<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nInclude a lot of fiber <\/h3>\n\n\n\n Fiber is essential for dogs of all ages, but when you own a senior dog, you want to make sure it eats enough fruits and vegetables. As dogs age, they become more susceptible to constipation, and a high-fiber diet helps ensure regular bowel movements. Fiber also helps regulate glucose levels in the blood. Some of the best sources of fiber for your pet include plain canned pumpkin, wheat bran, steamed, or canned green beans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Senior dogs need more nutrients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n As dogs age, they need more nutrients to remain healthy. Your elderly pet may benefit from consuming extra antioxidants as part of its diet. Some of the most popular supplements include fructooligosaccharides (FOS), vitamin E, and Omega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients can help promote healthy digestion, improve the pet\u2019s immune system, and make its skin and fur smooth and shiny. These nutrients can be found in high-quality commercial pet foods, or you can give them separately in the form of nutritional supplements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Mark Nunez, a vet who served as the California Veterinary Medical Association president, adding a daily glucosamine-chondroitin supplement can help improve the quality of life in dogs suffering from arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Monitor your dog\u2019s dietary needs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s essential to consult your vet and take into account your dog\u2019s needs before making any diet changes. In addition, you can monitor your pet\u2019s condition by taking it in for a blood test once or twice a year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many older dogs that develop liver or kidney problems need to switch to a low protein diet. However, if your dog doesn\u2019t show any kidney issues, you might need to increase its protein intake, as older dogs tend to lose muscle mass faster. Most senior dogs should receive at least 25 percent of their caloric intake from protein in their diets. Feeding your pet only high-quality food can help prevent or delay many age-related health problems. We suggest trying Petcan\u2019s premium insect-based pet food for your senior dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ensure a balanced mineral intake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Dogs usually consume more sodium than they require. This can be detrimental to pets suffering from heart and kidney problems or hypertension, and it\u2019s recommended that they eat a low-sodium diet. Keep in mind that you need to decrease, not eliminate sodium in your senior dog\u2019s diet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As for calcium, most senior dogs are not likely to develop osteoporosis like people, so they don\u2019t need any additional calcium supplementation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ensure proper hydration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Maintaining your dog\u2019s water balance is essential at any stage of their lives. But if your elderly pet is suffering from kidney disease or taking heart medications, they might urinate more often, which can sometimes lead to dehydration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Senior dogs need fewer calories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Dogs become less active as they age and that\u2019s the main reason why they tend to put on weight, so you may want to slightly decrease your dog\u2019s caloric intake to avoid causing any additional health problems that come with obesity. It\u2019s not that dogs get lazy with age. Even if your pet maintains its normal activity levels, its metabolism will become slower with age. As a result, senior dogs require 20 percent fewer calories than younger animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weight loss in older dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n If, however, your dog has lost some weight, you should check with the vet as it may be a sign of various health problems, including dental issues that complicate the process of chewing the food. According to Dr. Metzger, if your dog expresses a loss of appetite, your vet needs to eliminate health issues such as diabetes, kidney or dental disease, and cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your dog is underweight, try switching to smaller-sized kibble or canned food. You can also try adding warm water, a small amount of canned food, or chicken broth to dry kibble to make the food more appealing, as senior dogs often lose interest in dry food in particular. Dr. Nunez also suggests buying flavor enhancers or using medication to stimulate the pet\u2019s appetite after consulting with your veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>How Often Should I Feed A Senior Dog?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere is no need to change your pet\u2019s eating routine unless a vet advises it. Keep feeding your pet twice a day at its regular feeding times to avoid causing your furry friend any stress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Do senior dogs need special food?<\/h3>\n\n\n
Yes, older pets with diabetes, kidney failure, or liver disease require special diets to assist in the treatment of their conditions. In addition, dogs suffering from heart-related diseases may need lower-calorie foods to help keep their sodium intake low and prevent obesity.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
What to feed an elderly dog who won\u2019t eat?<\/h3>\n\n\n
Try adding water to dry kibble or mixing dry and moist food together and warming it up. Alternatively, consult with your vet and try to change your dog\u2019s diet.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
What can I feed my senior dog to gain weight?<\/h3>\n\n\n
Try feeding the pet more calories, but don\u2019t choose a high-fat diet. You should also consult with your vet to discuss any possible diet changes that may be suitable for your dog.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
What is the best thing to feed an old dog?<\/h3>\n\n\n
It\u2019s better to choose a low-calorie and low-fat food for senior dogs, but it all depends on your pet\u2019s health history.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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