How to Cater to the Dietary Needs of a Senior Dog

Much like any other biological organism, dogs grow older and experience the inevitable process of ageing. Age brings with it a certain poise, grace, and wisdom, as well as an inevitable change in diet and lifestyle. Catering to the lifestyle requirements of a senior or elderly dog may seem like a daunting task; however, with a little preparation and a few visits to your vet, you should have no problems keeping your old friend comfortable.

What is an ‘Older’ Dog?

While there is no fixed age at which a dog starts to be considered a ‘senior’ or ‘older’, an educated guess can be made based on the dog’s health, weight, and size. Larger dog breeds usually have shorter lifespans, so they are generally considered to be seniors at 6 years of age. Smaller breeds tend to have slightly longer lifespans, meaning they are considered seniors at around 9 years of age.

There are other factors besides size as well. A dog’s weight and general health are also to be considered, as ageing may not be visible until symptoms like a decline in vision show up. The weight of your dog matters because obese dogs age more quickly; there’s a reason maintaining a balanced diet and exercise regime is important after all.

Older Dogs Require Less Food 

For elderly dogs, the type of food does not require a change, but the quantity or serving size does. Senior dogs will not have a metabolism like puppies, meaning they burn fewer calories throughout the day and require fewer calories to function as a result. Your elderly dog needs to be at a healthy weight since the combination of slower metabolism, lower energy levels, and higher calorie intake is the one which leads to senior dogs being overweight or obese. Therefore, you must adjust their meals accordingly to ensure that their daily portion size isn't too much for them.

If you're unsure about how to do so, you can visit your vet to plan out a diet chart. Your vet will consider different factors and help you plan a diet for your dog based on its age, weight, and health. Remember, the goal is to make sure that meal portions are adequate, not to starve your dog. Too few calories will also be harmful, and the goal is to maintain a healthy balance of proper nutrition in proper amounts. Frequent exercise (within reason) will also help improve your dog's health along with a new diet.

Make Sure to Include Plenty of Protein 

Maintaining muscle strength is essential as your dog ages. Since an elderly dog may not be able to process protein as well as it used to, it will require plenty of protein in its meals. Meat and fish are high-quality sources of protein which your pooch will be able to digest easily. However, too much protein will be detrimental, putting unnecessary strain on their kidneys, which can be a problem if your dog already has kidney problems. Therefore, you should consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet and the sources of protein in it.

Older Dogs May be Picky Eaters

While it is normal for an older dog to eat less than a younger dog, they should still have a healthy appetite and a desire to eat. It is well-known that dogs are often passionate about food, and a sudden disappearance of their appetite can be a cause for concern. Cancer, kidney disease, dental problems, and diabetes, can all affect your dog's appetite, meaning you should visit your vet immediately if your dog’s appetite has suddenly vanished or if they refuse to eat.

If your dog is not seriously ill and simply finds their food unappealing, there are a few steps you can take: 

• Older dogs are likely to be picky eaters, so try giving them things they enjoy eating. Just make sure you don’t overfeed them while doing so. 
• Mixed feeding can help make food more palatable. If you’re using dry food, you can try mixing some water or pet-safe broth with it to make it more appealing and easier to eat. 
• If your dog struggles with large meals, try breaking them down into multiple smaller meals throughout the day. 
• Older dogs are prone to joint stiffness and pain. If your dog cannot bend comfortably to eat from their bowl, they will likely skip their meal, so try to keep their dish or bowl on an elevated surface. You can consult your vet for joint pain relief medication if this issue is chronic. 

To conclude, while it may seem like a daunting task to plan your elder dog’s diet, the general rules are fairly simple. Older dogs don’t require as many calories as younger dogs and a high-quality source of protein in their meals. Mainly, their diet will have to factor in for any medication they are on, and the serving sizes will need to be adjusted. Each dog is different, especially each senior dog, which means you should consult your vet and discuss your dog’s diet before making any changes.