Wellness Complete Health Natural Small Breed Senior Health Recipe Dry Dog Food

Yes, the answer to this question is a big bold yes. The dietary requirements of senior dogs vary vastly from that of young and adult dogs. When it comes to the nutrition composition, dry dog food labelled as senior will have some formula differences from those marked as young and puppy. Usually, senior dog formulas have higher carbohydrates and less protein and fat than the adult and puppy diets. Now, usually, the rule of thumb for healthy dog food is to have a balanced ratio of protein, fats, and carbs. The high carb and low-fat food is generally an indication of cheap dog food with higher filler content. But that's actually what senior dogs need for an effective weight control program. Since senior dogs tend to be less active than their younger counterparts, they become susceptible to weight gain, which affects the overall holistic health of the dog. This is where specially formulated senior dog foods make a difference.

Older dogs, especially small breeds, tend to get lazier as they are. The age factor also brings about slower metabolism, which means they burn fewer calories and store more of it as body fat. According to research, senior dogs need 20 percent fewer calories to maintain the weight group of younger dogs. The same research also suggests that senior dogs will benefit from foods that contain less fat, fewer calories, and have essential elements to help burn the body fat for energy. Old dogs will benefit from red meats, fish, chicken, and dairy products that have amino acids and L-carnitine.

Established dog life-stage classifications help pet parents know when their furry friend is moving into the senior phase of their lives. However, as a general rule and depending upon their breed or size, most dogs are considered on the cusp of seniority when they are between six to eight years of age. And regardless of their breed and size, most dogs are considered senior when they cross the age of eight years. For all categories of dogs - small, medium, large, and giant, puppyhood last from eight months to 24 months. Similarly, the adult phase is between 8 months to 12 years for small dogs and goes up to six months for giant breeds. As for the senior phase, small breeds enter this phase from 10 years to 16 years of age. This is when you know your small breed dog needs to start eating senior food.

When dogs enter the senior phase of their lives, several factors come into play when selecting their diet. While wet food might be more accessible for older dogs to lap up, dry food is more convenient and have a long shelf life. It's best to consult a veterinarian to decide which food is best for your pet in the twilight of its life. However, whatever food your dog must have during old age, it's best to train them to accommodate both kinds.

There's only one rule to follow for senior dogs: calories in must equate calories out. Don't feed more food than required to your dog as they will end up with unused energy that will, in turn, cause weight gain. As dogs age, it's imperative to monitor their diet, feeding guidelines, and dietary routine since they slow down gradually. Small dogs weighing between 2-10 lbs should eat 1/8 to 1/4 cup of dry dog food daily. This translates to around 19g to 39g of food intake daily.

Senior dogs are the most susceptible to age-related issues, of which heart disease is the most serious one. In 2018, FDA prompted an investigation to research a potential link between grain-free dog food and canine dilated cardiomyopathy, a severe cardiac condition in dogs. Therefore, before considering a grain-free diet for your canine buddy, consult your vet since grain can be a great source of fibre and minerals when adequately processed.

Because senior dogs tend to slow down as they age and have a slower metabolism, Pet parents should feed them less than what an adult dog will ideally eat. Moreover, because of lower energy levels, senior dogs should feed less to maintain a healthy weight. Ideally, an old dog should be fed twice a day in smaller amounts and drink more water than their younger counterparts.