Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
Aging brings physiological changes in canines, which increase their susceptibility to various types of diseases.
Providing senior dogs with proper nutrition by making dietary alterations will help negate the side effects of old age and promotes healthy aging.
In this article, we will explore the unique nutritional needs of senior dogs to curate a healthy and age-appropriate diet for them.
When Is a Dog Considered a Senior?
Every dog ages at a different rate. In general, a pooch is considered to be in his golden years when he reaches the last 25% of his breed’s life expectancy.
The size of dogs is one of the major factors that affect their lifespan. Small dog breeds usually outlive large and giant breeds. It is unknown why bigger canines live shorter lives, but some theorize it is because they age more quickly.
Many small dogs can live up to 15 or 20 years, while large and giant dogs typically live for about 8 to 15 years.
Small pooches become seniors when they are around 8 or 9 years of age, while larger dogs are old once they celebrate their 6th birthday.
When Should Old Dogs Switch to Senior Dog Food?
There is no specific time or age for old dogs to switch to senior dog food. In general, transitioning to this type of diet is not needed if elderly canines are:
- In good health
- Maintaining a normal weight
- Provided with a complete and balanced diet
On the other hand, the vet may recommend starting feeding geriatric dogs senior dog food once they begin to show prominent signs of aging or developed age-related medical conditions such as mobility issues, heart disease, kidney issues, and dental problems.
What to Look for in Senior Dog Food
Aging affects the body processes and nutritional needs of old dogs. Thus, dietary adjustments are eventually necessary for them to obtain the right amount of essential nutrients and hinder the gradual degeneration of various body functions.
Here are some of the considerations to remember when scouring for the most suitable senior dog food for your old pooch:
1. Opt for Senior Dog Food with Moderate Amounts of Proteins.
A low-protein diet was thought to have a good effect on the kidneys of elderly dogs. It is said to slow down the development of renal damage.
However, this belief lacks substantial evidence and remains controversial. Dog owners should also note that low-protein canine diets are linked to muscle loss, which is a common health problem in geriatric canines.
Elderly dogs can benefit more from moderate protein diets containing high-quality protein sources. It helps preserve their muscle mass without overworking their kidneys.
Look for senior dog food with 28% to 32% protein on a dry matter basis (DMB). Check the ingredients list and make sure that the first top ingredients are animal proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, and lamb.
2. Look for Senior Dog Food with Lower Phosphorus Levels.
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for dogs. It is important for proper bone development and metabolism regulation.
Younger dogs require 0.6% to over 1% of phosphorus in their diet depending on their size. As they reach their senior years, their body needs less phosphorus.
Excessive amounts of the mineral can lead to health issues in older dogs such as kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. Ideally, senior dog food should have 0.3% to 0.7% phosphorus DMB.
3. Check the Senior Dog Food’s Fiber Content.
Geriatric canines affected by GI issues will need more fiber in their diets for better gut motility. If your elderly pooch is often constipated, consider senior dog food with 7% to 10% fiber DMB.
Anything higher than that must be avoided as too much fiber can cause trouble. It inhibits the proper absorption of certain minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium.
For dogs struggling to maintain weight, high-fiber diets may not be suitable as they tend to be low in calories, which is not ideal for your pet.
Make sure that the senior dog food contains a balance of insoluble and soluble dietary fiber to improve gut health. Some ingredients that carry both types of fibers are beet pulp, pea fiber, psyllium, and oats.
4. The Digestibility of Senior Dog Food Matters.
Many studies have observed that aging does not cause a decline in the digestive efficiency of dogs. A 2005 study links digestion problems with GI problems such as inflammatory bowel disease and colitis.
Elderly canines facing nutrient absorption difficulties can greatly benefit from highly digestible senior dog food. It should have no lower than 85% digestibility DMB and a protein and fat digestibility of over 90% DMB.
5. The Caloric Density of Senior Dog Food Depends on Your Dog’s Weight.
In a study conducted by Tufts, it was discovered that different dog food brands have varied caloric amounts. They go between 246 to 408 calories per cup.
To ensure that your senior pet gets the right amount of calories from his diet, check his weight and determine if he needs to lose or gain weight.
A good rule of thumb to follow is to give underweight old dogs around 450 calories per cup of dog food. On the other hand, obese or overweight senior canines should be limited to consuming less than 350 calories per cup of dog food.
6. Many Senior Dogs Need Low-Fat Diets.
Aging decreases the activity levels of canines to around ⅓ or ½. Living a more sedentary life makes them highly prone to weight gain and obesity.
Chubby old pooches will need minimal fat intake as a part of weight management. Generally, low-fat senior diets contain 10% to 14% of fat DMB.
With that being said, it is not uncommon for some geriatric dogs to suffer from muscle loss, which can excessively slim them down.
If your furry pal is underweight, he will need higher levels of fat in his dog food. Talk to the vet to know how much fat he needs in his diet.
In some cases, regular senior dog food cannot cater to the nutritional needs of some elderly dogs with ailments. Your veterinarian may suggest a prescription dog food as an alternative.
This type of diet often does not bear the label “senior.” However, it is specially formulated to help mitigate specific health issues often seen in old dogs.
7. Senior Dogs’ Food Should Have Properly Balanced Sodium Levels.
Restricting sodium intake in the diet of older dogs and cats without underlying health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, or kidney disease is generally unnecessary. However, if any of these conditions are present, it is advisable to provide a diet with controlled sodium levels.
Recommended Supplements for Senior Dogs
The mobility and cognitive functions of dogs gradually begin debilitating as they go into their golden years. Here are some supplements that promote improved joint and brain health in old dogs.
