Senior dogs like puppies require special care and the right diet. Once they hit their golden years their nutritional needs completely change based on their age and weight.
Most times people use the word ‘aging’ and ‘geriatric’ interchangeably; however, it is important to understand that when you hear vets talking about geriatric dogs, they are mainly referring to those dogs that are towards the end of their senior period.
What one considers geriatric differs from each breed to breed and the specific breed’s individual lifespan. With the right diet, timely medical intervention, frequent walks, and age-friendly exercises you can even improve your dog’s longevity.
Here are some things you can incorporate in your aging dog’s diet: –
More Fats- Healthy fats from meat like fish and lamb, as well as Omega 3 are essential for dogs, as older dogs who lose their muscle and fur need this to get more energy and vitality throughout the day. This also helps with joint mobility, eases inflammation, and relieves them from pain.
Pack up on the Protein- Most senior dogs struggle with the loss of muscle in their older years, feeding them protein-rich foods helps them make up for it.
Smaller Meals- Rather than feeding your dog two large meals, split their meals throughout the day and feed them smaller portions if they are finding it hard to finish off their meal in one go like they used to. This will also help them digest their food better and get in their daily calorie requirements in place.
Vitamins, Minerals, Probiotics- Certain senior dogs require vitamins to supplement their home-cooked meals if they are not getting adequate nutrition for certain diagnosed conditions such as kidney and liver disease, arthritis, and osteoarthritis. You will need to speak to your vet and figure out how many times a day they would need to take their vitamins which usually come in either capsule or liquid format and often can be mixed in along with their food. Probiotics help dogs with gut-related infections, as well as gastrointestinal-related issues.
Bone Broth- Can be mixed into meals, and is not only delicious for your senior dog, but also packed with an abundance of nutrients. It is easy to digest and has a natural source of Glucosamine, Chondroitin & Hyaluronic acid which helps support joints. It contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds such as Glycine, Proline, and Arginine which are soothing to the Gastrointestinal tract. Further Bone Broth is easy on the palette for those dogs who have difficulty swallowing.
Raw bone chews- Are helpful when it comes to protecting your dog’s dental health and removing tarter. Speak to your veterinarian before purchasing, as some senior and geriatric dog breeds will not be able to handle the toughness of failing gums
