Man’s best friends—dogs—age quickly. And before you even know it, they reach their golden years.
Giant breed dogs like Newfoundland are the quickest to reach their senior years. They enter their golden years as soon as they turn 7. Meanwhile, small breed dogs like Chihuahuas are much slower to reach their golden years, typically entering this stage after 11 or 12.
As dogs age, their needs shift. Senior dogs, with their slower metabolisms and changing health needs, require a bit of extra care when it comes to nutrition.
If your loyal companion is starting to sport a few gray hairs and slow down a bit, now might be the perfect time to refresh its diet.
It’s not just about picking a new bag of kibble—though that’s part of it. It’s about finding the right balance of nutrients to support their health and well-being.
Here, we’ll dive into what changes you can make to ensure your Fido remains in the pink of its health in its golden years.
When Should You Switch Your Senior Dog’s Diet
Here are a few common things that can help you understand that your Fido’s current diet might need a tweak:
1. Digestive Issues
Digestive problems can happen at any age. But they are far more common in senior dogs.
Frequent diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation are signs of digestive issues in canines. If your senior dog seems to be having more frequent tummy troubles, its current diet might be too rich or lacking the right balance of nutrients.
Switch to a senior-specific dog food with more fiber and easier-to-digest ingredients.
Add probiotics as well. It can help support gut health and can help balance out any digestive upset.
2. Weight Gain or Loss
Some canines put on weight as they enter their golden years, but most begin to lose, says West Chester Veterinary Medical Center.
As canines age, their metabolism slows down. They don’t burn calories as efficiently. Unexplained weight loss, on the other hand, is also concerning. This could mean your Fido is not getting enough nutrients from its current food, or its body isn’t absorbing them as well as it used to.
If your Fido is packing on extra pounds, look for lower-calorie senior dog foods that still offer high-quality protein to maintain muscle mass. But if it’s losing weight, try foods with extra nutrients and calories to help them get what they need without overfeeding.
3. Joint Stiffness or Pain
A lifetime of playing and running can wear the joints of canines, says PetMD. That is why dogs in their golden years suffer from joint stiffness or pain.
If your Fido hesitates to jump on the couch or struggles to climb stairs, it’s time to switch its diet.
To help ease the discomfort, look for dog foods that include glucosamine and chondroitin. These two ingredients support joint health and help with mobility. They can also help repair cartilage and cushioning joints.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, will also be a great addition. It can help reduce inflammation and can soothe achy joints over time.
Tips to Help You Adjust Your Senior Dog’s Diet
Here are some simple tips to help you adjust your senior dog’s diet and ensure it is getting exactly what it needs in its golden years:
1. Ask Your Vet for Recommendations
Don’t make any big changes in your Fido’s diet yourself. Always check in with your vet. They know your Rover’s health history, which is why they can provide guidance based on its specific needs—whether it’s managing weight, joint issues, or digestive problems.
Your vet might recommend a senior-specific dog food or suggest adding certain supplements like glucosamine for joint support or probiotics for digestion.
If your senior canine companion has underlying conditions, like kidney disease or diabetes, your vet can tailor dietary suggestions to manage those issues.
2. Go for High-Quality Protein Food
According to Ernie Ward, a veterinarian, dogs in their senior years need about 50% more protein than younger ones.
Look for food with high-quality proteins to maintain muscle mass. Dog foods, in which real meat is the primary ingredient, like beef, are a good option. They are easy to digest and provide essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and immune function.
Take, for example, RawMix Tide & Terrain Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food. This food contains 95% meat and bone. Its formula also contains non-GMO vegetables and fruits.
This food—a blend of humanely raised beef and organs as well as salmon and pollock—Open Farm explains, will give your Fido the protein-packed nutrition it craves.
The RawMix Tide & Terrain Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food has no grain and is legume-free, so it’s safe even for canines with food allergies or sensitivities.
3. Switch Foods Gradually
Introduce the new food slowly to avoid upsetting your Fido’s stomach. Mix a small amount of the new food—ideally 25%—with their current food. Then, over a week or two, increase the proportion of new food while decreasing the old. This will give its digestive system time to adjust.
Watch for any signs of digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea. If you notice them, slow down the transition or consult your vet if problems persist.
Adjusting your senior dog’s diet can keep them comfortable and healthy. When you pay attention to its diet and make sure it is getting the right nutrients, you’re giving it the best chance to enjoy its golden years to the fullest.
Just be mindful of portion sizes. Don’t overfeed or underfeed your Fido; feed it just the right amount. If you’re ever unsure about the right portion sizes or nutritional needs, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