Joint Supplements for Senior Dogs
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Both of these supplements work better together than used alone. When combined, their ability to ease inflammation and strengthen the joints is enhanced.
Although the positive effects of glucosamine and chondroitin are anecdotal, they show potential in inhibiting osteoarthritis, which is a joint problem often seen in old dogs.
In a 2007 study, administering glucosamine and chondroitin to dogs with osteoarthritis for 70 days reduced the severity of their condition. It also greatly improved their weight bearing and minimized joint pains.
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA possess anti-inflammatory properties that soothe symptoms related to joint inflammation such as swelling and pain.
As seen in a 2010 study, feeding dogs with osteoarthritis dog food supplemented with 3.5% fish oil omega-3 fatty acids exhibited significant improvement in weight-bearing and limb lameness.
A few good sustainable sources of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA for dogs are green-lipped mussels and ahiflower oil.
Brain Boosters for Dogs
- Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)
Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a prevalent health issue in elderly dogs. It is a condition that causes a decline in brain function, which leads to behavioral problems. This ailment is equivalent to dementia or Alzheimer’s in humans.
MCT supplementation helps maintain normal cognitive processes and prevents or hinders the development of CCD. In a 2010 research, geriatric canines given MCT showed an enhanced learning ability and improved focus.
- Antioxidants
Oxidative stress and damage increase the progression of CCD. Antioxidants have been touted for fighting off free radicals that cause oxidative stress.
According to one study, feeding senior dogs pet food supplemented with antioxidants can partially reverse the unwanted effects of CCD.
A different study shows that old canines given antioxidant diets were able to learn progressively difficult tasks.
Choosing Dog Treats for Senior Dogs
Many commercial dog treats are not good for geriatric dogs. They often contain high levels of fat and sodium, which can negatively impact their health and speed up the manifestation of age-related illnesses.
Table scraps carry the same risks too. Thus, skip sharing them with elderly dogs and select healthier options. Water-based vegetables and fruits are great picks such as:
Aside from being low in sodium and fat, they are also low in calories and provide an extra dose of vitamins and minerals to senior dogs.
Read:
Ensure Proper Hydration in Senior Dogs
As your canine companion grows older, his body becomes less capable of maintaining water balance. Make sure that your dog is getting enough water by remembering these few pointers:
- Provide more water bowls and place them in areas where your dog often frequents.
- Replace the water in bowls daily to prevent staleness, which can be off-putting to your dog.
- Wash water bowls daily to remove any dirt and grime that can affect the water’s taste and also cause health problems.
- Mix water into his meals to increase their water content.
- Add fruits or sodium-free bone broth to his water to make it more enticing.
- Get a dog water fountain as moving water has a fresher taste compared to still water.
How to Stimulate the Appetite of Senior Dogs
The senses of canines start to weaken when they enter their golden years. Their ability to smell, hear, and see is dulled, which can affect their appetite and turn them into finicky eaters.
Increase the palatability of your old dog’s food by warming it to around about 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Or you can add a cup of warm water per cup of dog food and mash it into a paste.
Alternatively, try combining bone broth and his grub. Any of these methods helps boosts the aroma and taste of your dog’s meals.
You may also want to consider switching him to wet dog food since it emits a stronger aroma than kibbles. Moreover, it provides additional hydration due to its high moisture content and is gentler on your dog’s fragile teeth.
FAQs About Senior Dog Food
1. Do Senior Dogs Need Special Food?
If senior dogs are in a good state of health, they do not need special food. Senior or prescription dog food may be recommended for elderly dogs if they exhibit age-related ailments.
These diets are specifically formulated to provide the right nutrition according to their health condition and slow down the progression of their disease.
2. Should Senior Dogs Eat Wet or Dry Food?
Senior dogs without any ailments do well on a dry food diet as long as it is nutritionally balanced and complete.
Wet dog food is ideal for old dogs affected by dental problems as well as geriatric pooches that drink only a minuscule amount of water.
3. What Are Good Sources of Protein for Older Dogs?
Animal meats such as chicken, beef, fish, and lamb are good sources of proteins for older dogs.
They provide more essential amino acids compared to most plant-based sources. Make sure that they are the first ingredients listed on your dog’s senior dog food.
4. Should I Let My Senior Dog Drink a Lot of Water?
Yes, make sure to let your senior dog drink a lot of water since he is more prone to dehydration. In general, dogs’ water intake should be 1 ounce of water a day for every pound of body weight.
On another note, consuming excessive amounts of water is a sign of underlying health issues like Cushing’s disease, kidney problems, and diabetes. If you think that your old dog is taking in more water than necessary, get him checked by the vet.
5. How Many Times a Day Should I Feed My Senior Dog?
Feed your senior dog 2 to 3 times a day. Portion feeding helps him maintain his ideal body weight.
By dividing his meals into smaller portions, he does not gorge on too much food in one go, preventing him from gaining extra pounds.
Summary
There is no one-size-fits-all senior dog food for old dogs. With the vet’s assistance, checking your dog’s state of health and weight will help you tailor a specific diet appropriate for your pooch.
For instance, if he is overweight and has digestive troubles, low-fat and low-calorie senior dog food with a high digestibility rate might be the best choice.
Carrying out these dietary adjustments will improve your canine companion’s quality of life and increase his chances of living a longer life with you.
Joint pains commonly accompany old age in dogs. If your pooch is experiencing this problem, we have 10 Safe Natural Pain Relievers for Dogs that you can give a try.
