What to Look For In Senior Dog Food

As you're probably already aware, many dogs will eat pretty much anything that even slightly resembles food. And while their nutritional needs generally aren't quite as difficult to fulfil as cats and other pets, it's still really important to make sure they're getting everything they need from their dog food.

There are two doggy life stages where it's especially important to pay attention to their dietary needs: when they're puppies and when they're old. Of the two, puppies are normally better catered for as people sometimes forget that their dog's needs will change as they get older.

Here's what you should look for in a senior dog food to give your beloved pooch exactly what they need in their later years.

The right fat content

As dogs age, more often than not they become more interested in having a nice lie down in a warm bed than running around and playing. Because of this, they won't be burning off as many calories as they did when they were younger, so they can be prone to weight gain. Getting a food that's lower in fat will help to counteract this.

However, this isn't the case for every dog. Some of them have conditions that make them lose weight, or they become fussy eaters and don't gobble up as much food. In this instance, the amount of fat found in ordinary dog food might be better, or even a high-fat puppy food.

Something easy to eat

Since dogs often develop dental problems over time, they might not be able to chew hard food as easily as they once could, and it might even be painful for them. This doesn't mean you should only feed wet, tinned food. Instead choose a dry food that's not rock hard.

High fibre

A bit of extra fibre can help your dog's digestive system work well in old age, but keep an eye on their poop. If their food seems to be making them have unhealthy bowel movements, cut back on the fibre and see if it improves.

Omega-3 fatty acids

As with humans, extra omega-3s can really help ease joint pain and help dogs feel more fit and healthy. Dogs often get arthritis when they're older due to lifelong wear and tear on their joints, so this can really help alleviate their symptoms.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are important in any dog's diet, but even more so as they get older. They help maintain a strong immune system, good eye health and overall well-being.