Senior Dog Food - So Many Choices!
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Talk to anyone with an older dog and there will be just as many opinions about what type of senior dog food is the best.
But just like us humans, we are all different in what we can tolerate and digest. Dogs are no different. One of the best pieces of advice I received was actually from my Veterinarian. He said if your dog was happy for years on the same food, then see if they offer a senior option. Senior dogs needs are a little different and fats and proteins are important as well as ingredients such as glucosamine for their joints and other healthy options that are kinder on the older dog's digestive system. Our Sasha has eaten IAMS food since a puppy and they offer a couple of senior choices. One is 7-10 years and then another for 11 plus years. It doesn't hurt to given them an extra edge when it comes to aging joint and sensitive guts. IAMS senior plus dog food |
Diamond Pet Food
If you love the Diamond brand, then check out their senior dog food option that you can start using at 8 plus years. It contains glucosamine and anti-oxidants to give your older dog the edge.
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Wellness Complete
This food is perfect for the senior with weight issues, as it supports weight, joints and skin health. Made with chicken and barley it is complete nutrition for your older pooch.
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Max Senior
With DHA for healthy brain function, OMEGA 6 for healthy skin and coat, and made in the USA from raised chickens and balanced protein, this gives your older dog some extras to keep his mind clear and his body lean.
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Feeding the Older Dog - Check Your Brand's Website or Amazon for a Senior Version
If you have had good luck for years with one particular type of dog food, then check their website and see if they offer a senior dog version. Many will offer the dry and canned foods.
My dog couldn't tolerate canned food in her older years as it seemed to upset her stomach, so we stick with the dry kibble in measured amounts to keep her weight in check. Sometimes you can get more variety online as there are only so many shelves in the grocery store, and they may not carry the senior versions. You can click on any of the pictures above and search for your particular brand online and have it delivered to your door as they can get heavy.
Check Online for Your Favorite Brand in a Senior Version for Less Upset
Many older dogs begin to pack on weight as they eat as much as they did when they were more active. Some dogs are better at regulating than others and only eat what they need. But many will simply keep eating what is put out in front of them, so measuring is a good idea.
Switching to a senior version for your dogs and then following the instructions for the weight and size of your pooch for quantities is a great place to start.
Take time switching. Even if your dog has eaten the same brand for years, any quick switch could upset their digestive system. Purchase your new kibble before you run out of the old and begin mixing them slowly increasing the new kibble amount and less on the old. This gives them time to adjust to the new formula as it may taste slightly different and lets face it, if your dog has eaten the same food for years it might take some getting used to. This is true if you decide to change brands completely, do it gently over time.
Allow a couple of weeks for the switch over if you can and it will be clear sailing, hopefully with no complaints or nasty gas issues.
My dog couldn't tolerate canned food in her older years as it seemed to upset her stomach, so we stick with the dry kibble in measured amounts to keep her weight in check. Sometimes you can get more variety online as there are only so many shelves in the grocery store, and they may not carry the senior versions. You can click on any of the pictures above and search for your particular brand online and have it delivered to your door as they can get heavy.
Check Online for Your Favorite Brand in a Senior Version for Less Upset
Many older dogs begin to pack on weight as they eat as much as they did when they were more active. Some dogs are better at regulating than others and only eat what they need. But many will simply keep eating what is put out in front of them, so measuring is a good idea.
Switching to a senior version for your dogs and then following the instructions for the weight and size of your pooch for quantities is a great place to start.
Take time switching. Even if your dog has eaten the same brand for years, any quick switch could upset their digestive system. Purchase your new kibble before you run out of the old and begin mixing them slowly increasing the new kibble amount and less on the old. This gives them time to adjust to the new formula as it may taste slightly different and lets face it, if your dog has eaten the same food for years it might take some getting used to. This is true if you decide to change brands completely, do it gently over time.
Allow a couple of weeks for the switch over if you can and it will be clear sailing, hopefully with no complaints or nasty gas issues.
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