As dogs age, they become less active, meaning that they lower energy requirements and metabolism. Under such conditions, these canines put themselves at risk of developing obesity and other health problems if they continue with their usual diet. Fortunately, there are specialized senior dog foods that can prevent these issues, and Hill’s happens to be the best at making them.
As our loyal canine companions age, their nutritional needs evolve, demanding careful consideration to ensure they lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Right now, there’s an increasing trend of social interaction among pets and their owners, particularly in multi-age households where pets become cherished family members.
Thus, for the sake of our furry family members, understanding the dietary requirements of senior dogs becomes paramount. Just as we adapt our lifestyles to accommodate our aging pooches, so too must we adapt their diets to support their changing needs.
One crucial aspect of senior dog nutrition you might overlook is adding fruits and vegetables to their diets. The addition of nutrient-rich produce can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants vital for maintaining overall health and vitality. From carrots packed with beta-carotene to blueberries brimming with antioxidants, all of them offer a flavorful and wholesome addition to your senior dog’s meals.
That being said, fruits and vegetables alone might not be enough for your aging furry friend. Besides, as they grow old, many dogs might not even want to consume produce directly. Some senior dogs may even exhibit sensitivity to dietary fat, necessitating a shift towards leaner protein sources and carefully balanced fats. Aimlessly feeding them fruits and veggies won’t do here as well.
Thus comes the need for specially formulated dog food that can cater to all the problems senior dogs face. At the same time, these dog foods need to be tasty and appealing so that picky seniors don’t hesitate to eat them. This is where Hill's Pet Nutrition dog foods can help.
Hill’s has an extensive catalog of senior dog food that’s tasty, nutritious, and provides several health benefits. Today, we’ll look at four such dog foods from Hill’s that are perfect for senior canines.
#1 Hill's Prescription Diet g/d Aging Care Canned Dog Food
When it comes to choosing an age-appropriate diet for senior pups, there’s nothing better than Hill's g/d aging care dog food.
This dog food has clinically proven antioxidants, which are vital in ensuring a healthy immune system. The antioxidants are able to destroy free radicals in your dog’s body. In doing so, they prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation. That, in turn, helps to protect the structural integrity of your canine pal’s cells and tissues.
Also, this aging care dog food ensures a more controlled protein and mineral intake. That means your old dog’s digestive system will not be pressured into trying to digest and absorb more nutrients than it actually can. Thus, the digestive system undergoes little to no stress when consuming this specialized diet, which further helps protect vital heart and kidney function.
Besides, the aging care dog food is also enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. These acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate joint pain and stiffness in senior pooches, commonly associated with aging and arthritis. Besides, omega-3 acids also support cognitive function, meaning, in a way, they fortify the brain. These acids are also known to help maintain healthy skin and coat, which is a vital necessity for aging dogs.
#2 Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care + j/d Mobility Dry Dog Food
As dogs age, they tend to show various aging behaviors. For instance, some dogs might develop a habit of peeing all around the house, while some may have sleeping difficulties. Thus comes the need for food that can reduce the occurrence of house soiling and also improve sleep patterns. This is where Hill's Kidney Care and Mobility dog food comes into play.
This tailored diet ensures a sustained improvement in your dog's overall well-being. The kidney care and mobility dog food provides essential support for kidney function while addressing subtle gastrointestinal changes that affect kidney health. At the same time, the food enhances weight-bearing capacity, boosts mobility, and promotes muscle development. As all that happens in your pup’s body, it becomes stronger both mentally and physically to avoid disruptive or aging behaviors.
This advanced Hill’s formula also includes S+OXSHIELD. It allows your dog to avoid the risk of developing struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. The formation of such crystals can cause stones to flow into the dog’s urethra, where they can lead to obstructions. These obstructions stop your pup’s bladder from being emptied out properly. When things get worse, your dog won’t be able to urinate at all. Therefore, the kidney care formula is a lifesaver in this regard, thanks to its ability to prevent such crystals and blockages.
Senior dogs also have another problem that their owners have to deal with – appetite issues. According to Elisabeth Hegarty, a former veterinary records transcriptionist, her senior dog doesn’t eat properly. As a result, the dog regularly feels tired. Hill’s Kidney and Mobility Care uses something called Enhanced Appetite Trigger (EAT) in its formula to deal with this problem.
EAT stimulates appetite, which, in turn, encourages food intake. Thus, if your old canine pal isn’t that regular at eating, this dog food is your best option. It will ensure that your furry friend receives the necessary nutrients for overall well-being. Plus, the chicken flavor, which adds an irresistible taste to the food, makes it a palatable choice for even the pickiest eaters.
#3 Hill's Science Diet Healthy Cuisine Adult 7+ Roasted Chicken, Carrots, & Spinach Stew Canned Dog Food
This Hill's Science Diet healthy cuisine adult dog food is ideal for the pickiest eaters. That means if your senior canine pal lacks an appetite or is very picky about food, opt for this Hill’s product.
Hill’s premium healthy cuisine dog food is crafted with wholesome natural ingredients. It makes the most of the savory essence of authentic chicken with delicate vegetables in a delectable stew.
Besides, the food is also formulated with balanced minerals in order to support healthy heart and kidney function. Thus, rest assured that it is tailored for your senior dog’s mature palate. Apart from all that, the food is designed for easy digestion. Your furry friend won’t need a lot of strength to digest this food.
Hill’s healthy cuisine also provides senior dogs with high-quality protein in order to help them maintain lean muscle.
Protein is vital for building and maintaining dog muscles. However, with time and age, dogs might stop synthesizing protein on their own. This, in turn, means that they lose the ability to maintain their muscles. Thus comes the need to ensure protein in their diet so that dogs can maintain muscle. A decrease in lean body mass can lead to an increased risk of illness and even death.
#4 Hill's Prescription Diet Soft Baked Dog Treats
We start things off with some special doggy treats – the Hill's Prescription Diet Soft Baked Dog Treats.
Designed by experienced nutritionists specifically for adult and senior dogs, these Hill’s treats are very delicious and can support your senior pup’s overall health. Each treat from this prescription diet has a soft and chewy texture. This soft and chewy nature of the treats makes them easier to munch on. Thus, senior dogs with weak teeth and gums will have no trouble chewing or biting them.
As for the taste, the Hill’s soft baked treats use high-quality chicken. Not only does the chicken add to the taste, but it also acts as a good protein source for older dogs.
Dr. Joseph J. Wakshlag, Chief of Nutrition, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, says older dogs often need to limit protein intake. That’s because protein digestion is a complex process that’s not always possible in senior dogs.
However, if your dog, although old, is somewhat healthy, keep them on a food that’s around 28 to 32 percent protein. This is important to help maintain muscle mass. That being said, avoid phosphorus and sodium in your pooch’s diet, as they can cause digestion problems in senior dogs.
In conclusion, senior dogs can cause a lot of nuisance when it comes to eating. Some might not eat properly, some might not eat all, and some might not be getting the nutrition they need from the food they consume. However, from our discussion, it is evident that with the right Hill’s food, keeping your senior pooch full and healthy won’t be a problem.
