As we age, our nutritional needs change, and the same is true for dogs. Senior dogs should not eat the same food as adult dogs or puppies. They require a diet that is tailored to their less active lifestyle and slower metabolism. If your beloved dog is becoming older, or if you have just decided to adopt a senior dog, it’s important to take good care of your companion. You can start by learning how to create a healthy diet for older dogs.
Here’s a guide to help you create healthier meals for dogs:
Figure out the unique dietary needs of your aging dog
Before you buy dog food for your aging dog, consider its unique dietary needs. The type of food you get for your dog should consider its size, activity level, and general health. For example, an older, active dog will need a different diet than a sedentary senior dog struggling with health issues.
If your dog suffers from arthritis, diabetes, or kidney disease, you should feed him dog food formulated to help him stay healthy. If you need advice on determining the unique dietary needs of your aging dog, be sure to discuss this with your veterinarian.
Gradually switch to senior dog food
If you’re still feeding regular dog food to your senior dog, consider switching to a senior formula that will meet his unique dietary needs. But if your dog is picky, consider gradually introducing his new dog food to help him adjust. Start by mixing a bit of the senior food with his regular food. Increase the proportion daily until you only give him his new senior dog food.
Add some variety to your dog’s meals
When an older dog loses its appetite, adding variety to its meals could be enough to keep him on a healthy diet. Try serving him different flavours of dog food instead of sticking to the same flavour day after day.
If your senior dog has dental problems, eating canned food instead of dry kibble might be easier. If your dog prefers kibble, consider soaking it in warm water or bone broth to make it easier to chew.
Consider feeding him smaller portions
It’s normal for aging dogs to eat less than they used to. Instead of feeding your dog one big daily meal, serve him small meals two or three times each day.
Smaller portions should be easier for your old dog to eat and digest. However, if you feed him a few meals each day, make sure you’re not exceeding his daily intake.
Make your dog’s food more appealing
As dogs age, they can lose their sense of smell and taste. They might lose their appetite if their food doesn’t smell or taste great.
Fortunately, there are different things you can do to make your dog’s food more appealing. You could soak his kibbles in warm bone broth or top his canned food with low-fat cottage cheese, scrambled egg whites, or peanut butter made specifically for dogs. You could also heat your dog’s meals, as it would make them smell and taste better.
Stimulate your dog’s appetite with bone broth
Bone broth can make dog food more yummy and also rich in nutrients. If your dog is sick or recovering, you can make him drink a bowl of bone broth to stimulate his appetite.
Reward him with healthy, low-calorie treats
Of course, your dog loves treats. And you probably love rewarding him with treats. But if he eats too many of them, he might feel too full to eat his nutritious meals. The solution is to avoid giving him too many treats and to opt for healthy treats that are low in calories.
Get healthy dog treats formulated for senior dogs, or try giving him carrot sticks, cucumber slices, apple slices, blueberries, frozen banana slices, or plain cooked pumpkins.
Make sure he always has access to fresh water
It’s important to keep your senior dog well-hydrated. Ensure he always has access to a bowl of fresh water, and consider creating more than one drinking station in your home.
Schedule regular check-ups with your vet
Finally, remember to schedule regular check-ups with your dog’s vet. They know how to create a healthy diet for older dogs and will advise you on any adjustments you should make to help keep your dog healthy.
Of course, if your senior dog refuses to eat his dog food despite your efforts to make it more appealing, see a veterinarian to ensure he is not sick or injured.
Monitor Your Dog’s Weight
Keep track of your senior dog’s weight. Older dogs can gain or lose weight easily because of changes in their bodies and activity levels. Weigh your dog regularly and change his diet if necessary to keep him at a healthy weight. Talk to your veterinarian about potential diet changes or health issues if you see significant weight changes.
Engage in Light Exercise
Nutrition is important, but exercise is also key for your aging dog’s health. Light exercise helps maintain muscle, supports joint health, and boosts appetite. Take short, gentle walks or have play sessions that match your dog’s comfort level. Always check with your vet before starting a new exercise routine, especially if your dog has health concerns.
