February 14, 2012
Posted in Pet Food

Raising a small puppy into adulthood can be a great experience for many owners as it can bring hours of joy and a constant companion for the whole family. However, when that little puppy suddenly reaches senior status, there are certain changes you need to make in order to help it remain happy and healthy for many more years to come.

A major consideration to think about when your dog gets older is what to feed it. This may seem to be the least of your concerns, however feeding it the wrong pet food can actually be very detrimental to the dog's overall health. With age, dogs bodies tend to change how they digest and absorb nutrients because of changes in their intestines and metabolism.

You'll need to consider what type of kibble your pooch eats now and question how many carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins and minerals are in it to determine whether it's a healthy fit for your older dog. Because older dogs have a slower metabolism than younger ones, they won't need high-energy options or kibble that is high in carbohydrates, since it will not be burning that many calories. Options like Petcurean Go! Natural Dry Dog Food Grain Free Endurance are best for young, active dogs that are always on the go. Instead, you might want a kibble that contains plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean protein to help combat muscle loss. Canidae Platinum Seniors & Overweight Dog Dry Food or Artemis Fresh Mix Medium/Large Senior Dry Dog Food offer senior dogs what their bodies need and even more – both kibbles also have no preservatives and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for improved joint health.

Although senior pets can get in some healthy omega-3 from their senior-friendly food, you might also want to do more to make sure your pup ages with grace. Starting it on joint supplements such as Dasuquin which has a full dose of glucosamine for dogs will help keep the dog limber. If Fido already shows signs of arthritis, its vet might also suggest starting it on anti-inflammatory pet drugs like Metacam to keep pain at bay. Investing in pet products like dog steps or a heated bed such as the Bolster Heated
Dog Bed may also keep your dog in good health. Continuing to exercise your pooch and feed it the right amount of food will also work to give your pup the best golden years. 

Related posts:

1. Helping your arthritic dog with pet food
2. Is your food making your furry friend sick?
3. Switching your cat from wet to dry food
4. How to feed an older dog
5. Treating your dog’s food allergy