hate to admit it, but your furry pal is getting a little older. You want to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy for many years to come. You have heard all of the hype about the new senior 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 dog diet? 

The best resource for information about dog diet is your pet's veterinarian. Only you and your vet know the specific needs of your pet the best. Discuss with your vet your concerns and questions about a dog diet for your maturing friend. He or she will be able to advise you on what changes in dog food, if any, need to be made to the dog diet. 

If your older pet does not have any dog health problems or dog illnesses and maintains a healthy weight, there is no need to change the dog diet from adult to senior dog food. On the other hand, if your dog has trouble keeping the weight off, digestive issues or other dog health problems, you may need to switch the dog food. If weight is the only issue, consider slightly lowering the amount of dog food you give to your pet. This may be all the change that is needed in the dog diet. 

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 dog diet to promote lasting dog health. A poodle, on the other hand wouldn't reach senior dog status until about age ten due to the longer life expectancy. Primarily, the decision to change the dog diet should be based on the individual dog health condition rather than actual age in years. Your vet will help you to determine when the right time is to alter the dog diet to promote the best dog health. 

Dog food specially prepared for senior dogs typically has fewer calories and helps maintain dog health. This dog food also helps to combat any weight issues. The senior dog food also contains more fiber for the different needs in the dog diet. As dogs age, they tend to suffer from constipation. This extra fiber, in senior dog food will help remedy this dog health problem. 

Renal failure can be another dog health problem for senior dogs. How can the dog diet help this problem? Reducing the amount of protein in the dog diet will decrease the workload for the kidneys. For this reason, senior dog food frequently has lower protein content than regular adult dog food formulas. 

Whenever possible, allow your dog to eat dry dog food to encourage excellent dental health. The dry kibble helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. If your older pet refuses to eat the dry dog food, you may need to moisten it with water or purchase moist, canned varieties of dog food. If your vet recommends, supplements may be helpful as part of the senior dog 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 various dog health reasons. Supplements such as daily vitamins and glucosamine can be beneficial to maintaining a healthy dog diet. 

Glucosamine helps to encourage joint health. For senior dogs, glucosamine can combat arthritis and hip displacement. 

Vitamins C, A, and E may prevent the natural aging process and encourage better dog health for your aging pet. Talk to your vet about adding such supplements to the dog diet.  

You want what is best for your pet. Your senior dog needs to have a diet that meets their special nutritional requirements. You and your vet can work together to decide what is the best dog diet for your senior dog. The dog diet directly affects his or her health. Take care of your pet by monitoring the dog diet closely with the aid of your veterinarian.

Learn the Importance of a Good Dog Diet from the Puppy stage right on through your dog's Senior years. Feed Your Dog Properly and he will be your companion for years to come.

For all of your pet supply needs, including your Senior Dog Diet, check out our Online Pet Store. You will find a large assortment of top quality pet supplies at the lowest prices possible. 

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If you would, please visit their site at http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com and help them feed the neglected animals. It would be great if you could also ask friends to do this. We need to spread the word to help our less fortunate animal friends.

Thanks,

Sherril Hodnett 

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