Feeding schedule for senior dogs
As our beloved pups mature (usually around eight years old and up), their dietary needs take a subtle shift. In this article, we'll look at how to create a feeding schedule tailored just right for your senior doggo.
Older dogs can benefit from tweaked meal times, adjusted calorie counts, and a diet that offers more nutritional support for their bones and joints. At Eukanuba, we love seeing healthy, happy and active older dogs, and their diet is a great way to ensure this.
As our furry friends gracefully enter their golden years, their pace slows down, and their nutritional needs undergo a subtle transformation. Generally, once they hit the seven-year mark (or even as early as five for larger breeds), senior dogs start embracing a more relaxed lifestyle, bidding farewell to their days of endless zoomies and energetic play.
With this shift, their bodies require fewer calories and less fat to match their decreased activity levels and slower metabolisms. However, don't let their leisurely demeanour fool you; high-quality, easily digestible protein becomes paramount to maintaining their overall health and body condition.
Crafting the perfect diet for your senior companion means focusing on concentrated, quality protein sources while keeping fat levels low. Additionally, incorporating easily digestible carbohydrates provides the energy boost they need for their leisurely strolls and cosy naps.
But it's not just about what goes into the bowl—essential minerals step up to the plate to support aging joints, ensuring your old pal stays spry and mobile. And let's not forget powerful antioxidants like vitamins C and E, teaming up with protein to bolster the immune system against the sneaky infections that can become more prevalent as our furry friends age gracefully.
When it comes to choosing the right food for your senior pooch, a little extra attention goes a long way. Older dog's senses of smell and taste can lose some of their sharpness, and their ability to chew effectively can diminish. To ensure they're getting the most out of mealtime, opting for smaller dry-food kibble makes it easier for them to nibble with delight.
A higher meat content in their food can help stimulate their appetite, enticing even the most discerning senior palates. Specially formulated senior dog food with tailor-made blends helps ensure they receive the essential nutrients to thrive while still savouring every bite.
Transitioning to a new food can be a delicate process, especially for our seasoned companions. Mix the new formula with their current food to ease the transition, gradually increasing the proportion over about a week to 10 days. This gradual shift allows their digestive system to adapt smoothly, ensuring they enjoy their new senior formula without tummy troubles.
Older dogs can benefit from tweaked meal times, adjusted calorie counts, and a diet that offers more nutritional support for their bones and joints. At Eukanuba, we love seeing healthy, happy and active older dogs, and their diet is a great way to ensure this.
The shifting needs of older dogs
As our furry friends gracefully enter their golden years, their pace slows down, and their nutritional needs undergo a subtle transformation. Generally, once they hit the seven-year mark (or even as early as five for larger breeds), senior dogs start embracing a more relaxed lifestyle, bidding farewell to their days of endless zoomies and energetic play.
With this shift, their bodies require fewer calories and less fat to match their decreased activity levels and slower metabolisms. However, don't let their leisurely demeanour fool you; high-quality, easily digestible protein becomes paramount to maintaining their overall health and body condition.
Crafting the perfect diet for your senior companion means focusing on concentrated, quality protein sources while keeping fat levels low. Additionally, incorporating easily digestible carbohydrates provides the energy boost they need for their leisurely strolls and cosy naps.
But it's not just about what goes into the bowl—essential minerals step up to the plate to support aging joints, ensuring your old pal stays spry and mobile. And let's not forget powerful antioxidants like vitamins C and E, teaming up with protein to bolster the immune system against the sneaky infections that can become more prevalent as our furry friends age gracefully.
Choosing the Right Food
When it comes to choosing the right food for your senior pooch, a little extra attention goes a long way. Older dog's senses of smell and taste can lose some of their sharpness, and their ability to chew effectively can diminish. To ensure they're getting the most out of mealtime, opting for smaller dry-food kibble makes it easier for them to nibble with delight.
A higher meat content in their food can help stimulate their appetite, enticing even the most discerning senior palates. Specially formulated senior dog food with tailor-made blends helps ensure they receive the essential nutrients to thrive while still savouring every bite.
Transitioning to a new food can be a delicate process, especially for our seasoned companions. Mix the new formula with their current food to ease the transition, gradually increasing the proportion over about a week to 10 days. This gradual shift allows their digestive system to adapt smoothly, ensuring they enjoy their new senior formula without tummy troubles.
Feeding Frequency and Portions
A thoughtful approach to feeding frequency and portions can make all the difference in your dog's dining experience and overall well-being. While some older dogs may still thrive on one or two meals a day, others may prefer smaller, more frequent portions, especially if they enjoy canned food.
However, tread lightly on the kibble trail—overfeeding can lead to weight issues, a common concern for our less active senior pals. To ensure they maintain a healthy weight, consider these pointers:
- Serving their meals at room temperature is key to ensuring they can fully taste and smell their food, especially as their senses may not be as sharp as they once were.
- For canned food, planning is crucial—warming an opened can to the right temperature may take up to two hours outside of the fridge. Alternatively, a short stint in the microwave (after removing it from the can) can do the trick, but always check to avoid serving food that's too hot or cold.
- Storing dry complete food in a dry, clean environment—think re-sealable packaging or an airtight container—preserves its freshness by locking in those enticing aromas.
- When it's time to chow down, create a serene dining atmosphere away from distractions, preferably on an easily cleaned surface like a tiled floor or a mat. For larger breeds wrestling with arthritis, elevating their bowl to head height can alleviate discomfort during mealtimes.
The golden rule: No interruptions! Ensure your senior pal dines in peace, away from any potential food thieves, be they children or other furry friends. This minimises stress and helps them focus solely on enjoying their meal.
How much is enough?
While the feeding guide on the back of the pack offers a starting point, remember that every dog is unique. The goal is to maintain a lean, healthy condition, so tune in to your dog's individual needs and adjust portions accordingly. Keep their water bowl topped up with fresh, cool water as well—hydration is key to their well-being at any age.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight for your senior dog is important, as like humans there are implications that come with carrying excess weight. Including diabetes, heart and respiratory issues, and arthritis. Luckily, there are steps you can take to tip the scales in favour of your senior dog's health.
Opting for senior foods with lower calorie levels can help reign in the tendency toward weight gain, providing a balanced diet while accommodating their decreased activity levels. But if the scale keeps creeping upward, it might be time to consider a specially formulated weight control product. These options are lower in fat yet still have the essential vitamins and minerals your senior companion needs, ensuring they receive a balanced diet without the excess calories.
Eukanuba's senior dog food offers tailored support for our aging companions
With a holistic approach to health and well-being, Eukanuba's senior formula meets the unique needs of our furry friends in their golden years. Our senior dog food is designed to maintain mobile joints, boasting over 50% more glucosamine than standard formulas. This means your senior pal can continue to move with ease and grace, embracing their golden years with agility and comfort.
Don't let age slow them down - Eukanuba's senior formula provides optimal energy to sustain an active lifestyle. Whether they're enjoying leisurely strolls in the park or embarking on gentle adventures, this food ensures they have the vitality they need to thrive.