Nutrition is a great resource for dogs at all phases of their lives. It can be used to improve overall health, prevent sickness, and even treat some diseases. However, just because your dog is getting older doesn't imply they need a different diet.
There are various food brands such as Orijen dog food designated for mature, aging, and senior dogs on the market. Senior dog food is designed to keep your older dog healthy by promoting lean muscle building and weight maintenance.
The food is prepared using the most nutrient-dense, succulent sections of the prey to offer the nourishment dogs require. It is packed with whole prey animal ingredients including organs and bone. Knowing what is best for your dog and whether or not you should convert to senior dog food can be difficult.
When should you start feeding senior dogs food to my dog?
Every dog ages differently, but at about the age of seven, he may begin to display internal signs of aging, even if he doesn't show any apparent signs of aging. Around this time, your dog's activity level may start to decline, and his metabolism may begin to drop.
His brain may also become less efficient in metabolizing glucose, potentially causing memory issues. Around the age of seven, you should consider transferring him to an adult dog food.
Factors to Consider When Feeding Older Dogs
Dogs, like humans, go through physical changes as they age, which affects their nutritional requirements. That's why it's critical to feed your dog the correct diet to keep his body and mind healthy as he gets older.
Consider the following aspects when selecting a senior dog food
- Activity Level
Older dogs are typically less physically active than younger dogs, making them more prone to weight gain. Dog food such as Orijen dog food for elderly dogs has fewer calories and delivers a diet rich in protein to promote lean muscle mass.
It assists them in maintaining a healthy weight and physical condition. If your older dog isn't as active as he once was, a senior formula with less calories than his adult formula may be a good option to help avoid weight gain.
Senior dog food contains higher protein levels than adult formulas to support mobility and strengthen muscles. In fact, eating more protein can help delay the loss of lean body mass that comes with age and promote a healthy immune system. Glucosamine is also used in senior formulations to support healthy joints
- Appetite
Dogs' senses of taste and smell diminish as they age. Some dogs may have a decrease in appetite as a result of this. Consult your veterinarian first if your older dog is losing interest in his meals.
Once medical causes have been ruled out, try adding water or wet food to your senior dry dog food recipe to make it more appealing. Feeding instructions can also be found on the packaging labels.
- Dental Hygiene
Dental disorders in senior dogs are common, resulting in painful teeth and gums. Adding moisture to the dry kibble, such as water or wet food, will help soften it and make it easier to chew for senior dogs.
Final Thoughts
High-quality senior dog food such as Orijen dog food can help your dog in different ways. When buying senior dog food, look for the following
- Protein levels are higher to aid in the maintenance of lean muscle mass.
- Reduce fat levels to assist your dog to maintain a healthy weight, especially if he is becoming less active.
- Omega fatty acids and glucosamine can help with joint health and mobility.
- Antioxidants help support a healthy immune system
- Enhanced botanical oils such as coconut oil to help promote mental sharpness
