Many senior dogs with age-related health concerns can benefit from a change to an appropriate food. So if you\u2019re thinking about switching your dog to a senior food, talk with your veterinarian \u2014 your dog\u2019s overall health, body condition and any underlying medical conditions can determine which senior diet best meets their nutritional needs.<\/p>\n
Physical Changes Can Dictate Senior Dog Diet<\/h2>\n
Even if your senior dog doesn\u2019t have an age-related health concern now, he or she still may be undergoing physical changes that would benefit from adjusting the food or feeding program. You\u2019ll want to be aware of these common changes that the majority of aging dogs face:<\/p>\n
Changes in body weight and food for older dogs<\/em><\/h3>\nSome dogs tend to gain weight as they age because their metabolism slows, they\u2019re not as active because their joints hurt, or they\u2019ve developed hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). Regardless of the reason the extra pounds are adding up, the bottom line is that your older dog isn\u2019t burning as many calories as he or she is eating. If weight gain is a concern, some senior dogs benefit from eating food with less fat and fewer calories<\/a>, or simply less food.<\/p>\nHowever, weight gain isn\u2019t a problem for all senior canines. As some senior dogs get even older, they start losing weight and need more calories than they\u2019re eating. For these older dogs, your veterinarian might recommend a food that\u2019s higher in fat and calories.<\/p>\n
Decreased appetite can mean less food for older dogs<\/em><\/h3>\nJust as in older people, a dog\u2019s appetite can diminish as they age. The reason could be related to a dulled sense of smell, an underlying disease such as kidney disease, or a medication that your dog routinely receives. If you notice your senior dog is eating less than usual, be sure to talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help determine if your dog\u2019s decreased appetite is a sign of an underlying issue and, if so, recommend an appropriate course of action. But if your dog\u2019s appetite loss is age-related, your veterinarian can also recommend an appropriate diet to help your senior dog get the nutrition they need.<\/p>\n
Difficulty chewing or eating can make a senior dog diet difficult to eat<\/em><\/h3>\nPeriodontal (dental) disease, a common problem for many senior dogs, can make it difficult for your dog to chew overly large or hard kibble. Until your senior dog\u2019s dental issues can be addressed, you may want to consider feeding an easier-to-chew kibble or canned food. You can also add a small amount of warm water to soften dry kibble to make it easier for your dog to eat.<\/p>\n
Changes in muscle mass can mean more protein is needed in a senior dog diet<\/em><\/h3>\nLike aging people, older dogs can lose muscle mass despite getting an appropriate amount of exercise. These senior dogs (and humans) may need higher-quality protein \u2014 and possibly a higher level of protein in their diet \u2014 to help build and maintain their muscles. Be sure to talk with your veterinarian about how much protein your senior dog should have.<\/p>\n
More tummy troubles<\/em><\/h3>\nSenior dogs tend to have more upset stomachs than their adult canine counterparts. That\u2019s because your older dog\u2019s digestive system is less efficient at breaking down foods and absorbing nutrients. Two of the more common digestive upsets seen in older dogs are constipation and increased flatulence (extra gas). A food with increased fiber can help avoid constipation, while exercise can help move gas through your dog\u2019s digestive system and stimulate bowel movements.<\/p>\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/5-signs-your-dog-is-becoming-a-senior-graphic-082223.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
No Senior Dog Diet Is Right for Every Senior Dog<\/h2>\n
If you think your older dog would benefit from a food for senior dogs, it\u2019s important to recognize that senior dog foods are not all formulated alike. Because there is no specific nutrient profile established for senior dog diets, \u201csenior foods\u201d are variations of adult maintenance diets. Some are lower in fat or calories, and some are higher in fiber. Other senior dog diets will have added supplements that may help some dogs with joint or digestive problems. Still other senior dog diets are lower in protein, while others can be higher in protein.<\/p>\n
However, weight gain isn\u2019t a problem for all senior canines. As some senior dogs get even older, they start losing weight and need more calories than they\u2019re eating. For these older dogs, your veterinarian might recommend a food that\u2019s higher in fat and calories.<\/p>\n
Decreased appetite can mean less food for older dogs<\/em><\/h3>\nJust as in older people, a dog\u2019s appetite can diminish as they age. The reason could be related to a dulled sense of smell, an underlying disease such as kidney disease, or a medication that your dog routinely receives. If you notice your senior dog is eating less than usual, be sure to talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help determine if your dog\u2019s decreased appetite is a sign of an underlying issue and, if so, recommend an appropriate course of action. But if your dog\u2019s appetite loss is age-related, your veterinarian can also recommend an appropriate diet to help your senior dog get the nutrition they need.<\/p>\n
