The nutritional requirements of dogs change over the course of their lives. In addition to changing nutritional requirements, other challenges can arise when feeding. Our tips will show you what you should bear in mind when feeding older dogs.
When is a dog old?
Ageing in dogs is a slow process, the onset of which depends on the breed and individual physical condition. Very large dogs become senior citizens at the age of six, while medium-sized and small dogs become senior citizens at the age of seven.
Outwardly, an older dog can be recognized by a reduced play instinct and urge to move as well as initial difficulties in movement . Inflamed joints may hurt, which is why the desire to move decreases. The color of the dog's coat often changes as well.
Which food is suitable for older dogs?
Because older dogs become calmer and consume less energy than younger, more active four-legged friends, they need a lower calorie intake .
A good senior dog food should be tailored to the individual nutritional needs of an older dog and to its age and the associated special requirements. Ideally, it should be easy to digest, as a senior dog's digestive system works more slowly and its digestive capacity decreases.
Senior dog food is often fed from the age of seven and should consist of high-quality, predominantly meaty ingredients such as GranCarno Senior Beef + Lamb.
Nutrition tips for older dogs
Due to their advanced age , changes in eating behavior can be noticed in older dogs. With our tips, we would like to help you to support your older dog's food intake:
- Avoid large portions
How often should a senior dog be fed? An old dog's digestion is slower. It therefore makes sense to divide the daily food ration into three to four smaller meals.
- Chop up the food
If the dog has dental problems or hardly any teeth left, you should break up wet food into smaller pieces. This makes it easier to eat.
- Problems with dry food
Dogs smell worse as they get older. As a result, the intake of dry foodcan decrease with age. It may be sufficient to mix the food with warm water. Otherwise, a change to wet food is recommended.
- Old dogs drink too little
It is common for older dogs todrink toolittle, which can have negative consequences for their health. This is particularly the case with dry food, which is why wet food is preferable.
- Fewer bones
Even if your dog is a fan of bones, as they get older, the amount of bones they eat should be reduced, as the intestines work more slowly and the risk of constipation increases.
- Warm up food
If dogs suffer from a lack of appetite, this may be due to reduced sensory perception. Try out how the dog reacts to warmed wet food. You can heat the food in the microwave, add warm water or even fry it in a pan. This makes it smell more intense, which often tempts your dog to eat it.
Feeding old dogs
If nutritional problems occur in older dogs, you should consult a vet in good time. He can clarify whether a disease is present and therefore a change of food is recommended. He may advise you to give your dog a special diet food or recommend switching from a food for adult dogs to a senior dog food.
This is based on the changed nutritional requirements of an old dog. On the one hand, this concerns the often reduced energy requirement due to reduced activity. On the other hand, the vitamin and mineral composition is adapted to provide senior dogs with the nutrients they need.