Do you have a dog that is beginning to slow down and starting to show signs of aging? I know, it’s a tough thing to watch but as pet owners we must all go through it. We all want our pets to live a long and healthy life and providing them with a healthy, natural diet will help to achieve this. Fortunately for us and our pooches, dog food companies are manufacturing recipes that target the various life stages of our pets. Puppy to senior, you can now find a diet that specifically targets these stages. So what is the best dog food for senior dogs?
In this article I will answer this question, and examine why senior dogs should be consuming a diet that specifically targets their needs. I will list some symptoms that you will want to look out for as a result of the aging process and recommend a few products that may be beneficial to your pet.
The Senior Life Cycle … Signs and Symptoms
Unfortunately, none of us can stop the aging process of our pooches and there are definitely signs that they are entering the stage of senior. We only get them for such a short time and time passes so quickly! Watching our loving companions gradually go downhill is difficult to handle but we need to watch them closely and recognize the signs related to aging. Here is a list of some of some of those signs.
- The most obvious to all of us, the slowing down process
- Mobility – Having difficulty getting up off the floor or down the steps (Can be a sign of joint issues)
- Weight gain which may be attributed to lack of energy, motivation, etc.
- Simple commands are no longer followed
- Lack of appetite (Could suggest some digestive issues)
- An increase in relieving themselves (Frequent visits to the backyard)
- Vision loss or the development of cataracts
- Coat and skin allergies, hot spots, excessive scratching
- Oral issues (Bleeding gums, bad breath, etc.)
- Changes in behavior (Aggressiveness, mood swings)
If you see your dog exhibiting any of these signs or symptoms, I would recommend you see your vet to rule out any possible medical issues. Aging is a normal process, but any underlying medical issue can only make this process much more painful. Talk with your vet and come up with a plan that will be beneficial to you and your pooch.
Taking Care Of Your Senior Pet …
Just like us, dogs who have reached the ‘Golden Years’ have specific needs that require some assistance. Our pets when reaching a certain age, can no longer live an independent lifestyle that they once enjoyed. They need our help! Let’s try to put this into further perspective through a human experience.
Let’s assume a loved one has been placed in a nursing home as needed assistance is required. For the most part, anything they need is provided with the help of others. Getting up to go the bathroom, additional blankets to stay warm, help with meals, medications, etc. See my point here? Your senior pooch will need your assistance as well. There are a number of things you can do to help your pet feel more comfortable around the house that you may consider. Here are a few of those:
- Keep your pet warm (A chilly or damp house can be tough on bones and joints)
- Consider purchasing a new bed for your dog to supply additional comfort (orthopedic dog bed)
- Provide a daily supplement that will provide relief to joints
- Find a softer treat if your pooch is having oral issues
- Keep them active (Short walks if they can tolerate)
- Spend more time stroking and making over your pet (Always a great therapy!)
What Is The Best Dog Food For Senior Dogs?
As you can see, most of these things require some effort on your part as a dog owner, but it will pay huge dividends to your four-legged-companion. One of the most important things to consider in caring for your senior pet is the food we provide them each day. As I mentioned before, many dog food companies have formulated recipes that are targeted to meet the needs of our senior pets. Listed below are three brands that I would recommend without hesitation.
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Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food (Grain Free)
About Orijen: Company bases its formulas on a biological principle that has evolved from the dog’s ancestors. Their belief is that dogs, like their ancestors, should be consuming a diet that is meat based. (Wolf)
Product Details: Company’s recipes are formulated with the belief that protein is essential to the dog’s diet. Fresh, healthy chicken and turkey are the first two ingredients within the recipe. Formula also contains less claories than other products targeting the life cycle of senior dogs. (85% Meat – 15% Fruits and Vegetables)
Available Sizes: 13 and 25 Pound Bags
Dog Showing Signs Of Aging? Try Orijen For Better Results: Amazon.com
2. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Senior Dog Food
About Wellness: Company processes their recipes with natural ingredients without the use of any fillers. Recipes are formulated with healthy nutrients and probiotics to ensure a wholesome diet.
Product Details: Complete and balanced everyday nutrition for your senior dog. Deboned chicken and barley with added glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy hips and joints. All natural ingredients with no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
Available Sizes: 30 Pound Bag
Dog showing signs of aging? Try Wellness For Better Results: Amazon.com
3. Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food
About Nutro: Company produces nutrient-rich food, ensuring ingredients provide a precise purpose. A quality protein is emphasized in this recipe as well. Recipe contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.
Product Details: #1 Ingredient is real chicken; high quality protein, healthy whole grains, a blend of 12 vibrant superfoods and other nutrients selected with care to help your dog thrive. No corn, wheat, or soy protein. Supports healthy digestion, our dog food sustains strong bones, supports heart health, and promotes healthy energy while maintaining overall health and vitality.
Available Sizes: 4, 4.5, 8, 15, 30 Pound Bags
Dog showing signs of aging? Try Nutro For Better Results: Amazon.com
Final Thoughts
These are three quality brands who have a great reputation and produce a product geared at our dogs who have reached the senior stage of their lives. These companies realize the benefits of creating a formula that meets the specific needs of these pets.
If you should start to notice any signs that your pet may be having some issues due to the aging process, it may be time to consider one of these brands. Any assistance, including a new diet, may be necessary as our pets enter a new phase of their lives.
Take a look at the products that I mentioned above by clicking on the link that I have provided and decide which one best fits the need of your pet. I wish you and your pet the very best!
Ready To Get Your Senior Dog The Best Food Possible? Go Ahead And Click On One Of The Three Products Above And Find A Great Price!
1 Comment
Luke · May 5, 2018 at 5:36 pm
Hello Jeff, thanks for stopping by. Sounds like your dog is in great health so I wouldn’t be in much of a hurry to change your pet’s diet.
There are many things to consider when considering a senior dog food such as age, breed, activity level, overall health to name just a few. Larger breeds tend to ‘break down’ much earlier than smaller breeds and show symptoms I discussed in the article.
Keep an eye on your dog taking notice of any signs that may suggest that your pet is slowing down or encountering visible signs of aging. If so, talk with your vet and consider a change to a senior brand of dog food. Hope this helps Jeff and thanks again for visiting my site.
Luke