Adult Dog Food & Dieting for Old Dogs

The lady next door has an adorable, medium-sized dog that has lived for thirteen years. After his daily walk, Struppie receives a bowl of milk. At noon, he eats part of his owner's lunch, and for dinner he has a sandwich with butter. Not a single canine nutrition expert would nod his head at this. Regardless, Struppie is extremely healthy, has brilliant hair, retains most of his denture, has shiny eyes and remains inperfect condition. We all know dogs similar to Struppie, but unfortunately the majority of dogs are not like him. If your old dog is not doing well, you should think about an appropriate diet for him. For starters, an old dog needs the same nutrients that a young dog needs, but after approximately seven years, there are changes in the quantity and content. When a dog gets older, his body cannot metabolize food as good as he used too. Many old dogs have digestive problems as their intestine mobility diminishes.

An old dog needs to consume fewer calories, which is why you and your veterinarian should analyze what is best for your dog. If you keep giving your dog the same rations as always, your slim dog may become too big. Old dogs need more protein and we must feed them with high quality protein such as boiled chicken, eggs or fish. The amount of poultry should not exceed a third of the whole meal. The remaining two thirds should consist of carbohydrates that can be easily digested like cereal, rice, potatoes or pasta. In regards to minerals, you should take into consideration that calcium is no longer absorbed by bones quickly and that there should not be an excess of phosphorus due to the risk in harming the kidneys. There are also changes in the vitamins a dog needs, since the liver cannot hold as much vitamin A as before. An old dog needs double the amount of vitamins, which is why your veterinarian might recommend a vitamin supplement if he considers it necessary.

A dog's sense of taste diminishes with age, which is why you should try to make his meals with more taste. You can try and add a little salt or sauce to help your dog's eating habits. Only if your dog suffers from a heart disease, is when you should decrease the amount of salt in his meals. The food your dog consumes should be spread throughout the day as two or three meals. This is advisable for young dogs, but mandatory for old ones. Another important ingredient that dogs should always have available is water. If you decide to not become an expert in canine nutrition, you can always buy dog food aimed towards dogs of old age. Speak with your veterinarian and retailers to find out which type of food best suits your dog. Traveling with an Old Dog