Certain health conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease may benefit from wet food, but it is best to consult with your veterinarian.” Hodges believes that wet food is better for all dogs, including older ones, because it’s closer than kibble to fresh food, and also offers hydration. “Dogs with dental disease or missing teeth may benefit from a canned diet for ease of chewing. “Wet food is not necessarily better for older dogs if they are healthy and maintaining their body weight well on a dry diet,” says McCarthy. But some people feed canned food because their dogs are more interested in eating it, or because of certain health conditions. Some vets recommend dry food because of the benefits it provides for dental health, but unless you are feeding a specific tartar-control food, those benefits can be minor, according to the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. “If your dog is already on a special or prescription diet, or has a sensitive stomach, you may want to continue feeding the same ‘adult' dog food instead of a senior dog food to prevent any issues by switching diets,” she suggests.ĭry and wet food have to meet the same nutritional standards, but dry food is popular because it’s easy to feed and less expensive than canned. However, not all dogs should be switched to senior foods, cautions McCarthy. It is therefore important to involve your veterinary healthcare provider in discussions about your senior pet’s evolving dietary needs.” “Your senior pet may also have medical challenges such as kidney insufficiency, in which case he/she may need a special renal diet with fairly significant protein restriction. “Many older pets do have mobility limitations and keeping them lean can be helpful in that regard, so a lower-calorie diet may be appropriate for them if they are wrestling with weight issues,” she says. Because large breed dogs typically have shorter lives, they are often considered senior by the time they are five or six years old.īut it absolutely depends on your pet and their activity level, lifestyle, and any medical conditions, says veterinarian Barbara Hodges, DVM, program director of advocacy and outreach for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. Small dogs are generally considered to be “mature” or “senior” when they are about seven years old, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Read the label and consult with your vet to see which ingredients might be helpful.
#Healthy food for dogs skin
Many senior foods advertise that they include fiber for easier digestion, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, and omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat. But some older dogs have medical issues that require a low-protein diet, so check the nutrition that is right for your pet.
Older dogs usually lose muscle as they age. Senior formulas often have up to 50 percent more protein than other adult diets to help maintain muscle mass, says veterinarian Megan McCarthy, DVM, with Best Friends Animal Society in Salt Lake City.
Other dogs have trouble keeping weight on as they age so they don’t need to cut back on calories. Senior foods often contain fewer calories than other adult dog foods because most senior dogs aren’t as active as they were before. Foods with an AAFCO statement have had laboratory testing and feeding trials to make sure they offer complete and balanced nutrition for the life stage of a dog. Make sure any food you choose has an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement that indicates the food is nutritionally complete and balanced. What to Look for in Dog Food for Older Dogs AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement A great canned food option is Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior, which might be a tastier choice for pickier pets or seniors that have trouble chewing.
#Healthy food for dogs pro
A great overall pick is Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind which focuses on the mental and physical needs of aging dogs.
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