How to Feed a Senior Dog – 8 Things to Know

Like us, our dogs cross different life stages depending on their age. They are considered old or ‘senior’ dogs once they reach the age of seven to nine, depending on their breed. When they reach this age, you need to be extra careful about their diet and feeding schedule.

You will need to make adjustments to their diets to support their age. The adjustments can range from changing the food items to the frequency at which they are fed.

If you have a senior dog at home, then it is vital for you to have all the necessary and accurate dietary feeding information. This will ensure that they are provided the best nutrition for their age and help them live a comfortable senior life. Exploring various meal plans available, such as Raw K-9’s PMR dog food meal plan can help you to gauge the nutritional value it offers and how it aligns with your dog’s unique requirements.

Feed Them Little Portions

As your dog ages, they will spend less time walking, running, or other energy-draining activities. They will rather prefer relaxing in one place throughout the day. Thus, they will end up burning fewer calories than before.

You will have to adjust their feeding accordingly. You need to reduce the portion size as they won’t have high calorie and energy requirements as before. Moreover, you also need to reduce the frequency of their meals.

It is recommended to have a two-meal-a-day schedule for senior dogs. However, ensure that there is no compromise on food quality. The food should be good for dog nutrition and health.

Incorporate Hypoallergenic Dog Food Into Their Diet

You must include hypoallergenic dog treats in the diet of your senior dog. There are various reasons why choosing hypoallergenic food is a wonderful idea.

Firstly, hypoallergenic dog food is best for dogs with food allergies. They provide all the nutrients required for your dog’s physical and mental development without causing them any trouble. They are also lip-smacking tasty and protect your dog from various diseases.

For instance, they lessen the risk of various health issues such as obesity, arthritis, digestive problems, heart disease, and many more. Such diseases are a nightmare for senior dogs. Thus, if you want your dog to have peaceful, disease-free senior years, include hypoallergenic foods in their diets without fail.

Serve Wet Foods at Room Temperature

Serve the meal at room temperature to bring out the flavor and aroma. If you’re giving your older dog food from the fridge, you’ll need to take it out of the fridge approximately two hours before mealtime. This will bring the food to the appropriate temperature for your dog.

If that’s not an option, you can reheat wet meals in the microwave for a few seconds. But make sure it’s not too hot for your dog to eat. Otherwise, your dog’s delicate mouth will be burned!

Add More Health-Friendly Nutrients to Their Diet

Antioxidants including vitamin E and beta-carotene, omega-6 fatty acids like gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) can assist an older dog’s immune system, skin, fur shine, and digestion. 

Many of these micronutrients can be found in high-quality meals that have been baked. These micronutrients are increasingly being fed to dogs as nutritional supplements. Whether you’re focusing on bernedoodle nutrition or another breed of dog, it’s important to ensure their diet meets their specific needs. Because dogs are more likely to develop arthritis as they get older, veterinarians are now recommending that they should take a daily glucosamine-chondroitin supplement.

In addition to baked meals, these vital nutrients can also be found in raw dog food options. For example, meats like chicken, turkey, and kangaroo are not only rich in protein but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support a dog’s joint health and overall well-being. Platforms like Petzyo can offer raw food options that incorporate these nutrient-rich ingredients, allowing pet owners to provide their dogs with a balanced, natural diet that supports their health, especially as they get older.

Maintain Your Dog’s Hydration

It’s also crucial to keep track of how much water your pet consumes daily. Make sure your pet has access to lots of fresh water all the time. Some conditions, such as arthritis, make it more difficult for pets to reach the water bowl. Diseases such as diabetes and renal illness can lead them to consume more water. If you suspect a problem, make an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian.

Your dog should ideally drink one ounce of water per pound of body weight. If they are drinking considerably more or less than this, it can be a cause of concern. Visit a veterinary doctor at the earliest in such cases.

Look for Dog Food With Fewer Calories

If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, you know that a large green salad will keep you fuller for longer than a little side of fries. Similarly, switch your dog to a weight-loss mix with a nutritious, low-calorie fiber diet when the pounds start to pile on.

Senior dog diets often feature a lower calorie density, as well as increased quantities of antioxidants, omega-3s, and other components that can help pets age healthily. Always talk with your veterinarian before making any modifications to your canine companion’s food.

Feed Your Dog in Moderation

Keep in mind that elderly dogs are more likely to acquire weight than adult dogs. So, don’t feed them more than they need to eat. If you’ve just switched your dog’s food, start by following the feeding instructions on the bag. 

Keep an eye on your dog’s physical condition and alter the quantity as needed to keep them at their desired weight. Your dog will also want easy access to fresh, clean drinking water at all times since it is a crucial element of their diet.

Include Exercise in Your Dog’s Daily Routine

Aside from eating and drinking properly, your older pet requires daily activity to keep him physically and cognitively engaged.

It is also necessary for your dog to exercise. There are a variety of interactive dog toys on the market that might help your elderly dog. Setting a timer for five to ten minutes three times a day could be sufficient for some dogs. 

Aside from showing your dog a lot of love and care, be in touch with your veterinarian at all times. Keeping all of these things in mind can help you and your dog stay together for a long time.

Conclusion

So, it’s a wrap! We believe you all are now well aware of the things that you must keep in mind while feeding your senior dogs. As your dog gets older, you will be required to take extra care of them, especially when it comes to their diet.

Thus, ensure that you feed them the right food, at the right time, in the right quantities to maintain their health, keep diseases at bay, and prolong their lifespan.

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