Switching to Senior Dog Food: Why & When is it Important?
As dogs age, their calorie requirements change and their metabolism slows down. If you have a senior dog, you might have noticed that they are not gamboling around anymore like they used to and their energy levels have dropped. What could be even worse is that now they’re struggling with everyday movements too.
In another moment, the reality kicks in, and you realise that your dog is a senior now, and you might need to switch to a specialised diet to ensure their health and comfort in their sunset years. That’s right. Senior dogs need a different balance of nutrients to meet their nutritional needs as compared to their young counterparts. This is where senior dog food comes into play.
In this blog, we’ll explain why and when you should switch your senior dog to senior dog food.
Why is Senior Dog Food Beneficial?
Senior dog food is specifically tailored to address the changing dietary needs of older pets. When your dog is in its senior years, their body undergoes various changes that affect their nutritional needs. Here’s how senior dog food can help maintain their ideal body condition:
Low calorie content
Senior dogs are less active than adult dogs, so their calorie requirements are also lower. Senior dog food is specially designed with an adapted calorie content to prevent obesity, the most common health issue in ageing dogs. Maintaining a healthy weight also helps avoid added stress on joints, hips, and the heart.
Joint health support
Age-related wear and tear of joints can often lead to joint health problems in dogs. Senior dog food is enriched with special joint support ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, etc., to help maintain cartilage health, reduce inflammation, and prevent joint issues like arthritis and stiffness in older dogs.
High fibre content
Your dog’s digestion may slow down with age, and now they may have a more sensitive stomach. Ageing dog food is formulated with high fibre content and highly digestible ingredients, making it easier to digest for them. This formulation may also help prevent common digestive health problems like constipation or diarrhoea in senior dogs.
Brain health support
Cognitive decline is a common issue in ageing dogs due to geriatric changes in their brain. Dog food for senior dogs is often formulated withbrain health nutrients like DHA, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and L-carnitine to support their cognitive function and prevent canine Alzheimer’s and other neurological conditions.
Heart health support
A senior dog’s heart and circulatory system can start to weaken with age. Ageing dog food is enriched with ingredients like taurine, CoQ10, L-carnitine, omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil) and antioxidants (like vitamins E and C) to support heart health and reduce inflammation, which can help manage the early signs of heart disease.
When to Switch to Senior Dog Food?
As a general rule, dogs are considered senior dogs at the age of 7 (though some larger breeds may get the senior status earlier). So, at this age, you can consider changing your dog’s food in consultation with your vet to ensure they are getting the right nutrients.
However, this timeline may also vary depending on the size and breed of dogs. For example:
- Smaller dog breeds (like Pomeranians and Maltese) might need a change in diet after 9-10 years of age.
- Large dog breeds (like Saint Bernards or Great Danes) may benefit from senior dog food at the age of 5-6 years, as their big size may put extra strain on their heart and joints.
In addition to age, you can also consider the following signs that suggest it is time to switch to senior dog food.
- Weight gain without any changes in food intake
- Changes in behaviour or cognition
- Difficulty in walking or climbing stairs
- Lethargy and reduced activity or sleeping more than usual
- Frequent digestive upsets, like vomiting or diarrhoea
- Dental issues like difficulty in chewing or bad breath
Parting Words
Switching to senior dog food at the right time is crucial for managing age-related health issues and increasing longevity in older dogs. By choosing a dog food tailored to your senior dog’s needs, you can help them live a comfortable and healthy life for years to come.
If you have a senior dog and are wondering whether it’s time to switch to senior dog food or are confused about which senior dog food is best for them, do not hesitate to have a word with your vet. Your veterinarian is the best source of personalised advice.
