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You hate to admit it, but your furry pal is getting a little older. You wish to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy for many years to come. You have heard all of the hype about the new dog diets for older pets. Is there really a difference between dog food for adult dogs and kibble recommended specifically for seniors? How do you know when to switch your pet to a different diet?

The best resource for advice about dogs diet is your pets vet. Only you and your trusted veterinarian know the particular needs of your pet. Talk with your vet about any concerns and questions you may have. Your veterinary surgeon will aid you with any changes, that is if any, require to be made to your dogs diet.

If your senior dog does not have any health disorders and keeps a healthy weight, then there will be no need to alter your dogs diet from adult to senior dog food. But, on the other hand, if your dog has trouble keeping there weight down or digestive troubles, you may want to change diet. If weight is the only problem, then consider lowering the amount of dog food you give to your pet. This may be all the change your dogs diet needs.

A senior dog is classed as a dog in the last third of their life span. Larger dogs, for instance a Great Dane, live to be about 9 years old. Around the sixth year of life, you may want to consider a senior dogs diet. A poodle, on the other hand would not reach senior status until about age ten due to the longer life expectancy. Primarily, the decision to alter your dogs diet should be based on health condition rather than actual age in years. Your vet will help you to make up one's mind when the satisfactory time is to switch your dogs diet.

Dog food especially prepared for senior dogs typically has less calories. This helps to combat any weight issues. The senior dog food also contains more fibre for the various needs in your dogs diet. As dogs age, they tend to suffer from constipation, this extra fibre will assist remedy this problem.

Renal failure can be a health problem for senior dogs. How can your dogs diet assist with this problem? Cutting down the amount of protein in your dogs diet will reduce the work load of the kidneys. For the most part, this is the reason, senior dog food often has lower protein content than regular adult formulas.

Whenever possible, allow your dog to eat dry dog food to promote excellent dental health. The dry kibble helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. If your older pet declines to eat the food dry, you may need to moisten it with water or purchase moist canned varieties.

If your veterinary recommends, supplements may be helpful as part of your senior dogs diet. Some pets are unable to eat properly due to oral issues. Other older pets are unable to gain all of the nutrients from their food for different health reasons. Supplements such as daily vitamins and glucosamine can be advantageous to maintaining a healthy diet for your dog.

Glucosamine helps to promote joint health. For senior dogs, glucosamine can combat arthritis and hip displasia.

Vitamins C, A, and E, help reduce the natural aging process and encourage better health for senior dogs. You should talk to your veterinary surgeon about adding such supplements to your dogs diet.

You wish what is best for your pet. Your senior dog needs to have a diet that meets their particular nutritional requirements. You and your veterinary surgeon can work together to decide what is the best diet for your senior dog. Your dogs diet directly affects his or her health. Take care of your pet by monitoring your dogs diet closely with the aid of your veterinarian.

For further free information be sure to visit Free Dog Diet Tips

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