Just like humans, canines have it rough as they age. Their body functions slow down and sometimes cause discomfort. A special diet is one of the best ways to improve the quality of life of an aging canine. It is easily digestible and contains nutrients that rejuvenate aching and worn-out body parts.
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Special meals for aging pets are necessitated by various diseases. These meals have nutrients that prevent, manage, or treat some of the health problems that old pets experience. Below are some conditions that necessitate fortified meals.
Canines with this condition exhibit muscle atrophy, stiff limbs, the crackling of joints, and change of gait. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, walking, and running become a source of pain and discomfort. Some canines might cry out in pain; others might not.
When suffering from arthritis, your pet might need assistance to get up and will be reluctant to engage in physical activity. This condition is caused by the degeneration of joints in senior pups. It is prevented and treated by offering the best senior dog food.
Gum disease is common for old dogs, despite being preventable. In its advanced stages, the disease causes chronic pain, eroded gums, and loose teeth that may even fall out. In extreme cases, it can affect the bones as well.
Bacteria from food are the leading cause of this ailment. Because canines have a more alkaline mouth than humans, plaque formation takes place rapidly. There are no initial symptoms for this disease, so pet owners often discover it in the critical stage.
If your pet is reluctant to pick up and chew toys and makes noises while eating, he may have this disease. Other signs include bloody saliva, lumps in the mouth, and nasal discharge. Feeding him the best dog food for senior dogs is one of the ways to prevent this disease. Regular oral checkups and teeth cleaning are other preventative measures.
If your dog is excessively thirsty and constantly needs to pee, he may have diabetes. Other signs of this disease are weight loss despite normal food intake, cataracts, and blindness. This disease rarely occurs in dogs under one year but is very common in senior dogs.
Although the risk of developing this disease is higher in some breeds, diet also plays a role. Eating unhealthy, processed foods causes pancreatic damage, which eventually leads to diabetes. That is why giving the best senior dog food that has organic ingredients is one of the best ways of preventing this disease.
Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness in old canines. They are caused by diabetes and other diseases. If your pet is growing older and its vision is degenerating, offering special meals can help to improve its quality of life. Proper nutrition can enhance vision and slow down the development of cataracts. Food that is rich in beta carotene is known for serving this purpose.
In canines, chronic kidney disease is associated with aging. It is caused by the wearing out of the kidney tissues. If your dog is taking more water, urinating frequently, losing weight, and becoming listless, it may have this disease. Nutritionists have developed the best dog food for senior dogs with kidney failure. Usually, such food is low in protein, phosphorous, and acids.
As your furry friend gets older, he is more at risk of developing some form of cancer. Signs of this disease include unusual swelling, chronic sores, weight loss, loss of appetite, and nasal discharge. If your dog is suffering from this disease, you should offer a special diet that is fortified with Omega-3 fatty acids.
Contents
Each of these products has a unique quality that makes it perfect for aging dogs. Some have organic ingredients, while others are grain-free. Some are affordable, yet they have ingredients that are just as good as the expensive brands. Ultimately, the best senior dog food reviews below should help you identify the most suitable brand for your hound.
Brand Name – Eukanuba
Main Ingredients – Lamb, Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Wheat, Lamb Meal
Dog Size – Small, medium
Price – $$$
Is your dog becoming less active each day? Does he prefer to lie in his bed all day, refusing to get up for anything apart from the occasional trip outside to relieve himself? This brand offers a mix of dry ingredients that are guaranteed to energize your furbaby and increase his daily activities.
It has lamb as the first protein; this is highly digestible meat that offers maximum nutrition. It also contains brewer’s rice, cornmeal, and whole barley, which are great energy sources. Because it is fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin, it rejuvenates worn our cartilage and solves mobility issues for your pet. It also has plenty of antioxidants and vitamins for brain development.
Its wholesome mix of ingredients is beneficial for dog`s fur, which gets smooth and shiny while on this special diet. Because it is affordable compared to other big-name brands, yet it offers excellent nutrition, this is the best dry dog food for senior dogs that you can buy.
Product Information
Brand Name – Purina ONE
Main Ingredients – Turkey, turkey broth, chicken, liver, pork lungs
Dog Size – All sizes
Price – $$
This brand claims to give your old pup an overhaul in just 28 days. If you offer this special meal to your dog consistently, it will develop a strong immune system, shiny coat, bright eyes, and energized demeanor within a month.
Based on the food’s ingredients, this result is likely. It has real turkey meat as the main protein. Additional protein from chicken and pork liver helps retain lean muscle. Carbohydrates from oatmeal and barley keep your dog energized throughout the day. This meal is packed with minerals and vitamins that are necessary for shiny coats and better eyesight.
