Dogs cannot eat the same thing throughout their lives. A puppy does not have the same nutritional needs as an elderly dog or a pregnant female. Therefore, depending on the vital stage in which our specimen is, we must choose a food adapted to it.
Our vet can advise us. However, in order to broaden your knowledge about it, in this article on our site, in collaboration with Lenda, we talk about the food for older dogs and what aspects we must take into account to select the best option.
When is a dog old?
First of all, when we talk about older dogs we have to know what we mean. There is no fixed date to consider that a dog enters the geriatric stage, since there are considerable differences according to its characteristics. Large and very large dogs age faster Around 7-8 years of age they usually need a change in their diet. On the other hand, the little ones can maintain the adult diet until approximately 10 years old.
Our veterinarian will recommend the ideal time to introduce a diet for geriatric dogs. In any case, the change must always be made progressively so as not to cause digestive disorders such as vomiting or diarrhoea.
Particularities of food for older dogs
The best food for older dogs doesn't just have to take into account their nutritional needs. In addition to offering our older dog a correct supply of quality proteins, fiber and a controlled intake of fats, we must not lose sight of the fact that the aging process brings with it changes in the body that will affect food. Digestion slows down, the dog tends to drink less water, reduces its physical activity and, consequently, it is more likely that it will suffer from constipation. Loss of smell and taste can decrease appetite and oral problems make it difficult to eat. In addition, with age it is common for diseases to appear such as those that affect mobility, cancer or chronic pathologies that alter the normal functioning of organs such as the heart, kidneys or liver. Being overweight is another factor to take into account.
All these aspects must be taken into account when selecting the best food for older dogs, whether it is dry food, wet food or homemade food. In addition, it is convenient to offer them the daily ration divided into two, one in the morning and the other at night.
Food for older dogs
Food is a very widespread canine food option, thanks to how easy it is to administer and store. It can be a suitable diet for an older dog as long as we choose a quality brand. Take some time to read the tags with the composition and compare different options. In our article on How to choose a good dog food we explain how to identify a quality food.
Another advantage of the feed is that, at present, there are not only ranges for geriatric dogs, but also options formulated specifically for the treatment of multiple diseases, improving the quality of life of the animal and contributing to the control of its pathology. Thus, we will find feed for dogs with kidney, liver, heart disease, diabetes, etc. In these cases, the food is part of the treatment and therefore will be prescribed by the veterinarian. In addition, brands such as Lenda offer solutions for elderly dogs that, at the same time, have mobility difficulties. An example is your Senior/Mobility prescription.
Taking as an example the composition of Lenda Senior/Mobility feed, we see that it contains 21% dehydrated turkey meat, a 14% whole rice, refined chicken oil, brewer's yeast, peas, potato starch, dried krill as the main source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and mainly dried vegetables. Regarding the analytical components, we observed 10% moisture, 24% crude protein, 12% oils and fats and 2.8% crude fibers, among others. In this way, a balance is observed between the percentage of protein and fat, and beneficial ingredients for the he alth of older dogs, such as fatty acids, are included. All the ingredients of the brand are suitable for human consumption, a relevant fact when we look for quality feed.
Soft food for older dogs
Due to oral problems or loss of appetite, not all older dogs may accept the feed well. Luckily, the varieties that are marketed for this type of animal usually also offer a wet version. In addition, we can soak the feed in warm water for a few minutes to soften it. Another option, if the dog's he alth allows it, is to replace the water with a vegetable, meat or fish broth, always prepared without s alt or fat.
This alternative not only achieves a soft texture that is easier for the dog to eat, but also incorporates a different smell that may be more palatable to him. Serving the food warm helps spread this aroma, which can encourage an inappetent dog to eat. It is also a way to increase fluid intake, which is especially indicated in dogs that are drinking little, have some pathology that requires hydration control or follow a diet based on dry feed with a low percentage of moisture.
Both the wet diet and the soaked food can also be a good food for old dogs without teeth, which will have more difficulty ingesting the dry and hard food.
Homemade food for older dogs
Older dogs can also eat homemade food, especially if it is what they have consumed throughout their lives, as it will be difficult for them to accept the feed. But several issues must be taken into account. First of all, home cooking does not mean giving your dog leftovers. Although until now this has been the basis of their diet, old age is a sufficiently sensitive period to bet on quality. So, if we want to give him a homemade menu, it must be prepared by an expert in canine nutrition to ensure that it covers all the dog's needs in this stage. Secondly, if the dog suffers from a disease that makes it advisable to offer him a specific diet, homemade food may not be able to meet all his needs. In these cases, a special feed prescribed by the veterinarian would be indicated. If the dog rejects it, resorting to soaking it with water or broth, as we have explained, can make it more palatable.
Now, what foods to include in the diet for older dogs? Mainly easily digestible meats or fish, such as chicken, turkey and white fish such as hake. Likewise, it is convenient to include vegetables, vegetables and fruits. As for cereals, they may or may not be in the dog's diet, depending on how they are tolerated and whether or not your vet recommends them.
Senior Dog Treats
Finally, we can continue to reward our elderly dog, but we must avoid giving him leftovers or excessively caloric foods Age makes to the most delicate dogs and prone to problems due to any imbalance in their usual diet. In addition, since it is easier for them to gain weight, we also have to watch the amounts we give them.
