Caring for a dog in their golden years includes becoming familiar with the best food for elderly dogs available. What kind of food should be provided to them though, and how does it qualify as “the best”? Here’s what you need to know.
The Importance of a Low-calorie, High-fiber Diet
The best food for elderly dogs should be low in calories but high in fiber. It should also contain adequate amounts of protein and fat.
A low-calorie diet is necessary in older dogs to keep your pet from gaining too much weight because he or she may not be as active as they used to be. Additionally, a fiber-rich diet will help with digestion since older dogs are prone to constipation. Food composed of 3 to 5% fiber is adequate and you can increase the amount of fiber in your pet’s diet by adding wheat bran.
Because older dogs are susceptible to decreased kidney function, opt for a diet low in phosphorus if your dog has a history of kidney problems.
How to Maintain Your Dog’s Weight
Feeding your older dog the same diet he or she has had since they became an adult could cause your pet to gain too much weight, especially if they don’t get enough exercise. One way to avoid this is to give the same food to your dog but in a smaller quantity. You could also make sure your pet is getting the right amount of physical activity to keep them in shape.
Weight loss is another problem you need to be careful with when caring for an older dog. If you notice they’re not eating enough and they’re losing weight, take him or her to the vet to rule out any possible medical issues. Once you’ve confirmed your dog isn’t suffering from any diseases, you need to focus on ways to help them eat.
Difficulty chewing can be the cause of decreased consumption in dogs who usually eat dry food. There are several ways to deal with this; one is to feed your pet with smaller pieces of food. You can also moisten the kibble with some water or broth. With the help of a vet, you can formulate your pet’s diet using hamburger, chicken, vegetables, potatoes, or boiled rice with the right amount of vitamins and minerals added to the mix.
Best Food for Elderly Dogs with Health Issues
An older dog’s digestive system is more delicate, so it’s important to give them food with easily digestible proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. This places less stress on the digestive process and allows the body to efficiently balance its energy reserves.
Heart disease, kidney disease, impaired brain function, and cancer are some of the most common health issues that plague older dogs. A low-sodium diet should be given to dogs with heart disease, while food with highly digestible proteins should be fed to those with kidney disease. Certain antioxidants can help older animals with impaired brain function and a diet containing antioxidants with the addition of omega-3 fatty acids can benefit dogs with cancer.
Depending on your vet’s recommendations, you may have to give your dog supplements to strengthen certain bodily functions or to prevent any nutritional deficiencies.
The best food for elderly dogs varies from animal to animal, so it is wise to consult your veterinarian for the ideal diet your pet should have.
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