It is a common thing for senior dogs to go through some changes and are usually prone to various kinds of diseases. Because of old age, a senior dog food may be changed. If the dog is healthy, there may be no need for the change of food, but if otherwise, the food needs to be changed. Senior dogs do not have any best food. There is always a different food requirement for every dog. A diet that works best for one dog may not work for another. Every dog with it owns nutrients requirement.
Best Dog Food For Seniors
How much food should Senior Dogs eat?
A dog of 7 to 8 years old is classified as a senior dog. Senior dogs require fewer calorie since they are less active. Too much of calories will cause obesity in senior dogs. More so, if a dog is very healthy, there is no need to change the diet. However, the amount of food given to senior dogs should be reduced.
Also, some vet recommends that dry food should be given to dogs that do not have kidney problems. The size of the food should be smaller because of tooth problem. The dry food (kibble) can be mixed with soy, tuna or liquid sauce.
Dogs with kidney problems should be fed foods that contain fewer proteins. The ideal food in this situation is canned food. They are good for the kidney since they are a bit moist. Consulting a vet will be preferable on the choice of diet for your pet.
Senior Dogs Nutritional Needs
Just like younger dogs, seniors dogs can have similar nutrition provided they do not have any health challenge. The only difference in the nutrition is the fat intake. They require little fat. They also require large fiber intake. Fiber helps with digestion. Fiber-rich food may be given to them.
Majorly, best senior dog foods are usually maintenance food that is perfect for all life stages. Older dogs need about 25 percent of protein and a moderate fat level. Do not give them very low-fat food as it will make the dog to feel hungry faster. If the dog is underweight, get food with high-fat content.
Senior Dogs and Supplement
Senior dogs may necessarily require supplements but must be recommended by a vet. The recommended supplement will be according to the dog health conditions.
Apparently, choosing food for the older dog is not a difficult thing to do. There are many formulas that are specifically designed for older dogs based on their breed and age.
Best Food for Senior Dogs- Large Breeds
The large breeds dog has diet different from the medium and small breeds diets. Large breeds need weight control formulas, but if they do is not overweight, there is no need for low calories or low-fat formulas then. The food for this category of breeds is made up of large kibbles sizes. The best food is:
- Wellness Complete Health, Large Breed: The formula contains four protein sources with optimal caloric density. Contains a moderate fat percentage. Help to enhance a good digestive system. Rich in antioxidants and Taurine (for heart health and a good eye).
- Castor and Pollux Natural Ultramix Large Breed Adult: Made from natural organic ingredients. Free of chemicals, additives, and artificial ingredients. Rich in antioxidants, omega 3 and six fatty acids. Contains a proper amount of fat and protein. It is also produced in the USA.
- Now Fresh Large Breed: made from 100 percent natural ingredients. Enhance optimal digestion. Contains right proportion of fat and protein. Rich in omega 3 and six fatty acids. Made in Canada.
- Ultra Large Breed Adult Food: It is made from 100 percent natural ingredients. Contains three lean protein sources. Contain salmon and highly rich in nutrients. Also rich in antioxidants and contains a moderate amount of fat and protein. It is produced in the USA.
- Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Senior: It contains lean protein and whole grains. Rich in antioxidants and omega 3 and six fatty acids. It helps digestion. Contains the right amount of fat and protein. Also produced in the USA.
- Holistic Select Natural, Large and Giants Breeds Foods: Made from high quality and natural ingredients. It is easily absorbed and digested. Contains omega 3 and six fatty acids. Contains Taurine and L-Carnitine. Also contains the proper amount of fat and protein.
Best food for Senior Dog -Medium Breed
Premium older dog food is the best food for senior dogs that do not have any health condition like diabetes, liver problem, kidney issue or even weight problem.
At this junction, there is no need for any strict diet for older dogs since they are healthy. There is no need for fat or protein reduction in their diet. The best food for medium breed senior dogs are:
- Castor and Pollux Organic: Made from organic ingredients. Rich in nutrients with no artificial ingredients. It contains adequate protein and the fat requirement for adult dogs. It is produced in the USA.
- Castor and Pollux Natural Ultramix Adult Dog Food: Made from organic ingredients. Rich in nutrients with no artificial ingredients. It is ideal for dogs of all ages. Also contains fruits and veggie. It contains adequate protein and the fat requirement for adult dogs. It is produced in the USA.
- Origen Adult Dog: The formula contains fresh and natural ingredients. It is considered as a biologically-appropriate food for adult dogs. It contains an adequate amount of protein and fat, low carbohydrates and contains no grains. It is produced in Canada.
- Wellness Complete Health Natural Adult: the formula is produced with nutrient-rich whole food. It is an optimal nutrition absorption. It contains omega 3 and six fatty acids, protein and fat.
- AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice: The formula contains high-quality ingredients for optimal nutrition. Also contains antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, protein, fat and also rich in avocado. It is produced in the USA.
- Holistic Select, Chicken and Rice Formula: Holistic select is a very high-quality senior dog food made from natural ingredients. It contains good nutrients. It also contains Taurine which is specifically good for heart health and a good eye. It contains fat and protein in the right amount.
Best Food for Senior Dogs – Small Breeds
It is a different food for different breeds. The toy, small and miniature breed needs different nutrition from their bigger breeds. The small breeds need high calorie and energy dense foods. They also need additional fiber for their blood sugar levels and hypoglycemia. The best food for them are:
- Wellness Complete Health Small Breed: The formula enhances good nutrients absorption and easily digestible. It contains about four animal proteins, antioxidants, fruits, and vegetables. Also contain omega 3 and six fatty acids, the right amount of protein and fat.
- AvoDerm Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Formula: Very rich in protein and fat. Contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is rich in avocado. Produced in the USA.
- Holistic Select Small Breeds: Contains high-quality natural ingredients. Rich in whole grains and proteins. Easily digested and absorbed. Contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and protein and fat in the right proportion.
- From Gold Small Breed Adult Dog Food: Rich in four sources of protein. Contains probiotics for good digestive system. Also, contain salmon for good skin and coat. Rich in vitamin, minerals, protein, and fat. It is produced in the USA.
- Ultra Small Breed Senior Dog Food: Produced from natural ingredients, containing three sources of three lean animal proteins. Rich in antioxidants, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, fat and proteins. It is produced in the USA.
- Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Small Breed Senior Formula: It is a well-balanced nutrition. Contains whole grains and lean protein. Rich in antioxidants from fruits and veggies. Also rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and herbal blend. Contains low fat and low sodium.
Top 3 Senior Dog Foods
1. Holistic Select
2. Origen Adult Dog Food
3. Fromm Gold Holistic.
These foods have been tested and tried by many dog owners, and they have stood the test of time. Many dog owners prefer them to any other brands. Senior dogs like them as well. They contain moderate carbs, fat, and protein. They also contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which are good for joint.
It is not all senior dog foods that contain supplements. Although, they are not necessarily needed in dog foods since they can be added personally if need be. One important thing you can help your dog with is exercise. No matter the age and size, every dog needs a regular exercise.
In conclusion, there is no much difference between the younger dogs and the older dogs. They both require good nutrition. Always take your dog for check-ups and pay close attention to its weight and health. Do not feed your dog with low calorie or fat food except if the weight needs to be controlled. Check food and supplement labels and be sure you understand every nutritional detail before feeding to the dog. As long as the dog has a good weight and is healthy, there is no need for a diet change.