The best food for senior dogs
Senior dogs require a special type of diet because, just like humans, their energy and lifestyle requirements change as they age.
The vast majority significantly reduce their physical activity, so their daily calorie needs are lower than when they are puppies or adults. They also often have trouble chewing , so softer foods are perfect for them.
Choosing the best food for senior dogs isn't easy, so in this article, we'll answer some interesting questions so you have more information when making your decision. Don't miss it!
Natural dog food: a good option
Generally speaking, there are several types of dog food, the most common options being dry food, wet food, the BARF diet and homemade food .
Depending on our dog's needs and our financial and time capabilities, we'll choose one type of food or another. However, an important point to consider is the quality of the food we use to feed our furry friend.
At Arquivet, we recommend choosing food made with high-quality, natural ingredients . Diets based on this type of nutrition will significantly improve your dog's health, providing them with all the proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals they need to enjoy good health throughout their lives.
It's important to note that foods made with poor-quality ingredients can negatively affect your dog's health. Therefore, before selecting a brand of food or choosing a specific type of diet, it's best to consult a trusted veterinarian.
On a general level, the benefits of a natural diet are many:
- Strengthens the immune system
- Helps maintain healthy teeth and bones
- Improves physical condition and digestion process
- Promotes a lower risk of food allergies
- Helps keep our pet's weight under control
- Improved well-being and overall health
- Shinier coat and more cared for skin
Choosing a natural food can help you achieve all these benefits and ensure your pet's good health, as well as providing them with all the nutrients they need for their daily life.
At what age is a dog an adult?
We could classify the age of our furry friends into 3 stages: puppy, adult and senior .
A dog is considered a puppy until approximately 12 months of age. After that, from 12 months to 7 years, it becomes an adult dog, and after 7 years, it is considered a senior dog.
Differences between adult and senior dog food
Mainly, the difference between adult and senior feed can be summarized as:
- Energy intake: A senior dog's physical activity level is lower than that of an adult. As they age, they become more sedentary, so their calorie needs are lower. Therefore, senior dog foods typically provide fewer calories to meet their needs and thus prevent potential weight problems.
- Easy to chew: This type of food adapted to older dogs is softer and easier to chew, as they often have problems or loss of jaw strength.
- Easy to digest: Made with ingredients that require easier digestion.
- Low in fat: Since older dogs often have weight problems, this type of food contains a lower amount of fat.
- High-quality protein: These include high-quality protein to help strengthen your muscles, which deteriorate over the years.
- Tocopherols: help reduce the effects of aging thanks to the synergistic complex of natural antioxidants.
- Sodium phosphates: reduce tartar deposits on teeth by stabilizing the calcium present in saliva.
Diseases and problems in older dogs
Light or soft dog food for senior dogs is very helpful for these animals who are in an advanced stage of life. However, even if we provide the best possible nutrition for our pet, the effects of aging will become visible, potentially leading to certain diseases and health problems.
Some of the most common problems or diseases are:
- Vision and hearing problems
- Skin conditions
- Significant changes in weight (usually weight gain)
- Dental problems: bad breath, tartar or plaque
- Memory deficits, cognitive dysfunction
- Reduction of muscle mass
- Osteoarthritis
- Heart problems
- Cancer
To find the best food for senior dogs, it's best to consult a specialized veterinarian, who will advise you on how to properly feed your pet. However, if you're looking for affordable, quality dog food, you should especially consider ensuring it's made with the highest quality ingredients possible and includes all the components that older dogs need to meet their nutritional needs.