Biologically Small dog breeds aged 10 to 12 and large dog breeds aged 8 to 10 are considered as senior dogs. When a pet dog attain seniorhood, dog parents tries to make all extraordinary efforts to prolong their beloved pet’s lifetime more and enhance their quality of life. Even though there are many controllable and uncontrollable factors that can affect the life of your senior dog, Diet is something that’s well within your control and can have a greater effect on your senior dog’s health.
Feeding Senior Dogs
Diet makes a big difference for dogs of all ages. Especially When your dog becomes a senior dog, you will need to adjust a little of its eating habits to keep him in good shape as long as possible. Here are our top recommendations for feeding older dogs
1. Feed in smaller amounts and often
You might be used to feeding your dog, twice or thrice a day, but as your dog ages, things can get a little slower, like their physical activities and importantly the digestion of food. To ease with these, feed your dog in smaller amounts 3 to 5 times a day and doing this will compensate for the slower metabolism of older dogs.
2. Feed fresh food
Feed your dog often with homemade food, with the right balance of protein, fats, and veggies Without any doubt, fresh homemade food is always better for your dog. Feeding your dog a high-quality food that consists of meat, healthy grains, and vegetables can enhance your lovable dog’s lifetime with you.
3. Hop on Dog Supplements
The nutritional requirements of a dog will be constantly changing throughout their life. Make sure you are providing for the nutritional needs of your senior dogs. Sit with your veterinarian to work up what nutrition your older pooch will need. Supplements such as Fish oil, Coenzyme q10, glucosamine, and chondroitin may be helpful for senior dogs with old age-related ailments such as arthritis, dementia, and heart diseases.
4. Consider a raised food bowl
Older dogs that suffer from painful conditions like osteoarthritis may find it harder to reach down to their food and therefore place the food bowl slightly higher place such as on a small bench or table.
5. Don’t overfeed
Always remember to not overfeed your older dog. Older dogs when fed more are more prone to gain weight than younger dogs. This is due to slower metabolism and lesser physical activity in older dogs.