Food for old dogs: what are and how to choose the right one?

For dog breeders, a fundamental consideration in the grooming process is the selection of a suitable diet. In this matter, not only belonging to any breed, but also the age of the pet plays a role, especially when it comes to four-legged friends of old age. Therefore, the choice of industrial feed for adult dogs should be approached with particular care.

A competent selection of the components of the diet of an elderly pet will help smooth out some problems with the dog's health and well-being, however, for this it is necessary to thoroughly approach the issue of organizing the menu. In this matter, the needs of the body of an elderly animal should be taken into account, as well as the particular composition of the feed used. It is believed that the aging process in dogs, regardless of breed and size, begins around 8 years.

In addition, pets have problems regarding the oral cavity: periodontal disease may develop, teeth begin to fall out. In this case, the breeder will need to provide the animal with food, which will be easy to chew even in this embodiment. Depending on the individual nuances, the dog can be transferred to wet versions of industrial feeds or purchased products containing small croquettes that can be soaked before use.

Dry or wet dog food in some cases will need to be replaced with another option. This need is due to disorders of the stool characteristic of the elderly due to decreased activity.

Obesity and health problems of the genitourinary system can be eliminated or minimized by selecting dry food for old dogs with a lower proportion of protein content. Its content in the selected products should not be more than 14%. Less nutritious options will help to avoid problems with excess weight, which negatively affects the work of all organs of the animal.

Industrial products based on pork or beef are best replaced with varieties where the meat component will be rabbit, lamb, chicken or turkey. This issue also applies to seafood, among suitable options it is worth considering cod or halibut feed.

In addition, pre-steamed animals can be offered wheat bran.

The content of vitamins and minerals in industrial feed is an important aspect, which will positively affect the health of the dog. In this matter, the class of acquired dog food plays a huge role. Veterinarians recommend during this period to opt for a super-premium class or purchase holistic products.

Animals will need B vitamins, vitamins C and E, as well as biotin, omega-3 acids, calcium, zinc, magnesium. Dogs of large breeds, which are prone to ailments relating to the musculoskeletal system, should choose products where the composition will be present glucose and chondroitin.

Among the varieties of industrial feed it is worth highlighting:

• dry foods for feeding;
• wet products.

Most often the first type is used. As a rule, specialized products for elderly animals are made taking into account all the needs of an aging organism, the composition contains the necessary vitamins and minerals.

The second option is less in demand among breeders, however, pastes and other varieties of industrial feeds may be needed by dogs, whose problems with gums and teeth have become pronounced with age. Some manufacturers have a specialized treatment series of such products, indicated for gingivitis, tartar, or periodontal disease.

As for the division of products into classes, for old dogs the food is represented by the following varieties:

• holistic;
• Premium
• super premium.

Most manufacturers share their products for aging animals, taking into account the size of the dogs. So, on sale breeders can find:

• food for elderly dogs of large breeds;
• products for medium-sized animals;
• feed for small breeds.

Also in the assortment of pet stores you can find no less high-quality and popular category of feed for universal use, which can be introduced into the diet of animals of any size, the main thing in this matter is the convenience of using croquet by pets.

In the rating of feed for large animals of advanced age it is worth highlighting the following brands.

• Acana Senior Dog. The manufacturer offers products where as a meat component is present dehydrated chicken meat. As for the proportion of carbohydrates, dry food contains oats.

• Royal Canin. This brand offers a line for pets over the age of 5 years, as well as food for four-legged friends over 8 years old. The products are fully adapted to the needs of the animal’s body, does not contain dyes or preservatives.

• Eukanuba Mature & Senior. A specialized group of feeds designed for animals from 5 years old, which have problems with gums and teeth.

Among brands offering medium-sized dog food, it is worth highlighting the following products.

• Acana Senior Dog. Industrial dog food from a Canadian manufacturer, where the bulk of the composition falls on whole eggs, seafood and poultry.

• Eakunoba Dog Mature & Senior. Dutch brand selling premium pet products. The main ingredient of the product is poultry or lamb.

For medium-sized breeds, it is advised to introduce products into the diet at about 7 years old.

For aging dogs of small breeds, manufacturers also offer their product line. Among the sought-after pet products it is worth highlighting the following brands.

• Hill's Science Plan Active Longevity. The composition feature is high fiber content, which have a beneficial effect on digestion, as well as myocardial function.

• Brit Senior. Dry food, in which the meat component is lamb, cereals are represented by rice.

• Orijen Senior Dog. A holistic product recommended for older dogs aged 8-12 years. It contains a minimum of carbohydrates, the proportion of proteins in the total mass is 85%.

• Pronature Holistic Senior Oceanic White end Wild Rice. Another product from the holistic series, designed to meet the needs of adult small breed dogs. The basis of industrial feed is white varieties of ocean fish, as well as wild rice.

In addition to the main ingredients, the manufacturer additionally enriched his product with extracts of fatty acids and oils, as well as a vitamin and mineral complex.

• Royal Mini Mature 8+, Medium Adult 7+, Medium Adeind 10+, Mini Ageing 12+. These products represent a series of industrial feeds for elderly dogs of small sizes, which is divided by the manufacturer based on the age group of the pets. A distinctive feature of the above products is the different size of croquettes or granules, in addition, they vary in composition. The feed contains all the necessary components to maintain the health of older dogs, but the products have a minimum percentage of protein.

The first priority when choosing food for your elderly pet is to consult with an experienced veterinarian, it is best to ask a specialist who observed the dog from a young age with a similar question.

The change of industrial feed from one to another should occur gradually. Usually a new treat is added to the food portions that the dog used to eat earlier.

Also, in the process of self-selection or under the supervision of a veterinarian, it is worth paying attention to the following nuances.

• Studying the presented assortment in the pet shop, it is worth paying special attention to the composition indicated on the label, to get acquainted with information regarding recommendations on the purpose of the product, age and size of the dog.
• If your pet has problems with digestion and being overweight, it’s best to consider a series of diet foods. There are also specialized series designed for pets with problems with teeth, gums, musculoskeletal system.
• Do not consider industrial feeds of a budget category as options for feeding. It’s best to purchase super-premium, premium or holistic products. Inappropriate savings can lead to serious negative consequences associated with the health status of the dog, eating low-quality products.
• When composing a dog’s diet, It is recommended to adhere to information from the manufacturer, which relates to the daily intake of animals purchased products. Servings should be small, which will positively affect digestion and eliminate the risk of obesity.
• Choosing from a wide range of feeds, make sure that the granules in the package will be small. Dogs of small breeds, as well as pets with dental problems, may need to pre-grind the croquettes or soak them to chew.
• Do not choose foods with a too strong aroma or rich taste, some pets may refuse such food altogether.

The following video talks about how to feed older dogs.