Senior dogs have different nutritional needs to puppies and adult dogs. Here’s why an age-specific diet is the best senior dog food and how it can help your senior pet stay happy and healthy for longer.
As your dog starts to get older, their nutritional needs begin to change. This means that you will have to adjust your senior dog’s diet to better suit their life stage and keep them at their best. Here’s how you can optimise your senior dog’s diet so they stay at their best health for longer.
When is my dog considered a senior?
While each dog will start to move into the senior phase of their life at slightly different times, the age of seven is a time that sees many dogs hit their senior stride. Large and giant breed dogs can move into this phase a little earlier, while toy and smaller breeds will shift to the senior category a bit later in life.
Of course, there will always be exceptions to this rule, but this can be used as a guide to help you make decisions on what is the best senior dog food for your pet. Your local Greencross Vets will be able to give your senior dog a comprehensive health check based on their life stage, and also offer advice on the nutritional requirements that go hand in hand with these changes.
Why do dogs need age-specific diets?
As your dog ages, their body will see some changes that require an update to their diet. For example, you may have noticed that your senior dog is not as energetic as they used to be. It is also common for senior dogs’ metabolism to slow down and for them to experience other issues such as with their mobility and vision. However, these signs of aging can be slowed down by feeding your senior dog the best senior dog food.
What should I feed my senior dog?
The best senior dog food is one that is complete and balanced and has been specifically formulated with their key nutritional requirements in mind, like Super Premium food. A Super Premium pet food created with your senior pet’s life stage in mind is a great way to ensure they are receiving all the nutrients they need. Use our Dog Food Finder Tool to understand which diet is best suited for your unique dog’s life stage, breed and lifestyle.
Super Premium Senior Dog Foods
As your dog’s energy levels decrease and their metabolism slows, they will be more likely to gain weight, so senior Super Premium senior dog foods include a different balance of protein and fat to that of the adult premium dog food formulations. Older pets have a higher risk of issues with their joints, which is why age-specific pet foods include ingredients that also promote joint health. Formulations made for senior dogs will often include nutrients like glucosamine and fatty acids such as Omega-3 and 6 for healthy joints. In addition, look for senior dog food that contains vitamins like vitamin A to help their vision and their brain function, keeping your dog brighter and more active for longer.
Feel free to chat to your local Petbarn team member to find out more about our range of foods for older pets and ask for advice on the best senior dog food for your beloved pet.