As humans, your dog also ages and is relatively earlier than humans. With age, numerous health problems arise in your dog, such as deterioration of the skin and coat, loss of muscle mass, digestion problems, obesity, arthritis, dental problems, and decreased ability to fight infection. However, large dogs experience age-related changes earlier compared to smaller dogs that live longer. This gives us the clue to estimate when it is time to feed your canine a senior diet food based on size.

A standard guideline to follow to determine how the age of dogs relates to their size is:

  • Small breeds or dogs weighing less than 20 pounds – 7 years old.

  • Medium Breeds and Dogs weighing between 21 and 50 pounds – 7 years of age.

  • Large Breeds and Dogs 51-90 Pounds – 6 Years Old.

  • Giant breeds and dogs weighing 91 pounds or more – 5 years of age.

Say no to low protein diets

Typically, it is believed that as dogs age they require less protein. This is far behind the actual fact. Older dogs need as much protein as before. Studies have shown that older dogs should receive the proper level of protein, and this does not open the doors to the development or progression of kidney failure. It’s even crucial to feed older dogs optimal levels of easily digestible protein to help retain good muscle mass.

Make sure to provide a low calorie diet

Older dogs have been recorded to gain extra body fat despite consuming fewer calories. Due to age, this change in a body is unstoppable and can be triggered due to reduced energy expenditure or a sudden change in metabolism. Whatever the reason, it is essential to feed a low calorie diet to avoid any possibility of weight gain and the problems derived from obesity. However, reaching the proper protein level is important to help retain muscle mass.

Talk to your vet about changing your older dog’s diet

Aging can directly affect a dog’s intestinal functionality. It can hamper gut bacteria, which can lead to symptoms of gastrointestinal infections. When selecting a diet for older dogs, make sure it contains FOS (fructooligosaccharides) which promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, this invariably aids in proper digestion, preventing any digestive problems.

Choose foods with a high proportion of vitamin E and beta carotene

Antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene help scavenge free radicals that can greatly damage body tissues and cause signs of aging. Diets for older dogs should contain higher levels of these antioxidant compounds. A good amount of antioxidants is responsible for increasing the effectiveness of the immune power in older dogs.

Stick to consistency

Never be inconsistent when it comes to routine geriatric pet care. Along with a consistent daily routine, timely veterinary examinations should be included to diagnose the presence or progress of a chronic disease. Stressful situations and sudden changes in daily routine should be avoided. In case you are looking to make a drastic change in your older pet’s routine, remember to put it on a gradual scale.

Simply put, older dogs experience a variety of physiological changes along with psychological changes. To cope with these changes, it is advisable to follow the proper diet that is recommended for older dogs. You have to take care of two things: your weight and your agility. Your senior dogs need not only a proper diet and optimal weight, but also regular health check-ups at a vet office. It is not limited to this, care must be extended when adding the nutritional supplements to aid your physical health. Well, by taking proper care of your senior dog, you can help him to happily pass his golden years.