Give Your Dog A Senior Dog Diet For A Happy Healthy Senior Dog

You hate to admit it, but your furry buddy is getting a little older. You want to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy for many years to come. You have seen 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 information about dogs diet is your pets veterinarian. Only you and your vet know the special needs of your pet the best.  Discuss with your vet your concerns and questions. He or she will be able to advise you on what modifications, if any, need to be made to your dogs diet.

If your older dog does not have any health problems and maintains a healthy weight, there is no need to switch your dogs diet from adult to senior dog food. On the other hand, if your dog has trouble keeping the weight off or digestive issues, you may need to change your dogs diet. If weight is the only issue, consider somewhat lowering the amount of dog food you give to your pet. This may be all the change your dogs diet needs.

A senior dog is classified as a dog in the last third of their life. Larger dogs, such as Great Danes, live to be about 9 years old. When they reach the age of 9 years old, you may want to think about a senior dogs diet. On the other hand, a Poodle will not reach senior status until about age of ten, this is due to the longer life expectancy. The decision to alter your dogs diet should be based on there health condition, rather than there actual age in years. Your veterinarian will assist you to make up one’s mind when the right time is to change your dogs diet.

Dog food especially prepared for senior dogs typically has less calories. This helps to combat any weight issues. The senior dog food also contains more fibre for the various needs in your dogs diet. As dogs age, they tend to suffer from constipation, this extra fiber will help remedy this problem.

Renal failure can be another medical problem for senior dogs. How can your dogs diet help this problem? Reducing the amount of protein in your dogs diet will diminish the work load for the kidneys. For this reason, senior dog food frequently 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 declines to eat the food dry, you may need to moisten it with water or purchase moist canned varieties.

When your veterinary recommends supplements may be a help as part of your senior dogs diet. It Is because, some pets are unable to eat properly due to dental problems. many other older pets are not able to gain all of the nutrients from their food, this again is for various health reasons. Supplements such as, vitamins given everyday and glucosamine can be a great help to maintain a healthy diet for your dog.

Glucosamine assists joint health. For senior dogs, glucosamine can help to fight arthritis and hip displasia.

Vitamins C, A, and E, help reduce the natural aging process and encourage better health for senior dogs. You should speak to your veterinary about adding such supplements to your dogs diet.

We all wish 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 make up one’s mind what is the best diet for your senior dog. Your dogs diet will directly affect their health. Take care of your pet by monitoring your dogs diet closely with the help of your veterinary surgeon.

For further free information be sure to visit Free Dog Diet Tips