Does Dog Age Warrant a Change in Diet?

At every dog age, getting the proper dog nutrition is crucial to your dog's overall health and well-being. Below are some questions to consider if you are thinking about making a change to your dog's diet.

At What Age Should I Change My Dog's Diet?

In general, puppies and senior dogs will require certain amounts of food based on activity level. For example, because puppies are more active and because they are in the beginning stages of development, they will need to eat more. Because senior dogs are typically less active, they will eat less. In addition, older dog's should have much less fat in their diets than puppies and dog's in mid-life. Dog's in mid-life will eat a specific amount of food based on weight, but they do not require a special diet unless a specific condition is present. Dogs are considered seniors during the last third of his normal life expectancy. Because a dog's life expectancy depends on breed and size, one dog may be considered a senior at age six while another may be considered a senior at age 10.

Types of Food Should I Feed My Senior Dog, if Necessary

While your dog may still be in good shape, he won't be nearly as active at 10 as he was at two. So his dietary needs will change slightly, even if he is in good health. His diet should be lower in fat, calories, protein, and higher in fiber. You should also feed him less to make up for the lack of calorie expenditure. Older dogs are prone to constipation, so a higher fiber diet is crucial. In addition, if your dog can eat dry food, continue on this path as dry dog food helps to control tartar build-up and gum disease.

Are Supplements Safe for My Senior Dog?

Some, but not all, senior dogs can benefit from supplements. Arthritis is a common problem in older dogs, so exercise and a supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin will help keep your dog's joints healthy. Vitamins A, C and E also play a role in protecting against some aspects of the normal aging process. It is important to note that some vitamin/mineral supplements are usually recommended for older dogs who absorb fewer vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes through the intestinal tract. These dogs may also lose more vitamins and nutrients through the kidneys.