The Top Five Nutritional Needs for Senior Dogs

As dogs age, they experience many of the same health issues as their human owners do—diabetes, cancer, and arthritis, to name just a few. And just like you can help your parents by taking them to their doctor’s appointments and making sure they take their medications on time, you can help your senior dog stay healthy by being aware of its nutritional needs and helping it get what it needs every day. The top five nutritional needs for senior dogs are protein, fiber, fat, calcium, and calories.

Fiber in Senior Dog Food

Older pooches have a harder time chewing and digesting kibble, so getting them to eat dry food can be a challenge. Adding fiber to senior dog food makes it easier for your pup to swallow and digest food—but choose carefully; some sources of fiber in dog food can upset your pet’s stomach. Look for ingredients like rice flour, barley, oats, millet, or soybean.

Omega 3 & 6

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids play a huge role in a dog’s skin and coat health. Skin disorders are common in senior dogs, including dandruff, itchy skin, inflammation, and hair loss. These can all be caused by an Omega 3 deficiency. By supplementing with omega 3s (and essential fatty acids), you can help improve your dog’s symptoms and his overall health.

Protein Content

Protein is vital for muscle and tissue repair, and higher protein content will help your senior dog stave off age-related muscle loss. That said, avoid protein-heavy dog foods with more than 26 percent of their calories coming from protein; for dogs of senior years (roughly over 7 or 8), you should look for something closer to 12 percent or less. This helps manage their overall calorie intake as well as keeps them mobile throughout the day.

Calcium

Arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint issues make senior dogs more prone to developing osteoporosis. Bones become weaker and fractures are more likely if your senior dog doesn’t get enough calcium. To keep your pup healthy in old age, be sure he or she gets about 400-500 mg of calcium daily (roughly 1/4 teaspoon for a small breed dog). Try adding a supplement or increasing his intake of high-calcium foods like dairy products and dark leafy greens.

Carbohydrates and Carbohydrates Sources

Dogs who are over 6 years old or are starting to show signs of aging (i.e., slowing down) may benefit from a diet with slightly more carbohydrates. Instead of switching completely to senior dog food, add 1⁄2 cup of brown rice to your dog’s normal meal and adjust as needed. Not only will your pet have extra energy, but they will likely appreciate the taste and texture change, too!

Final Thoughts

When it comes to meeting your dog’s nutritional needs, senior dogs have some special requirements that must be met. More than anything, avoid food that is potentially harmful to their health as they get older. By doing so, you can ensure a long and healthy life with your senior canine companion. It’s important to remember that there are many ways to help them stay healthy, such as exercise and vaccinations. Keeping these things in mind will help keep your pup around for years to come!