Feeding older dogs? Learn how often you should feed an older dog and the best food choices to keep them healthy. Essential senior dog feeding tips!
How Aging Affects a Dog’s Nutritional Needs
Just like when your puppy reached adulthood, as your dog reaches middle-age it is a good time to do some research on what feeding options are available to support your canine friend as they get older. The average life expectancy of a dog can vary greatly between breeds. Generally, smaller dogs tend to live longer. Middle age is exactly that – mid way through their expected lifespan. For a larger dog this might be 6 or for a smaller dog it may be 7 or 8. Whilst we might not consider dogs to be ‘senior’ at this age, it is a good time to start thinking about the best way to support your canine partner as they age.
As dogs get older, they tend to become less active. They are also more likely to suffer from medical conditions such as arthritis, which can affect their activity levels and possibly lead to weight gain.
Keeping your dog at an ideal weight has a variety of health benefits from making life easier for aging joints to reducing associated health issues such as diabetes or breathing issues.
If your dog’s current food is working well, there may be no need to change it just because your dog hits a certain age. It is best to view your own dog as an individual, monitor their weight and activity and feed accordingly.
However, if you find that your dog’s weight is starting to creep up, it may be a good idea to considering an alternative food like CARNILOVE True Fresh Senior & Healthy Weight. Formulated for senior or overweight adult dogs, the recipe has all the nutritional benefits of the CARNILOVE True Fresh range, including supporting lean muscle maintenance. Made exclusively with fresh meat and no meat meal, the recipe also includes beneficial herbs and veggies to give it excellent taste and great digestibility.
Just as with older people, it is important to keep an eye on your older dog’s overall health. Did you know the risk of dental disease rises as dogs age? Not only can problems with teeth be uncomfortable for your dog, it could also mean they struggle to eat well. Poor teeth can also lead to further medical complications too. If you notice any changes in your senior dog’s health, it is best to visit the vet for a check-up.
How Often Should You Feed an Older Dog?
Carnilove is crafted with a deep respect for the longstanding history of pet and human companionship. The ingredients and ratios in our formulas are inspired by the pre-agricultural diets of dogs and cats, whilst using modern production methods and technologies. The wide spectrum of carefully selected wild-origin meats, such as reindeer, duck, pheasant, turkey, lamb, wild boar and salmon, corresponds to the composition of natural prey and ensures intake of important amino acids.
It is important that senior dogs have the required daily intake of quality animal proteins. All the meat and animal ingredients in Carnilove are selected with the greatest possible emphasis on quality and come from regulated farms in Europe.
The majority of Carnilove recipes contain salmon oil, which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids support the nervous and cardiovascular systems and hair and skin quality. The salmon oil in Carnilove comes from Scottish salmon and contains high levels of DHA and EPA, both of which support mental capacities.
The inclusion of green lipped mussel and cartilage extract supports mobility and flexibility of joints and tendons too.
Dry vs. Wet Food for Senior Dogs
When speaking to owners about feeding older dogs, we are often asked ”what is better wet food or dry food?“. The answer is that it is down to the personal preference of either the owner or the dog! All Carnilove recipes are balanced and complete so you can be sure you are providing the nutrition your dog needs. The choice of whether to feed wet, dry or a combination of both is up to you.
Common Feeding Issues in Older Dogs & How to Solve Them
The most common issue many owners have when feeding older dogs is maintaining a healthy weight. If you have concerns that your dog is not a healthy weight, we would recommend that you consult your vet. They will be able to use a body score rating to evaluate your pet and suggest any changes to their diet.
Quite often as pets age, they become more prone to other health problems. Keeping on top of regular checkups with the vet and helping them maintain a healthy weight will support your pet as they get older.
If you would like to have a chat with one of our nutrition team about your pet’s specific dietary requirements, contact us here.