Nutrition is an incredibly powerful tool at every stage of a dog’s life. It can be used to maintain health, prevent disease and even primarily manage some medical conditions. That said, just because your dog gets older doesn’t necessarily mean that their diet needs to change.
There are many foods labeled for mature, senior, and mature dogs. There are even diets labeled for all life stages. It can be difficult to know what is the best food for your senior dog and whether you should switch to a senior dog food.
Do senior dogs need senior dog food?
The decision of what to feed and whether to switch to a senior dog food should be based on many factors, and your veterinarian can help make a recommendation based on your dog’s health, disease risk, and lifestyle.
The purpose of feeding a senior dog is twofold.
If your dog has been diagnosed with an illness known to be affected by nutrition, it may be time to change their food, which is one of the main factors to consider when deciding if your dog needs a senior food.
What makes senior dog food different?
So how is senior dog food different from adult or all life stage dog food? Foods labeled as for senior dogs may have different ingredients and nutritional profiles, but that’s not necessarily the case.
For example, adult dog foods tend to have a protein content of 18-30%, which is roughly the same as senior dog foods, which range from 18-23% (on a dry weight basis). Other nutrient contents can vary widely, as can sodium and phosphorus levels.
What makes senior dog foods different from adult and all life stage foods is whether they also contain specific nutrients and other ingredients that help impact or manage certain diseases.
Reading dog food labels is important, and if you’re considering a change, check with your vet to find out your dog’s specific needs.
All foods, regardless of the growth stage, must provide the recommended amounts of essential nutrients as established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), but it is important to note that AAFCO approval does not guarantee that a food is effective in preventing or controlling a particular disease.
What conditions can senior dog food help manage?
There are a number of known diseases that affect older dogs, many of which can be influenced or managed, either in part or in whole, through nutrition. These include:
In some cases, nutritional changes can impact outcomes or slow the progression of the disease, while in other cases they may simply help reduce symptoms associated with the disease.
Dogs suffering from dental disease may benefit from senior dry foods that are specially shaped, sized and textured to reduce plaque buildup and may contain added ingredients specifically known to inhibit dental disease.
Alternatively, if your older dog has lost their teeth or has few remaining teeth, your vet may recommend canned food for ease and comfort.
Dogs with arthritis benefit from senior foods that contain added ingredients known to be beneficial for joints, such as glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)). Supplements containing these ingredients may be recommended for senior dogs when therapeutic diets are not recommended.
If your dog has kidney disease, your vet may recommend a lower-protein but higher-quality senior food, and often a therapeutic diet may also be recommended.
When should my dog switch to senior dog food?
Dog life stage classifications can help you know when your dog is considered a senior dog. While it depends on the breed and size, most dogs are considered “mature adults” between the ages of 6 and 8. In most cases, any dog over the age of 8 is classified as a senior dog.
These age classifications can be helpful in making food choices, but it’s important to remember that animals are individuals – just because they reach a certain age doesn’t necessarily mean they are physiologically old.
The ageing process is different for every dog and, just like in people, it looks, feels and affects each one differently. If your senior dog is healthy and maintaining a healthy weight, he may not need a new dog food.
Your veterinarian is your best ally when it comes to determining if your dog is ready to transition to a senior diet.
How to choose the best food for senior dogs
Before switching to a senior dog food, check with your veterinarian to see if your dog is ready and if they have any special suggestions.
Here are some tips to help make the transition easier for your dog.
Use the senior version of your current hood
Once your dog is ready to eat senior food, it’s a good idea to start by trying a senior version of what your dog is already eating (the same brand, variety and texture). Many brands offer senior versions of their mature adult foods, which may help avoid any digestive upset that may come with a change in diet.
Look for senior dog food that is similar to your current dog’s food
If your brand doesn’t offer a senior version, look for a senior dog food with similar ingredients and nutritional content. For example, if your dog has always eaten chicken and rice dry food, look for a senior dry food with similar ingredients.
If your veterinarian suggests a different formula, brand, or type, review the ingredients closely and make your choice based on your dog’s unique needs.
Try foods specific to your dog’s size and breed
Senior dog foods usually come in both small and large dog varieties, depending on the brand.
If you have a small dog, you might want to look for senior foods for small dogs (and the same goes for large dogs). These meals are usually formulated with size-specific (or sometimes breed-specific) needs in mind, which might include specific granule shapes, sizes, textures, or additional ingredients for diseases that are more likely to occur in different sizes and breeds.
Follow your veterinarian’s advice for specific conditions
If your dog has been diagnosed with a disease known to be affected by nutrition, or is at risk for certain diseases based on his health and lifestyle, your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic or prescription diet. These diets require a veterinarian prescription.
These diets do not usually have the word “senior” in the name, but are formulated to manage illnesses common in senior dogs. They may have added ingredients not found in commercial diets, or unique differences in their formulations.
Slowly transition your dog to a new senior food
Once you’ve chosen the right diet for your senior dog, it’s important to transition them to the new diet gradually – ideally over 7-10 days, with a complete transition to the new diet within 14 days.
If your dog is prone to digestive upset, introducing the new food may take some time. It’s best to start by gradually mixing the new food into their current diet. Each day, increase the new food and decrease the old food until the switch is complete. If digestive upset occurs (vomiting, diarrhea, or refusal to eat), it’s best to discontinue the new food and contact your vet.
Always consult with your vet about any dietary changes
There are so many great options for senior dog food these days. With varying nutrient and ingredient content, it can be hard to know which is best. Choosing the right food for your senior dog should be based on their specific needs, known health conditions, disease risks and lifestyle. Your veterinarian is an important part of your dog’s health and you should consult with them when considering any dietary changes.
Featured Image: iStock.com/Atlantagreg
