When to Switch to Senior Dog Food
Your dog may not look or act like what you think of as a “senior” dog. But starting around age 7, and earlier if they’re a large breed dog, your dog’s dietary needs will start to change. This is a good time to start thinking about switching to a senior dog diet.
Is Senior Dog Food Necessary?
As dogs age, their bodies change in a number of ways.
Older dogs tend to move a bit slower and to be less physically active than younger dogs. Along with mobility, they tend to lose body mass.
Around the age of 8 years, Just Right expert Dr. Taylor Francis adds that dogs can start to show signs of cognitive decline; a condition called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction syndrome. They may also experience decreases in their senses, including taste and smell.
For these reasons, senior dogs can benefit from specialized nutritional support.
What to Feed Senior Dogs
A quality food formulated for senior dogs can support your dog in a number of important ways. Here are some things to look for when shopping for a senior dog diet:
- Higher levels of protein (than adult dog food) to help maintain lean muscle mass
- Lower levels of fat to help maintain a healthy weight, especially if your dog is becoming less active
- Omega fatty acids and glucosamine to help support mobility and joint health
- Antioxidants to help support a healthy immune system
- Enhanced botanical oils like coconut oil to help promote mental sharpness
- Great taste, to encourage continued healthy eating
How About Senior Dog Vitamins?
As you can see in the list above, there are foods for senior dogs that are formulated with supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, to provide additional support in areas such as joint health.
If you are looking for the best supplements for senior dogs or considering adding any additional supplements to your senior dog’s diet, talk to your veterinarian first to make sure that you’re making the right choice for your dog’s health.
What Is the Best Senior Dog Food?
When all is said and done, there is no single “best” senior dog diet. Just Right expert Dr. Taylor Francis adds, “There is currently no standardization for “Senior Dog Food” according to the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).”
The best food for your senior dog is one that provides the exact nutrition they need to live a healthy, happy life as they age. Along with taste and texture for the enjoyment they want, and deserve, at each meal.
With a Just Right personalized blend, you can give your dog both. Best of all, you can adjust your dog’s blend to support their unique life stage needs. With lifelong support from our Customer Care specialists and nutritionists, you can help your dog live their best life, throughout its life.