Because it has a wet presentation, it is easy for an aging canine with gum pain to eat. It also offers additional hydration that is important for forming normal stools. With a great flavor and non-allergenic ingredients, this is the best senior wet dog food that you can buy.
Product Information
Brand Name – Nature’s Recipe
Main Ingredients – Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Beet Pulp
Dog Size – All sizes
Price – $
This brand offers a natural meal that has been crafted after years of testing. It uses lamb as the first protein to offer high-quality nutrients that are easily digestible. The protein is essential for retaining lean muscle and tissues.
To prevent allergic reactions, this meal does not contain grains such as soy and wheat that are known allergens. Instead, it offers natural fiber from whole barley, beet pulp fiber, and oats. These ingredients aid digestion and normalize stools.
Because it is fortified with extra vitamins and minerals, this meal offers a balanced diet that is essential for aging dogs. Omega 3 fatty acids are especially important for bone and joint health.
Product Information
Brand Name – Hill’s Science Diet
Main Ingredients – Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Sorghum, Cracked Pearled Barley
Dog Size – Small
Price – $$
With high-quality chicken meal as its first ingredient, this dry food is well-suited for senior hounds. It contains pearl barley, brewers rice, whole grain, and sorghum, which are great energy sources. The high carbohydrate content boosts your dog’s energy reserves.
This food is great for a dog that has been having mobility issues because the omega 3 fatty acids derived from fish oil help to rejuvenate bones and joints. This dry meal is also full of antioxidants that nourish the nervous system.
Because it is made in the USA, you are guaranteed compliance with the industry’s requirements. Many veterinarians recommend this brand because it is the best senior dog food small breeds.
Product Information
Brand Name – DIAMOND NATURALS
Main Ingredients – Whole grain brown rice, chicken, chicken meal, peas, egg
Dog Size – All sizes
Price – $$
This brand prides itself on using natural ingredients to create the best formula for senior canines. This particular meal contains free-range chicken as the first ingredient. Because it has no artificial colors, preservatives, or added flavors, it is one of the best foods that offer natural nutrition.
The chicken, egg, and oatmeal combination is a rich source of antioxidants for boosting the immune system, omega fatty acids for shiny fur, soluble fiber for a healthy digestive system, and brightly colored vegetables for vitamins.
The additional probiotics complete the nutritional profile of this meal that is perfect for all senior dog breeds. Local manufacturing is a bonus for pet parents who prefer products made in the USA.
Product Information
Brand Name – Nutro
Main Ingredients – Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Split Peas, Whole Brown Rice
Dog Size – Small
Price – $$
If you are keen on buying the best senior dry dog food that is free of GMO ingredients, this brand is the best choice for you. This meal contains chicken as the main protein, brewers rice, barley, and brown rice as the main carbohydrate sources and a selection of vegetables and fruits that provide vitamins.
The formulation takes care of shedding fur by having high quantities of Vitamin E. It also contains antioxidants that boost the immune system and probiotics for the digestive system. The natural ingredients give this meal a great taste that most dogs love.
Product Information
Brand Name – Purina Pro Plan
Main Ingredients – Chicken, Rice Flour, Poultry By-Product Meal Whole Grain Corn, Soybean Meal
Dog Size – All sizes
Price – $$
Most pet parents trust established brands that have been in the industry for several years. This brand is known for the high quality of its dog meals. All ingredients are sourced through a trusted network of suppliers and manufactured locally in line with USA standards.
This dry food contains pieces of shredded chicken that amplify the flavor and makes it perfect for picky eaters. The contrast between the hard kibbles and tender chicken provides a unique texture. It also contains whole grains that improve digestion and provide energy for your aging pet. The fish meal and natural liver give this meal a natural taste.
This food is fortified with probiotics for digestive health, antioxidants for the immune system, and supplements for bone and joint health.
Product Information
Brand Name – Victor Super Premium Pet Food
Main Ingredients – Beef Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Millet, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat
Dog Size – All sizes
Price – $$
This high protein meal is the best for old dogs that need to lose weight. It has a high protein content and low carb content. The protein derived from premium beef, chicken, pork, and fish helps your aging canine to preserve lean muscle mass during the weight loss process.
It contains whole brown rice, barley, and sorghum, which are gluten-free. These grains provide energy without increasing calorie intake. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
With probiotic supplements, this formulation guarantees gut and overall health for your aging canine. Because it deals with most mobility issues that come with being overweight, it is the best senior dog food to buy for weight management.
Product Information
Brand Name – Blue Buffalo
Main Ingredients – Chicken, chicken broth, liver, carrot, peas
Dog Size – All sizes
Price – $$
If your dog has gum and teeth issues, you might consider wet formulas that are easy to chew and digest. This wet food has chicken as the main component and can be served as a treat or the main meal. All components are natural and do not have artificial preservatives.
