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Is There a Change In A Senior Dog Diet?

You have heard all of the propaganda about the new dog diets for older dogs. Is there really a difference between dog food for adult dogs and kibble recommended expressly for seniors? How do you identify when to switch your pet to a different diet?

The best source for information about dog food is your pet's veterinarian. Only you and your vet understand the specific requirements of your pet the best. Discuss with your vet your concerns and questions. He or she will be able to direct you on what adjustments, if any, need to be made to your dog's diet.

If your elder dog does not have any health issues and keeps a healthy weight, there is no need to change your dog's diet from adult to senior dog food. On the other hand, if your dog has trouble keeping the weight off or digestive problems, you may have to switch. If weight is the only problem, think about slightly lowering the amount of dog food you give to your pet. This might be all the change your dog's diet requires.

A senior dog is described as a dog in the last third of their life expectancy. Bigger dogs, for instance a Great Dane, live to be around 9 years old. Around the sixth year of life, you may well want to contemplate a senior dog's diet. A poodle, on the other hand wouldn't get to senior status until about age ten because of the longer life expectancy. Mainly, the decision to adjust your dog's diet should be depending on health condition rather than actual age in years. Your vet will help you to settle on when the right time is to adjust your dog's diet.

Dog food especially prepared for senior dogs typically has less calories. This helps to reduce any weight issues. The senior dog food also contains more fiber for the different requirements in your dog's diet. As dogs age, they might suffer from constipation. This extra fiber will help solve this problem.

Renal failure can be a further medical problem for senior dogs. How can your dog's diet avoid this condition? Reducing the amount of protein in your dog's diet will decrease the work load for the kidneys. For this reason, senior dog food normally has lower protein content than standard adult formulas.

Whenever possible, let your dog to eat dry dog food to support excellent dental health. The dry kibble helps to lower plaque and tartar buildup. If your older pet does't want to eat the food dry, you may have to moisten it with water or acquire moist, canned varieties.

If your vet recommends, supplements may be effective as part of your senior dog's diet. Some pets are not able to eat properly due to oral issues. Other older pets are not able to gather all of the nutrients from their food for various health reasons. Supplements such as daily vitamins and glucosamine can be helpful to maintaining a healthy diet for your dog.

Glucosamine helps to encourage joint health. For senior dogs, glucosamine can fight against arthritis and hip displasia.

Vitamins C, A, and E may avert the natural aging process and encourage better health for senior dogs. Talk to your vet about adding such supplements to your dog's diet.

You want what is best for your pet. Your senior dog needs to have a diet that meets their particular nutritional needs. You and your vet can work together to choose what is the best diet for your senior dog. Your dog's diet absolutely affects his or her health. Take care of your pet by monitoring your dog's diet closely with the of your veterinarian.

This Article Was Written By: Wesley Knapp

K9 Critical Care is a great resource for information and products to best care for you pet. Learn more about dog diet and dog health at K9CriticalCare.com

Article Source: http://www.the-landscape-design-site.com/diy

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