As your dog grows older, you might notice them beginning to change, they may not want to run and play as much as they used to. Our Thornton vets are here with some advice on what food is right for your senior dog's new needs.
Why Change their food?
Perhaps your dog isn't offering to chase their favorite toy much anymore, or they can only make it to the end of the block before getting tired. If you've noticed signs that your dog is slowing down with age, it's the right time to start thinking about some dietary changes too.
If your dog isn't using as much energy, they don't need to be eating as many calories in a day. Changing your dog's food to a low-calorie alternative can help combat unhealthy weight gain that puts unnecessary stress on your dog's joints, and causing them pain and discomfort.
Adding a bit more protein to their diet can help support healthy muscles which in turn helps support their joint health. Loss of muscle tissue may also impair immune fusion and decrease the body's ability to respond to physical trauma and infections.
What Type of Dog Food Is Best?
As your dog ages their nutritional needs change, they become less active so the best dog food for senior dogs should reflect this change. Our Thornton vets recommend foods with these nutritional aspects:
- High-protein
- High-fiber
- Low Calorie
- Low-fat
- Low in sodium
- No high-risk preservatives
Every dog is different so it would be beneficial to speak with your veterinarian to discuss the right dog food for your canine companion.
Why Dry Food?
Our Thornton vets recommend that high-quality dry dog food is best for older dogs because as they age, they are at higher risk for dental issues. Hard, crunchy foods combined with diligent dental care keep your dog's teeth strong and healthy.
While there are some benefits to chewing har food, the fact of the matter is that some dogs don't chew their food so if you are purchasing dry dog food simply to clean your dog's teeth, then it might be more beneficial to buy dry prescription dental dog foods. They force dogs to actually chew their food and help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, but no matter which dog food your pooch is on, they still require proper dental care.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.