A diet tailored to the needs of a senior dog helps them stay healthy and full of life in their later years. But what does the ideal food for senior dogs look like? What requirements does an older dog have when it comes to their diet?
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Older dogs have specific nutritional requirements.
Small dog breeds are regarded as seniors from around ten years of age. In larger breeds, the ageing process begins as early as seven years. In some cases, for example with giant breeds, switching to senior dog food is recommended from as early as five years old.
A dog’s body changes with age, just like a human’s. Older dogs therefore have different nutritional needs compared to younger animals. In addition, senior dogs are often affected by age-related health issues.
Why is it better to feed a specially formulated senior dog food? Due to reduced activity levels, senior dogs require up to thirty per cent fewer calories than they did in their younger years.
Your first thought might be: I’ll simply feed less. However, that would be a mistake, as not only calories but also essential nutrients would be reduced.
In food for senior dogs, calculated per the same quantity of food , fewer calories are included.
At the same time, the content of certain vitamins and minerals in the food is adjusted to meet the increased needs of a senior dog. Requirements rise with age, particularly for vitamin E and the water-soluble B vitamins. Trace elements, including zinc, are also needed in greater amounts.
By the way, you can find a wide selection of dry senior dog food and wet food in the zooplus online shop:
Consequences of Joint Wear and Lack of Exercise
In old age, dogs often develop osteoarthritis in the joints or spondylosis in the spine. These painful conditions and the age-related loss of muscle mass mean that dogs become calmer and move less.
Less movement, in turn, means that the digestive tract, which may already be somewhat sluggish, slows down even further. As a result, senior dogs frequently suffer from digestive problems such as constipation, flatulence or diarrhoea.
Dental Problems and Fussiness
Painful dental conditions and a declining sense of smell and taste can further reduce a senior dog’s appetite. They often eat very slowly and become picky. In addition, inflammation of the mouth and infections are more likely due to the reduced efficiency of the immune system.
Other Age-Related Organ Conditions
Alongside obvious signs of ageing, there are other age-related limitations that are not easily recognised from the outside. A common issue in senior dogs is progressive heart failure. Various heart diseases can lead to a weakening of the heart.
In addition, an older dog’s liver and kidneys are less resilient. This makes liver or kidney disease more likely. In such cases, individually tailored diets are necessary to relieve strain on the body. In these special circumstances, always discuss a change of food with your vet or a veterinary nutrition specialist.
Some illnesses significantly increase a dog’s energy requirements. For these dogs, senior food may not be suitable or only suitable to a limited extent. In the case of illness, switching to a specific diet or food for older dogs should always be discussed with your vet.
To avoid placing unnecessary strain on the digestive tract, liver and kidneys, only easily digestible ingredients should be chosen. These include high-quality protein sources such as muscle meat, egg and milk protein. Cooked and processed carbohydrates or fats also provide quick energy for senior dogs.
Many complete foods and home-cooked rations, particularly BARF diets, contain a high proportion of protein. For senior dogs, it is very important to provide adequate but not excessive protein levels.
Animal products rich in connective tissue, such as offal, should not be included in senior dog food at all or only in small amounts. They are difficult to digest in the gastrointestinal tract, remain in the intestines for a long time and place additional strain on the liver and kidneys due to their breakdown products.
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As your ageing dog has an increased requirement for certain nutrients, senior dog foods contain these in higher quantities.
With a balanced complete food for older dogs, you should not add any additional nutrients without first consulting your vet. Depending on the vitamin or mineral, excessive intake can also lead to health problems.
Specialist food for older dogs often highlights the following components:
A senior dog’s digestive tract tends to become more sluggish. A higher fibre content in senior dog food supports healthy bowel movement and also helps your dog feel fuller.
Rapidly fermentable fibres, known as prebiotics, serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria and can therefore help maintain a healthy gut flora.
Zinc is involved in numerous metabolic processes. Among other things, it is needed for fat digestion and carbohydrate metabolism. Zinc also contributes to maintaining healthy skin and normal coat growth.
