Nutritional Needs of Senior Dogs
What to Look for in a Senior Diet
Special Needs
Unlike larger-breed dogs who are considered mature at 5, small breed dogs usually don’t experience age-related changes as early as that. But by age 7, most dogs are considered to be senior, and their nutritional requirements are changing, too. You can help keep your dog active, happy and healthy with a specially formulated senior diet that delivers highly digestible, enhanced nutrition.
The Signs of Ageing
The changes your dog is experiencing right now affect him in many ways. You may notice a dull, dry coat and flaky skin, energy loss or weight gain, more frequent intestinal problems, joint stiffness and a loss of lean muscle mass. It’s true that an ageing dog requires fewer calories. But to address special senior concerns, your dog still needs high-quality protein and carefully balanced nutrients.
What to Look for in a Senior Diet
What your dog needs is a high-quality, balanced, maintenance food formulated for a small dog’s changing metabolism. Look for options with these age-essential nutrients:
- vitamin-rich fish oils for healthy skin, a shining coat and overall health
- antioxidants such as vitamin E to support the immune system
- high-quality animal-based protein sources to help maintain muscle mass
- special fibre sources such as beet pulp to gently maintain intestinal health and enhance your dog’s ability to absorb age-essential nutrients
- special carbohydrate blends of healthy grains for sustained energy
Special Needs
Older, less active dogs are prone to weight gain. Controlling your dog’s weight can help protect against health effects such as diabetes or joint stress. Your dog will benefit from a light diet with these key ingredients:
- a reduced fat level that still offers essential nutrients for skin and coat health
- L-carnitine, a key nutrient that helps burn fat and maintain muscle mass during weight loss
- special carbohydrate blends that help maintain energy
- vitamin-rich fish oils for overall health
