The best senior dog diets, according to veterinarians
Make sure your dog remains healthy with these diets for the aging of the canines.
As we get older, we often advise ourselves to make changes in lifestyle, including the way we eat. The same goes for family members in fur: veterinary experts recommend that dog owners Start changing the eating habits of their puppy as dogs are also aging. You do not know where to start? We talked about three veterinarians to have an overview of what you should keep in mind when you feed an older canine companion. Read the rest to find out more about the best diets for senior dogs.
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Why is it important to change what your dog eats when getting older?
"As dogs age, their nutritional needs change, and it becomes crucial for owners to provide them with regimes that meet their specific needs", " Bethany Hsia , DVM, approved veterinarian and co-founder of Codapet, says Better life . AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
According to HSIA, the diet change of your senior dog to meet their individual needs can have a positive impact on their energy level, their cognitive function, its longevity and their overall well-being.
"The specific food for older dogs is crucial because it takes up the unique health challenges with which they are confronted, ensuring that they maintain optimal weight, joint health and digestive performance," explains Attia Stacie , DVM, Veterinary Medicine Expert with LLC alternative veterinary veterinary. "Adaptation of their diet helps effectively manage chronic conditions and improves their longevity and their quality of life."
When should you start to change your dog's diet?
If you do not know when you should start to modify, it is important to consider both the size and age of your dog, according to Daisy can , MRCVS, veterinary surgeon and pet care writer for all parrots.
"During consultations, customers with aging dogs are often invited to switch to an appropriate senior formula around 7 years for larger breeds, or 5 to 6 years for smaller breeds," she notes.
Don't just start changing things without some personalized tips.
"Please note that it is important for the owners to consult their veterinarian before making significant changes to the food of their senior dog," adds HSIA.
If you want to have an idea of what your veterinarian could recommend, continue to read to discover five of the best diets for senior dogs.
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1 High quality proteins
One of the most important things to consider as dogs are aging is to make sure that their diet is "rich in high -quality proteins like lean meats", explains HSIA.
"Proteins help maintain muscle mass, support immune function and help overall health and vitality in senior dogs," she said.
May recommend pet owners specifically for dog food formulated for senior with "chicken, fish or eggs as the first ingredient".
2 Low fat
Although their protein intake is increased as they age, senior dogs should eat less in fat.
"Indeed, older dogs are subject to pancreatitis if they are fed too much food fat", shares May.
A low fat diet can also help manage the weight of an aging dog and prevent obesity, "which is crucial to prevent joint stress and related problems," adds Attria.
3 In lower calorie
Nourishing dogs fewer calories as they age can also help prevent obesity problems.
"As dogs age, their metabolism slows down, they therefore require fewer calories to maintain healthy weight," notes May.
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4 Increase in omega-3 fatty acids
Do not ignore how "having a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those containing fish oil, can also greatly benefit older dogs," warns Attria.
"Omega-3s have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce joint pain and stiffness commonly observed in pets," she said.
5 High levels of fiber and prebiotics
It is important that senior dogs have a diet that "supports gastrointestinal health", also shares Attia. This is why she advises animal owners to increase the amount of fiber and prebiotics that their dog gets getting older.
"Foods with high levels of fiber and prebiotics, such as those containing a beet pulp or a chicory root, can improve digestive function, which can become more sensitive to age," she notes. "Monitoring and adjusting a senior dog's diet can prevent common problems such as constipation and diarrhea, improving their overall quality of life."