Zinc is also essential for the immune system and vitamin A metabolism.
Increased water excretion combined with reduced kidney filtration leads to greater loss of water-soluble B vitamins. To compensate for these losses, senior dog foods contain higher levels of B vitamins.
B vitamins contribute, among other things, to the normal function of the immune system and energy metabolism. They are also important for the nervous system. Vitamin B8, known as biotin, is one of the key vitamins for skin and coat metabolism.
Essential fatty acids are those that the body cannot produce itself. Omega-6 fatty acids are mainly found in plant oils, while omega-3 fatty acids are particularly concentrated in fish oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids include EPA and DHA, among others. These essential fatty acids contribute to healthy heart function and normal blood pressure . DHA also supports normal nerve cell function and vision .
Thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3 fatty acids can be used to support dogs with osteoarthritis .
The skin and coat are also affected by the ageing process. A high content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in senior dog food supports the natural skin barrier and helps maintain a thick, glossy coat.
Senior dog foods are formulated with reduced phosphate levels as a precaution to relieve the kidneys. An excessive phosphate intake, particularly when kidney filtration is already declining, can place additional strain on the body.
Phosphate is then no longer excreted sufficiently, and crystal deposits can form in the kidneys. This further damages the kidneys and reduces their filtration capacity even more.
Yes, you can still reward your beloved companion with treats in their later years. However, there are a few points to keep in mind to ensure they stay well:
Excessive feeding of treats or table scraps can lead to a high calorie intake and obesity. Make sure to offer reduced and controlled portions.
Treats containing sugar or a high proportion of carbohydrates should be avoided. Chews rich in connective tissue, such as pig’s ears or bully sticks, are also less suitable.
Pure meat treats, for example dried meat, are more suitable than dried lung or other organs. However, due to their high protein and phosphate content, even these meat pieces should not be fed in excess.
Various types of vegetables cut into small cubes are a good option. Please make sure you choose vegetables that are suitable for dogs. Fruit should only be given in small quantities because of its high sugar content.
Of course, you can also use part of the weighed daily ration of senior dog food as a reward between meals. For many dogs, cuddles and attention are just as effective as a treat.
Every dog ages in their own way. The signs of age-related weakness vary in severity. In addition to choosing the right food for senior dogs, there are other ways you can support your four-legged companion.
Older dogs often drink less. Soak dry food with a little extra water or offer wet food more frequently. Pouring warm water over the meal increases its aroma and can stimulate appetite.
Especially in summer, a higher water intake is particularly important. Why not try offering some homemade dog ice cream? Of course, made with senior-friendly ingredients.
Dental problems can cause pain. Make chewing easier by choosing softer food, soaking dry food in water or cutting larger pieces into smaller chunks.
Some seniors also have joint problems and are reluctant to bend down to their bowl. Try feeding your dog from a raised position. To start with, a few thick books under the bowl will do, but in the long term an adjustable raised feeder is a better solution.
A reduced sense of smell and taste in old age affects appetite. As an owner, you may feel that your senior no longer likes their food. Chronic dental pain when chewing can also reduce appetite. A dental treatment at the vet often helps in such cases.
But how can you boost their overall appetite? Warming the food or blending it can enhance the aroma and encourage your senior to eat. You can also liven up the meal for particularly fussy eaters with a little meat broth, liver, brewer’s yeast or yoghurt.
Senior dog food should be easily digestible, rich in nutrients and lower in calories. The protein sources included must be of high quality. A diet reduced in phosphate and plenty of fluids support organ health.
Dogs suffering from certain illnesses, being underweight or overweight may benefit from specially tailored food to help ease their symptoms. If you have any questions about suitable diets, speak to your vet.
The zooplus editorial team consists of a dedicated team of experts with many years of experience in the field of animal husbandry: Luisa with her White Swiss Shepherd Elyos, Laura, Julio, and Florian. Together with a large network of animal experts, we work to make the zooplus magazine a trusted source of information for all animal owners and lovers. Our goal is to provide exciting animal knowledge and relevant information on the proper care of pets.
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