Food for old dogs: what are they and how to choose the right one?

For dog breeders, choosing the right diet is fundamental to the grooming process. In this issue, not only belonging to a breed plays a role, but also the age of the pet, especially when it comes to old four-legged friends. Therefore, the choice of industrial food for adult dogs should be approached with special care.

Competent selection of the components of the diet of an elderly pet will help smooth out some of the health and well-being problems of the dog, but for this it is necessary to thoroughly approach the issue of organizing the menu. In this matter, the needs of the body of an elderly animal, as well as the characteristics of the composition of the feed used, should be taken into account. It is believed that the aging process in dogs, regardless of breed and size, begins around the age of 8.

In addition, pets have problems with the oral cavity: periodontal disease may develop, teeth begin to fall out... In this case, the breeder will need to provide the animal with food that will be easy to chew even in this version. Depending on the individual nuances, the dog can be transferred to wet versions of industrial food or purchased products containing small croquettes, which can be soaked before use.

Dry or wet dog food may need to be replaced in some cases. Such a need is due to stool disorders characteristic of the elderly due to a decrease in activity.

Obesity and problems with the health of the genitourinary system can be eliminated or minimized by choosing dry food for older dogs with a lower proportion of protein. Its content in the selected products should not exceed 14%. Low-calorie options can help avoid problems with excess weight, which negatively affects the functioning of all organs of the animal.

Industrial products based on pork or beef are best replaced with varieties where the meat component will be rabbit, lamb, chicken or turkey... This question also applies to seafood, among the suitable options should be considered cod or halibut based feed.

In addition, you can offer the animal pre-steamed wheat bran.

The content of vitamins and minerals in industrial feed is an important aspect., which will have a positive effect on the health of the dog. In this matter, the class of purchased dog food plays a huge role. Veterinarians recommend during this period to opt for the super-premium class or purchase products of the holistic class.

Animals will need B vitamins, vitamins C and E, as well as biotin, omega-3 acids, calcium, zinc, magnesium... Large breed dogs that are prone to ailments related to the musculoskeletal system should select products that include glucose and chondroitin.

Among the varieties of industrial feed worth highlighting:

• dry food for feeding;
• wet products.

The first type is most often used. As a rule, specialized products for elderly animals are made taking into account all the needs of an aging organism; the composition contains the necessary vitamins and microelements.

The second option is less in demand among breeders, however, pates and other types of industrial food may be needed by dogs that have pronounced problems with gums and teeth with age. Some manufacturers have a specialized therapeutic series of such products, indicated for gingivitis, tartar or periodontal disease.

As for the division of products into classes, for old dogs the food is represented by the following varieties:

• holistic;
• premium;
• super premium.

Most manufacturers divide their products for aging animals according to the size of the dogs. So, on sale, breeders can find:

• food for older dogs of large breeds;
• products for medium-sized animals;
• feed for small breeds.

Also, in the assortment of pet stores, you can find an equally high-quality and demanded category of feed for universal purposes, which is allowed to be introduced into the diet of animals of any size, the main thing in this matter is the convenience of using croquettes by pets.

In the ranking of feeds for large animals of advanced age it is worth highlighting the following brands.

• Acana Senior Dog. The manufacturer offers products where the meat component is present dehydrated chicken... With regard to the proportion of carbohydrates, dry food contains oats.

• Royal Canin. This brand offers a line for pets over 5 years old, as well as food for four-legged friends over 8 years old. The products are fully adapted to the needs of the animal's body, does not contain dyes or preservatives.

• Eukanuba Mature & Senior. A specialized group of feeds designed for animals from 5 years old, which have problems with gums and teeth.

Among the brands offering food for medium-sized dogs, it is worth highlighting the following products.

• Acana Senior Dog. Commercial dog food from a Canadian manufacturer, where the bulk of the composition is whole eggs, seafood and poultry.

• Eakunoba Dog Mature & Senior. Dutch brand selling premium products for animals. The main ingredient of the product is poultry or lamb.

For medium-sized breeds, it is advised to introduce products into the diet at about 7 years old.

For aging small breed dogs, manufacturers also offer their own product line. Among the demanded pet supplies it is worth highlighting the following brands.

• Hill's Science Plan Active Longevity. A feature of the composition is high coarse fiber content, which have a beneficial effect on digestion, as well as the work of the myocardium.

• Brit Senior. Dry food, in which the meat component is lamb, cereals are represented by rice.

• Orijen Senior Dog. A holistic product recommended for older dogs aged 8-12 years. It contains a minimum of carbohydrates, the proportion of proteins in the total mass is 85%.

• Pronature Holistic Senior Oceanic White end Wild Rice. Another product from the holistic series, designed to meet the needs of adult small breed dogs. The basis of the commercial feed is made up of white varieties of oceanic fish and wild rice.

In addition to the main ingredients, the manufacturer has additionally enriched its product with extracts of fatty acids and oils, as well as a vitamin and mineral complex.

• Royal Mini Mature 8+, Medium Adult 7+, Medium Adeind 10+, Mini Aging 12+. These products represent a series of industrial food for older dogs of small sizes, which is divided by the manufacturer based on the age group of the pet. A distinctive feature of the above products is the different size of croquettes or granules, in addition, they differ in their composition. The food contains all the necessary components to maintain the health of elderly dogs, but the products have a minimum percentage of protein.

The first priority when choosing food for your elderly pet is to consult with an experienced veterinarian; it is best to ask a similar question to a specialist who has observed the dog from a young age.

The change of industrial feed from one to another should take place gradually. Usually, the new treat is added little by little to the portions of food that the dog is used to eating in the past.

Also, in the process of self-selection or under the supervision of a veterinarian, you should pay attention to the following nuances.

• Studying the presented assortment in a pet store, you should pay special attention to the composition indicated on the label, familiarize yourself with the information regarding recommendations for the intended use of the product, the age and size of the dog.
• If your pet has digestive problems and is overweight, it is best to consider a diet food series. There are also specialized series designed for pets with problems with teeth, gums, musculoskeletal system.
• Do not consider industrial food of the budget category as options for feeding. It is best to purchase super-premium, premium or holistic products. Inappropriate savings can lead to serious negative health consequences for a dog eating poor quality food.
• When composing a dog's diet, it is recommended to adhere to the information from the manufacturer regarding the daily intake of the purchased products by animals. The portions should be small, which will have a positive effect on digestion and eliminate the risk of obesity.
• Choosing from a wide range of feeds, it is worth making sure that the granules in the package are small. Small breed dogs and pets with dental problems may need to pre-grind or soak croquettes for chewing.
• You should not choose food with too strong aroma or rich taste, some pets may refuse such food altogether.

The following video will show you how to feed older dogs.