Unlike other wet foods that contain corn and wheat as a thickening agent, this product is free of allergen inducing additives and by-products. It also lacks soy, a common dog allergen. The carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes elevate the fiber content and improve digestion.
For your convenience, the food cans have an easy opening mechanism. They come in portion sizes that are enough for one meal and do not need to be resealed or stored. It reduces the likelihood of molding and expiration.
Product Information
Brand Name – Hill’s Science Diet
Main Ingredients – Water, Beef, Pork Liver, Brown Rice, Carrots
Dog Size – All sizes
Price – $$
This wet formula is perfect for small breeds that have a hard time digesting dry kibbles. The formula contains natural ingredients that have been carefully chosen to maintain muscle while aiding weight loss. A balanced selection of vitamins and minerals promote heart health and nourish bones.
Premium beef is the main ingredient; it is highly digestible and tasty. This meal also contains a selection of vegetables that add fiber and improve digestion. When introducing this wet food to your canine, you must mix it with their previous food. Increasing the portions gradually is the best way to prevent adverse reactions.
Yes, they do. As these animals age, their bodies grow weaker. Their joints get worn out and may hurt whenever they walk, run, or jump. Some breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, which worsens with age.
Due to these issues with mobility, old hounds are also less likely to exercise. It makes them prone to obesity. They need special diets that provide just enough energy without making them obese. They also need meals that are fortified with nutrients that nourish bones and joints. In some cases, the best senior dog food grain free is necessary for allergy management.
Knowing that your old hound needs a special diet is one thing; choosing the right brand is another. Because there are so many alternatives in the market, you might have a hard time identifying which product will be appropriate for your furry friend. Below are a few considerations you should make during your purchase.
It is only a licensed practitioner who can identify the nutritional needs of your canine. Because not all canines are the same, there is no one-size-fits-all approach that works when it comes to creating special diets.
Your vet will do a thorough physical exam to ascertain your dog’s health. Based on the results, you will receive recommendations on which nutrients your pet needs the most. Some vets might even recommend a specific brand that you can buy.
High-quality proteins like whole turkey, beef, salmon, lamb, duck, and chicken are highly digestible and provide a good protein source for senior hounds. However, meat by-products like liver, lungs, and kidneys and meat meals that are made from slaughterhouse waste are not very digestible and form low quality protein sources. Because the digestive system of old canines has slowed down considerably, always go for food that has quality, highly digestible protein.
Whole grains are nutrient-dense foods that improve digestion and make a firm stool. They also provide a host of vitamins and minerals that your senior dog needs. Whole wheat, brown rice, and oats are a great ingredient for special food because they have not been milled. Milling removes many vitamins, iron, and fiber from grains.
Most special foods have natural ingredients. These ingredients have undergone minimal processing and do not contain any hormones, antibiotics, or artificial flavors. Some foods have organic ingredients that have been picked using a heavily regulated system. Both of these ingredient types are good for old dogs as they do not add toxins to the body.
Although food strikes are common for all ages, they are harder to deal with coming from a senior canine. Because senior dogs are already weakened by health conditions, their owners might panic when they refuse to eat. Here are three things you can do when your aging furbaby goes on a food strike.
Without seeing a doctor, you will never know whether an illness is one of the reasons for your pet’s strange behavior. If your pet goes for too long without food, he might get sick or worse. A vet will perform a physical exam and identify any issues that interfere with feeding. He may recommend some special diets, supplements, or medicine to help bring back the appetite.
Old hounds can get quite picky. If you think your hound is rejecting food because of its taste, you can offer a home-cooked alternative. Bear in mind that not all human food is safe for pets. Steer clear of foods that can cause choking or an allergic reaction. Do not add too many spices to the food, and keep it as natural as possible.
There are many ways of enhancing the flavor of store-bought food. You might add some real meat to give it a natural flavor. You can also add some flavor enhances that are manufactured by reputable dog food companies. Whichever method you choose to enhance the taste of dog food, you should always bear in mind that nutrition is a priority.
Do not use any enhancers that inhibit the absorption of nutrients or have the potential to cause an allergic reaction. For some dogs, enhancing flavor is as simple as adding some water to dry food.
Senior pets have unique nutritional needs that can only be met through special diets. They require highly digestible protein, low carbohydrate quantities, and high amounts of vitamins and minerals.
We highly recommend the Eukanuba brand of dog food that caters to senior dogs. However, each of the brands included in our best senior dog food reviews is good enough for meeting the nutritional demands of an aging hound. Always consult a vet before starting your pet on a diet to ensure that you buy the best product for your needs.
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