| You may not want to admit it, but your furry friend | | | | have constipation, this extra fiber will help relieve this |
| is getting older. So you will want to make sure your | | | | problem. |
| pet will be happy and healthy for the more years to | | | | Renal failure can be another medical problem for |
| come. You may have seen all of the promotions | | | | senior dogs. How can your dogs diet help this |
| about the new dog diets for older pets. Are there | | | | problem? Reducing the amount of protein in your |
| differences between dog food for adult dogs and | | | | dogs diet will decrease the work load for the kidneys. |
| kibble that is recommended specifically for seniors? | | | | For this reason, senior dog food frequently has lower |
| How will you know when to switch your pet to a | | | | protein content than regular adult formulas. |
| different diet? | | | | Whenever possible, allow your dog to eat dry dog |
| The best resource for information about dog diets is | | | | food to encourage excellent dental health. The dry |
| your pets veterinarian. Only you and your vet know | | | | kibble helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. If |
| the specific needs of your pet the best. Discuss with | | | | your older pet refuses to eat the food dry, you may |
| your vet your concerns and questions. He or she will | | | | need to moisten it with water or purchase moist |
| be able to advise you on what changes, if any, need | | | | canned varieties. |
| to be made to your dogs diet. | | | | When your vet recommends supplements may be a |
| If your senior dog does not have any trouble with | | | | help as part of your senior dogs diet. It Is because, |
| there health and has a healthy weight, there will be | | | | some pets are unable to eat properly due to dental |
| not a need to change your dogs diet from adult to | | | | problems. many other older pets are not able to gain |
| senior dog food. But, if weight is the an issue, | | | | all of the nutrients from their food, this again is for |
| consider giving smaller portions of dog food to your | | | | various health reasons. Supplements such as, vitamins |
| pet. This may be the only change you need to make | | | | given everyday and glucosamine can be a great help |
| to your dogs diet requires. | | | | to maintain a healthy diet for your dog. |
| A senior dog is classed as a dog in the last third of | | | | Glucosamine helps joint health. For senior dogs, |
| their life. Larger dogs, such as Great Danes, live to be | | | | glucosamine can help to fight arthritis and hip displasia. |
| about 9 years old. When they reach the age of 9 | | | | Vitamins C, A, and E, are helpful in preventing the |
| years old, you may want to think about a senior | | | | natural aging process and promote better health for |
| dogs diet. On the other hand, a Poodle will not reach | | | | senior dogs. You should always talk with your vet |
| senior status until about age of ten, this is due to the | | | | before adding such supplements to your dogs diet. |
| longer life expectancy. The decision to alter your | | | | You will want as we all want, what is best for your |
| dogs diet should be based on there health condition, | | | | pet. Your senior dog needs to have a diet that |
| rather than there actual age in years. Your vet will | | | | meets their particular nutritional requirements. Work |
| help you to decide when the right time is to change | | | | together with your vet, and you can both decide |
| your dogs diet. | | | | what is the best diet for your senior dog. Your dogs |
| Dog food specially made for senior dogs has less | | | | diet have a direct affect his or her health. Take care |
| calories. This helps any weight issues. Senior dog food | | | | of your pet by observing your dogs diet closely, with |
| also contains more fiber for the different dietary | | | | the aid of your vet you should have a happy, health |
| needs in your dogs diet. As dogs age, they tend to | | | | dog for many years to come. |