From the age of seven, a dog is considered a senior. The passage of time affects our ARISTODOGS just as it affects us. At this stage, dogs’ temperaments usually become calmer (although some become more cantankerous), and they also become less active and energetic. They also undergo physical changes (gray hairs around the mouth and eyes, difficulty exercising, and hearing and vision problems). For all these reasons, their needs change. Their diet should change as well (just as we adjust their diet when they are puppies).
According to a study conducted by a university in the United States, eight out of ten ARISTOPARENTS suspect that their furry friend will need a different diet when they reach old age. However, only half of owners make the necessary changes to their dogs’ diets. In many cases, this is due to a lack of knowledge. In others, unfortunately, it is due to neglect.
Today at ARISTOPET, we aim to give you some tips for feeding your senior ARISTODOG properly, helping them reach their later years with a good quality of life and continue to be happy.
1. Reduce fats
A dog entering old age needs the same basic nutrients as a young dog. These nutrients include proteins, fats, vitamins, carbohydrates, and minerals. The difference lies in the amount of these components that should be in our ARISTODOG’s bowl.
In this regard, fats are what vary the most. An elderly dog still needs fats to maintain its body temperature and protect itself from the cold. Fats also help keep its coat and skin in good condition. However, its diet should be less energy-dense and contain less fat, since a dog’s physical activity usually decreases at this stage.
This decrease in exercise means that they burn calories more slowly. Therefore, a senior dog is at greater risk of becoming overweight. Although this can be counteracted with certain exercises, as we show you in this post, we must also help them with a suitable diet.
Extra weight increases the risk of diabetes or worsening arthritis. Veterinarians therefore recommend reducing the number of calories they consume by around 20%. At ARISTOSHOP, you can find a wide range of foods suitable for this stage of your ARISTODOG’s life.
2. Make sure they get enough protein
An elderly dog’s diet should contain more protein to counteract muscle deterioration. In this regard, like a young animal, an elderly dog needs protein to help transform the food it eats into smaller substances that its body can use.
3. More vitamin C
A dog’s body cells also age. An elderly dog may suffer memory loss and other cognitive dysfunctions. Vitamin C helps delay brain deterioration because it acts as an antioxidant. Therefore, the amount of vitamin C in a dog’s diet should be increased. Some lipids, such as phosphatidylserine, also help keep canine neurons active.
At ARISTOSHOP, you will also find a range of vitamin-rich products to take the best possible care of your elderly dog.
We hope these tips help you take better care of your senior dog. You already know that at ARISTOPET, we have a great love for them. In fact, as we have told you on previous occasions, having a senior dog is fantastic. More and more people are realizing how grateful they are and how special the relationship is between an ARISTOPARENT and their elderly ARISTODOG. Sara Rivero and Peter Weber, the protagonists of our latest editorial, are a great example of this.