What To Look For In Senior Dog Food
Quality Proteins
Like almost all dog foods, good quality senior meals need to focus on providing a good protein source for your pup, and older dogs require it more than ever to keep their muscles lean and strong! Good proteins can also relieve pressure on the kidneys and help maintain weight.
Reduced-Fat and Carbohydrates
As pups get older, it’s only natural that they become slightly less active and mobile than in their younger years. This, unfortunately, poses a bit of a problem at mealtimes though, as the average canine diet can often be high in fat and carbohydrates. Choosing a senior food which is low in fat and carbs means they won’t over-consume on energy-burning food groups, and therefore are at less risk of gaining weight
High Fibre
Immobility in older mutts has a negative effect on the muscles in the gut. This means ageing dogs can often suffer from poor digestion and so a healthy dose of fibre in their diet usually makes for more efficient bowel movements.
Low Calories
As well as a lack of activity, the metabolic rate of a canine usually reduces in old age, meaning it can be difficult to manage their weight. A lower calorie diet naturally solves this issue.
Bone/Joint Strengthening Ingredients
The most common problem suffered by elderly pups is joint pain and arthritis. The supplements glucosamine, chondroitin and MSN can help relieve this pain by increasing the flexibility of their joints.
Vitamins & Minerals
At an older age, dogs are far more susceptible to contracting diseases or becoming ill, so it’s crucial to keep their immune systems up. Plenty of vitamins and minerals is the easiest way to nourish their natural defences and fight off such nastiness.
Wholesome Grains
For some bizarre reason, millions of dog owners are removing grains from their mutt’s diet, despite it having no real benefits for your dog. Wholesome grains like oatmeal, brown rice and quinoa can actually be incredibly healthy and are a great source of amino acids. These are proteins which don’t need to be broken down and so can be instantly used by your dog’s body tissue!
Avoiding Artificial Ingredients
A senior dog needs absolutely all the nutrients it can get, and so choosing a dog food filled with artificial fillers and additives is going to have almost no value. Even worse, such nasty junk might actually make your dog unwell and so it’s not worth the risk buying products which don’t stress they are free of artificial ingredients.