Diet Tips for Elderly Dogs
Are you a loving parent to an aging or elderly dog? If so, you might have noticed a few changes in terms of their energy level, weight, movement, appetite, the level of care they need, and overall health.
But did you know that most of these “negative changes” can be managed by simply observing the appropriate diet for your pooch?
Read on for some diet tips you can use to improve your senior canine’s overall health and well-being!
Why Is Proper Diet Important For Older Dogs?
For a good reason, diet is one of the most important things to think about before bringing a pet home. as a new family member. As your lovely pooch grows older, they become more prone to various health issues, from arthritis to diabetes, kidney problems, digestive issues, and other age-related problems – just like humans.
Their nutritional requirements thus change, and at times, you may have to tailor their diet to any possible health issues that they may have or risk encountering. We want our pets to live the best life for as long as possible, and that could mean the need for some diet changes as they age.
Diet Tips to Keep Your Senior Pooch
1. Keep the Diet Balanced and Adjust Portion Sizes Accordingly
Keeping your elderly dog’s diet balanced and having their portion sizes adjusted is essential to their health and overall well-being. Start by providing high-quality senior dog kibble that is specifically designed for them.
Aim for foods with higher protein levels to provide more energy, as well as fewer calories to support lean muscle health in seniors. Also, avoid grain-free formulas as they may be too tough on the gut of an older pup.
Similarly, adjusting portion sizes for elderly dogs (to make them smaller than for younger dogs) will help avoid feeding them too much, which could otherwise cause weight gain or other problems. Moreover, incorporate nutritious ingredients into their daily diets; like cooked veggies and fruits, which are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber!
2. Supplement with Probiotics
As your beloved senior pup grows older, adding probiotic supplements to its diet is an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy digestive system as well as strengthening the immune system.
Probiotics do this by increasing the levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and help ward off illnesses and infections.
Plus, supplementing with probiotics will also ensure that nutrients from food are effectively absorbed into your pup’s body! For best results, aim for a formula specifically suited for dogs with age-related health issues.
3. Go for Low-Fat Treats
Besides being an essential part of a dog’s diet, treats are also among the best ways to improve relationships with pets. But with elderly dogs, it is important to opt for snacks and treats that don’t contain excess fat or sugar. Having too much fat in the diet can put extra pressure on your pup’s kidneys and raise cholesterol levels – which is not suitable for senior canines at all.
Instead, offer low-fat options like cooked carrots or pieces of fresh apples as healthy alternatives. This way, you still get to spoil them from time to time without putting their health at risk!
4. Incorporate CBD Oil into Their Diet
Using a natural remedy like CBD oil can be very effective in maintaining your senior pup’s physical and mental health. A few drops of organic, full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD oil added to their food daily provides powerful antioxidant effects.
It helps with inflammation, reduces pain, and helps maintain an overall balance in your pup’s body. If you ask the folks at Honest Paws, CBD oil for dogs may also be specifically designed to, promote mobility, manage anxiety levels, or enhance the overall wellness of your elderly pooch.
CBD oil is specifically great at easing arthritis and skin issues, which are all too common in senior dogs.
5. Keep Your Senior Pup Hydrated
Another important thing to include in your elderly pal’s diet is fresh water! It helps keep them hydrated and encourages healthy weight maintenance. It also helps prevent digestive problems and other possible health issues that could arise due to dehydration.
Aim for at least 2-3 cups of fresh water daily, depending on the size of your pup – but make sure the bowl is always full so they have access whenever necessary! Proper hydration will also give them more energy throughout their day!
As you now know, our senior four-legged pals require extra care and attention for them to live a longer, happy, and more fulfilling life in their golden years. Part of this means always ensuring they get a diet that meets their specific nutritional needs while supporting their health and well-being in every way. Hopefully, the few tips above will help you do just this!