Difficulty chewing or eating can make a senior dog diet difficult to eat<\/em><\/h3>\nPeriodontal (dental) disease, a common problem for many senior dogs, can make it difficult for your dog to chew overly large or hard kibble. Until your senior dog\u2019s dental issues can be addressed, you may want to consider feeding an easier-to-chew kibble or canned food. You can also add a small amount of warm water to soften dry kibble to make it easier for your dog to eat.<\/p>\n
Changes in muscle mass can mean more protein is needed in a senior dog diet<\/em><\/h3>\nLike aging people, older dogs can lose muscle mass despite getting an appropriate amount of exercise. These senior dogs (and humans) may need higher-quality protein \u2014 and possibly a higher level of protein in their diet \u2014 to help build and maintain their muscles. Be sure to talk with your veterinarian about how much protein your senior dog should have.<\/p>\n
More tummy troubles<\/em><\/h3>\nSenior dogs tend to have more upset stomachs than their adult canine counterparts. That\u2019s because your older dog\u2019s digestive system is less efficient at breaking down foods and absorbing nutrients. Two of the more common digestive upsets seen in older dogs are constipation and increased flatulence (extra gas). A food with increased fiber can help avoid constipation, while exercise can help move gas through your dog\u2019s digestive system and stimulate bowel movements.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
No Senior Dog Diet Is Right for Every Senior Dog<\/h2>\n
If you think your older dog would benefit from a food for senior dogs, it\u2019s important to recognize that senior dog foods are not all formulated alike. Because there is no specific nutrient profile established for senior dog diets, \u201csenior foods\u201d are variations of adult maintenance diets. Some are lower in fat or calories, and some are higher in fiber. Other senior dog diets will have added supplements that may help some dogs with joint or digestive problems. Still other senior dog diets are lower in protein, while others can be higher in protein.<\/p>\n
Periodontal (dental) disease, a common problem for many senior dogs, can make it difficult for your dog to chew overly large or hard kibble. Until your senior dog\u2019s dental issues can be addressed, you may want to consider feeding an easier-to-chew kibble or canned food. You can also add a small amount of warm water to soften dry kibble to make it easier for your dog to eat.<\/p>\n
Changes in muscle mass can mean more protein is needed in a senior dog diet<\/em><\/h3>\nLike aging people, older dogs can lose muscle mass despite getting an appropriate amount of exercise. These senior dogs (and humans) may need higher-quality protein \u2014 and possibly a higher level of protein in their diet \u2014 to help build and maintain their muscles. Be sure to talk with your veterinarian about how much protein your senior dog should have.<\/p>\n
More tummy troubles<\/em><\/h3>\nSenior dogs tend to have more upset stomachs than their adult canine counterparts. That\u2019s because your older dog\u2019s digestive system is less efficient at breaking down foods and absorbing nutrients. Two of the more common digestive upsets seen in older dogs are constipation and increased flatulence (extra gas). A food with increased fiber can help avoid constipation, while exercise can help move gas through your dog\u2019s digestive system and stimulate bowel movements.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
No Senior Dog Diet Is Right for Every Senior Dog<\/h2>\n
If you think your older dog would benefit from a food for senior dogs, it\u2019s important to recognize that senior dog foods are not all formulated alike. Because there is no specific nutrient profile established for senior dog diets, \u201csenior foods\u201d are variations of adult maintenance diets. Some are lower in fat or calories, and some are higher in fiber. Other senior dog diets will have added supplements that may help some dogs with joint or digestive problems. Still other senior dog diets are lower in protein, while others can be higher in protein.<\/p>\n
Senior dogs tend to have more upset stomachs than their adult canine counterparts. That\u2019s because your older dog\u2019s digestive system is less efficient at breaking down foods and absorbing nutrients. Two of the more common digestive upsets seen in older dogs are constipation and increased flatulence (extra gas). A food with increased fiber can help avoid constipation, while exercise can help move gas through your dog\u2019s digestive system and stimulate bowel movements.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
No Senior Dog Diet Is Right for Every Senior Dog<\/h2>\n
If you think your older dog would benefit from a food for senior dogs, it\u2019s important to recognize that senior dog foods are not all formulated alike. Because there is no specific nutrient profile established for senior dog diets, \u201csenior foods\u201d are variations of adult maintenance diets. Some are lower in fat or calories, and some are higher in fiber. Other senior dog diets will have added supplements that may help some dogs with joint or digestive problems. Still other senior dog diets are lower in protein, while others can be higher in protein.<\/p>\n