Dog Nutrition Care Advice – Every dog’s nutritional needs are different, and large dogs are no exception. As your beloved pup reaches his golden years, understanding his changing dietary requirements can be even more difficult. This can often leave pet parents with many questions: Is “senior dog food” necessary? What is the best dog food on the market? What do you do when your big dog refuses to eat? While you’re here, check out our success story on how our new dog food helped improve the life of a 13-year-old lab mix.
Check out our pet nutrition experts’ answers to the most common questions we get about senior dogs below.
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As a result, there is no medically agreed upon definition of what constitutes a large dog. However, every dog is different
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Size (I think Great Danes) have a shorter life span, we think they are at an earlier age, about 5 or 6 years. Smaller breeds (like Beagles) tend to live longer and may not age until 8 or 9 years old.
However, many dogs are very healthy within this age range. Future genetic testing may give us more information about how and when the “big” period begins.
It is also important to distinguish between ‘old’ and ‘geriatric’. When you hear pet owners talk about geriatric dogs, it’s usually referring to the end of their senior years. Most will show some of the above signs of aging, and perhaps a few more severe ones:
As your dog moves into his golden years, keep an eye out for these signs and be sure to get regular checkups. Most vets recommend twice-yearly visits for older dogs so they can have a thorough physical exam and blood work to help rule out changes in body function or other internal problems. They can also provide advice on senior dogs and diet and determine which signs and symptoms might benefit from a change in diet.
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Is there a difference between senior dog food, senior dog food, and so-called “lifetime” or “multi-stage” food? Probably not. In fact, some foods may be the same, just marketed differently; that is, only the packaging changes. According to our experts, there are no dog food regulations that require adult feeding, so there is a lot of confusion about this issue.
Of course, there are certain nutritional factors that can help manage the physical and medical changes that dogs experience as they age. Here are some ways senior dog food differs from adult food:
Although some dogs may not need changes in the nutritional composition of their diet as they age, there are dietary adjustments that may be particularly beneficial for older dogs depending on a number of factors (eg, activity level or underlying medical conditions ). Some of the most common are:
As older dogs tend to be more active than their younger counterparts. In fact, dogs’ activity levels decrease by up to a third as they age; which means you don’t need to take in as many calories. Portion control is important! That is, for older dogs who are losing muscle mass, the vet may recommend a diet higher in protein and calories.
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Finally, always consult your veterinarian who can help you determine what is right for your dog and adjust accordingly.
For more information on senior dog nutrition, check out this review. Note that there is currently no nutritional profile for senior, geriatric, or mature dog foods recognized by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This means that there is no guarantee that bulk foods contain specific amounts of protein, fiber or any of the nutrients mentioned here.
A 2005 study found that despite changes in a dog’s gut, gut and bacterial microbiome, a dog’s ability to eat does not decrease over time. Older dogs may be more susceptible to digestive conditions (such as severe food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis or pancreatitis), which may require certain dietary changes.
However, the best food for an older dog, with or without medical conditions, is usually a food that is appropriate for that dog. Senior dog diets trying to address digestive changes should see a number of changes, from added soluble fiber (as a prebiotic or food for the bacterial microbiome) to increased fat (to make food more calorie dense); helps with digestion). These adjustments may not be appropriate or necessary for most dogs. Bottom line: every dog digests food differently, regardless of age. If your pet doesn’t seem to take a certain food, it may be time to try something else.
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Talk to your vet for suggestions and consider dog foods that are easier for the body to digest and absorb nutrients than some processed canned or uncooked diets.
If your dog is between cleanings or has lost a few teeth due to dental disease, there is one simple change that can help him come at mealtime: a.
(eg canned, raw or fresh). For older dogs who may have loose or infected teeth, breaking the bottle can be difficult.
Disease is just normal food with added moisture. Of course, some contain ingredients to fight oral problems, including:
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Remember that the best treatment for an infected tooth or tooth is a veterinary cleaning and proper care.
Dogs are more prone to arthritis as they age, especially if they are overweight or obese. Supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin for both starts
According to some studies, it can reduce the symptoms of arthritis in dogs after a few months. Research provides stronger evidence for the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA reducing joint inflammation and arthritis symptoms (such as stiffness, pain, and disability).
Unfortunately, many diets marketed for the elderly that advertise glucosamine, chondroitin, EPA, and DHA (DHA) do not contain effective amounts of these nutrients. To get results, you may need to add it to your dog’s diet unless it is specifically labeled for joint health.
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Dogs, like humans, can show changes in memory and learning ability with age. Several studies show that the following ingredients and nutrients can help reduce some of the effects of these changes and are therefore included in some foods marketed for large dogs:
When it comes down to it, there is no perfect dog food. It is important to evaluate your dog before making dietary adjustments, as each dog (especially an older one) needs a different feeding strategy. Just because your dog is big doesn’t mean he needs big food.
Many “adult” or “all life stages” foods can be as good or better than diets marketed to the elderly. Questions to ask yourself when choosing a bulk dog food
To understand what your dog needs in his diet, ask yourself the following questions to determine what dietary adjustments may help. As always, consult your veterinarian for more information on how to treat these conditions through diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
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A high-protein diet can help; A typical recommendation for senior pets is no more than 75 grams of protein per 1,000 calories.
If your vet has ruled out an underlying medical problem, your dog may find a diet higher in protein or fat. The same applies to foods with a higher moisture content.
Older dogs sometimes don’t eat as much as they used to. If this is your dog, a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is a good idea. This information is not always listed on product labels, but foods labeled “all life stages” often contain more vitamins and minerals than adult foods.
Look for a diet high in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA (more than 1 gram of EPA and DHA per 1,000 calories). You can also supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin, two components of cartilage that are good for joints. Some foods contain glucosamine and chondroitin, but this is usually not enough to make a difference.
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Talk to your veterinarian about a comprehensive strategy to reduce these effects of aging. A diet rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), fish oil, and/or antioxidants may be helpful. Supplemental DHA may also be important.
Prebiotic fibers like FOS from chicory root can help regulate gut bacteria. Since crude fiber on product labels only describes soluble fiber, the type that adds bulk to the stool, you should look more closely on the label for soluble or prebiotic fiber (eg, fructo-oligosaccharides, chicory root, inulin, and fruit pectins).
A low-fat diet can help. Otherwise, most healthy older dogs do very well on high-fat diets, as long as you control the portions.
Some older dogs don’t drink enough water because of kidney disease or behavioral changes. In these cases, the food
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