Keep Your Furry Friend Healthy With the Best Senior Dog Foods

As we get older, a lot of things change in our body system and we have to be particularly watchful about our diet; goodbye burgers and fries and hello to broccoli, yuck! The same rule applies to our beloved furry babies. As our dog grows older, their dietary needs change and it is our responsibility to feed them with the best dog food made specifically for senior dogs.

These dog foods made for senior dogs are packed with essential ingredients needed for an aged dog to thrive and live a happy life. Whether your dog is just starting to enter its prime years or maybe it’s been sporting grey hair for a while now, you need to pay attention to the fact that its nutritional needs are changing. So if you’re searching for the best dog food for senior dogs, then you’ve arrived at your destination.

Buying dog food for senior dogs can be tricky. There is important nutritional information to look out for. This information ought to be taken into consideration if you want the best dog food for your canine. We’ve taken the liberty of making this buying guide to help you make the right choice for yourself and your furry friend.

When Should I Start Feeding My Dog Senior Dog Food?

Some dogs don’t show external signs of aging while it is quite visible in other dogs.  Every dog ages differently, you can tell your dog is starting to age when it has been with you for more than six years.

Around this time, your dog’s activity may begin to slow down and his metabolism may begin to decrease. This could lead to obesity. You may want to get the best dog food for it at this stage to provide proper nutrition that will keep their coat sleek and shiny, their joints flexible, and their digestive system running smoothly.

What Should I Consider When Buying Senior Dog Food?

Age

The age of your dog is a very important factor to consider when buying the best dog food for our senior dogs. Your canine would not remain an agile pup forever. As your dog gets older and slower, you should definitely start thinking along the lines of the best senior dog food.

The nutritional needs of every dog differ. A dog that is pregnant would require diets that are high in calories, while a senior dog would need a lower-calorie diet.

Weight

An overweight dog is naturally a cause for concern, but your dog is more likely to gain eight as it gets older. You can tell your dog’s weight with a measuring scale to know if it is overweight or underweight. Measuring food in the right amount can help you control the weight problem and if you have a dog that eats too quickly, special feeding bowls can be used to help them slow down when eating.

Lower levels of fat

When buying the best dog food, your senior dog’s weight is a piece of important information to pay attention to. As he grows older, his metabolism would not be able to burn as many calories or glucose. This may make him overweight and could cause problems on his joints and cardiovascular system. The best dog food for senior dogs would be one with slightly decreased fat and increased protein to build and maintain lean muscle mass and promote their general well-being.

Higher levels of protein

Protein is one of the most important ingredients in senior dog food. It helps to replace age-damaged or injury damaged tissues and also helps with kidney problems. Always apply this equation when buying the best dog food for your senior canine- high-quality protein and low levels of fat.

Botanical oils and joint supplements

Dog food containing natural botanical oils such as coconut oil is also a recommended ingredient to look out for when buying dog food for senior dogs. You also have to factor in ingredients such as; omega fatty acids, chondroitin and glucosamine to help with joint support and enhance flexibility.

Antioxidants

As your dog gets older, its immune system will decrease. The risk of them being infected by various diseases will increase as they age. Dog food that contains antioxidants is a great way to boost the immune system of a senior dog. Foods that contain fruits and vegetables, as well as other supplements, are great sources of the antioxidants required to support your dog’s health.

What Should I Stay Away From?

Meat by-products

Meat by-products consist of the waste and non-meat remnants from an animal. These byproducts have little or no protein in them; hence it is advisable that you go for dog foods formulas that contain real meat or meat meals. Ensure to read the ingredients of what food you’ll be buying for your senior dog to avoid buying one with a meat by-product.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

MSG is usually used to enhance the taste of different foods. But, it may trigger a dangerous allergic reaction in both canines and humans. We strongly recommend that you avoid any dog food that contains monosodium glutamate.

Beware of sweeteners

Some dog food companies add sweeteners to their products to entice dogs to eat more of them. Sweeteners such as; corn syrup, sucrose, ammoniated glycyrrhizin, and other types.  Stay clear off dog foods with sweeteners such as these, they can make existing health problems become so much worse. Ensure to carefully go through the ingredients used in making the food before buying for your old pal.

Artificial preservatives

You need to avoid dog foods preserved with chemicals. Artificial preservatives may be harmful to your senior canine. Instead, go for dog foods that have natural preservatives like, vitamin C, tocopherols, or even rosemary extract. The shelf life of dog food preserved with natural ingredients may be considerably shorter than the one preserved with chemicals. So, ensure that you check the expiration dates before buying.

Artificial coloring

Your dog doesn’t care if what it is eating has the colors of the rainbow or the aurora borealis. What matters to it is that the food is tasty and what should matter to you is that the meal contains essential ingredients needed for your senior dog’s nutritional needs. Artificial coloring does more harm than good. Stay clear of such products and focus on finding dog food with wholesome ingredients.