Senior Dog Diet-Just When Should You Give Your Dog One?
Author: Graham Williams

You hate to admit it, but your furry pal is getting a little older. You want to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy for many years to come. You have heard all of the hype about the new dog diets for older pets. Is there really a difference between dog food for adult dogs and kibble recommended specifically for seniors? How do you know when to switch your pet to a different diet?

The best resource for advice about dog diets is your pet's vet. Only you and your trusted vet know the particular needs of your pet. Talk with your vet about any concerns and questions you may have. Your will vet help you with any changes that may be needed.

If your senior dog does not have any trouble with their health and has a healthy weight, there will be not a need to change your dog's diet from adult to senior dog food. But, if weight is the an issue, consider giving smaller portions of dog food to your pet. This may be the only change you need to make to your dog's diet.

A senior dog is classified as a dog in the last third of their life span. Larger dogs like a Great Dane lives to be about 9 years old. Around the sixth year of life, you may want to consider a senior dogs diet. A poodle, on the other hand wouldn't reach senior status until about age ten due to the longer life expectancy. Primarily, the decision to change your dogs diet should be based on health condition rather than actual age in years.

Dog food that is prepared for senior dogs typically would have less calories. This is a big help to combat any weight issues. The senior dog food will also contain more fiber for the different needs in your senior dogs diet. When dogs age, they tend to suffer with constipation and the extra fiber will help cure this problem.

Renal failure can be a health problem for senior dogs. How can your dog's diet help with this problem? Cutting down the amount of protein in your dogs diet will decrease the work load of the kidneys. For the most part, this is the reason senior dog food often has lower protein content than regular adult formulas.

Whenever possible, allow your dog to eat dry dog food to encourage excellent dental health. The dry kibble helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. If your older pet refuses to eat the food dry, you may need to moisten it with water or purchase moist canned varieties.

If your vet recommends it, you may need to use supplements as part of your senior dogs diet. It will be because some pets are unable to eat properly due to oral problems. Other older pets are unable to get all of the nutrients they need from their food for different health reasons. Supplements such as daily vitamins and glucosamine can be a benefit to maintaining a healthy diet for your dog.

Glucosamine helps to promote joint health. For senior dogs, glucosamine can help to combat arthritis and hip displasia.   Vitamins C, A, and E, are helpful in preventing the natural aging process and promote better health for senior dogs. You should always talk with your vet before adding such supplements to your dog's diet.

We all want what is best for our pet. Your senior dog should have a diet that meets their nutritional needs. You and your vet should work together to determine what is the best diet for your senior dog. Your dog's diet will directly affect their health, and in turn their lifespan.

About the author:
Graham Williams is an up and coming expert on pets and pet health.

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