When does my dog become a senior?
Gray muzzle, less energy, and more cuddles - our dogs →eventually get old and change. Aging involves not just gray fur and poor eyesight; the needs of your furry friend change, especially when it comes to food.
But when does your beloved pet actually count as a senior? This is dependent on the size and breed of your dog. Large dog breeds weighing 30 kilos and more are considered seniors from about the age of 5 to 7 years. Small dog breeds, on the other hand, which weigh around 5 kilos, are considered seniors from about the age of 9 years.
Why give special senior food?
When metabolism, digestion, and movement processes slow down with age, is it enough to simply give less food? The answer is clearly: No! Although your dog's energy needs decrease with age, a simple reduction of the usual food would also favor a deficiency in nutrients. Your gray muzzle actually needs vitamins and minerals as well as the occasional "extra" well into old age!
The benefits of senior food for your dog at a glance:
- The right amount of protein to support muscles and movement
- Easily digestible protein sources and other nutrients to support digestion, such as chicken, rice, and cottage cheese
- More vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins C and E, to support the immune system
- A lower phosphorus content to relieve the kidneys
- An increased fiber content to stimulate the intestines
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Viele ältere Hunde bevorzugen Nassfutter, da sie die weichen Futterstückchen besser kauen können.
Diseases in older dogs and the right nutrition
In addition, there are minor ailments that are completely normal for an older dog but do not have to limit him. These include, among others, digestive problems such as bloating or →constipation, tooth pain due to, for example, →tartar, and joint problems like →arthritis. With a suitable senior food, you can address these challenges of aging and continue to bring your beloved pet much joy in the bowl and everyday life.
For digestive problems
The digestion of older dogs is often a bit more susceptible to disturbances as the bacterial balance in the gut changes. Bloating, constipation, or →diarrhea occur more frequently as a result. By providing age-appropriate food with easily →digestible protein sources like chicken or kangaroo, you can prevent digestive problems. You should also ensure that you serve your four-legged friend his food only at room temperature and possibly →switch to wet food.
For dental problems
Especially the →dental health suffers in old age for many four-legged friends. Firm food pieces are no longer chewed as well or as eagerly as in previous years. If you notice that your senior refuses his usual dry food, have him checked by veterinarians. Perhaps he has tooth pain? In such cases, switching to wet food may be more pleasant for your gray-muzzled friend. The soft food pieces are easier and more pleasant to chew.
For joint problems
Just like in humans, a certain wear and tear of the joints becomes noticeable in our beloved four-legged friends. Especially large dog breeds are more prone to diseases like arthritis, hip, and elbow dysplasia. In addition to gentle exercise, the food also plays an important role here. Certain ingredients like green-lipped mussel or salmon support joint and cartilage health. Both can be found in our [→wet food VET Joint Fit with salmon, chicken, and quinoa.](/products/nassfutter-vet-gelenk-fit-fur-hunde)
Behandlungsbegleitend an eurer Seite: Pets Deli VET
Dry food or wet food for older dogs?
→Senior food for dogs is often offered as wet food, as many four-legged friends develop dental problems in old age and can no longer chew dry food as well. Wet food has a pleasant consistency and additionally provides your beloved pet with moisture.
But whether dry or wet food - pay attention to a →high-quality senior food with a short, transparent ingredient list. Instead of animal by-products, the exact meat cuts should definitely be listed. High-quality proteins are derived from muscle meat and organs like heart or liver.
An adjusted, reduced protein and phosphorus content relieves the kidneys and provides your dog with exactly the amount of energy he needs for a less active everyday life. At the same time, vitamins and minerals should be present in higher amounts to meet the needs of your gray muzzle. Healthy fruits or vegetables provide fiber that can get your older dog's sluggish digestion moving. The nutritional additives should be clearly listed - this way, you can see if your dog is getting what he needs.
At Pets Deli, you can find exactly that: We have no secrets from you and you can see exactly what you are feeding your dog: A high meat content, fresh fruits and vegetables, rich oils, and healthy herbs.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Fit bis ins hohe Alter - mit dem richtigen Futter kannst du die Gesundheit deines Vierbeiners unterstützen und ihm zeigen, wie lieb du ihn hast.
Weight problems in older dogs
It is not uncommon to observe that older dogs can no longer maintain their ideal weight. Due to the slowed metabolism and less desire to be active, some seniors gain a few extra pounds here and there. →Obesity should, however, be avoided even in your dog's old age, as it places additional strain on the joints and cardiovascular system. Perhaps you should cut back on the snacks a bit or adjust the food amount again.
However, it can also happen that your dog loses weight and becomes thinner. Due to eating problems or digestive issues, or the loss of sense of smell and taste, some dogs simply lose their appetite. Here, you might try adding a bit of [salmon oil](/products/lachsol-fur-hunde) over your pet's food. If your dog continues to lose weight, have him checked by veterinarians to ensure that nothing else is behind the →loss of appetite.
