A change of diet for a senior dog
When your canine friend is a new puppy you tend not to think about how quickly the years will pass. All of a sudden your puppy has gone through the adult dog stage and is now in his senior years.
A senior dog requires a senior dog’s diet. Older dogs still need to be fed quality dog food, however there has to be a few changes with the ingredients.
Manufacturers of pet food recognise the dog nutritional requirements they need to keep a senior dog healthy at this stage of their life and will print the list of ingredients and vitamins on the side of their packaging. Dog food intended for a senior dog should consist of high quality meat protein with low fat and salt content to keep an eye on the calorie intake.
Fibre is an essential ingredient at this time in a dog’s life. Older dogs can suffer from constipation; an increase of fibre in their food will help. A senior dog that has been diagnosed with a decreased kidney function should eat pet food that contains 14% protein to stop his kidneys working overtime.
Portion control is always an issue with a pet diet. Looking after a senior dog is similar to looking after our ‘senior’ humans. Mealtimes should consist of small portions of quality food; there should be regular medical check ups and if possible daily exercise.
If your senior dog is relatively active then take him for a walk, but maybe at a slower pace that you used to.
