Being a loving pet owner means you want whatever is best for your pet. This remains true from the time it is a puppy, all the way through adulthood and that doesn’t stop when it reaches the later stages of its life. Senior dog food is just one way caring dog owners can take care of their pets.
If your dog is getting older and you have been thinking about switching to a different formula of dog food, then it is best to check with your veterinarian when your dog gets its next checkup. Even though your dog is getting older, if it’s still active and appears healthy, then there may be no need to make the switch at this time. Either way, your veterinarian will be able to give you qualified advice as to what is best for your dog.
Generally speaking, senior dog food will be lower in fat and calories, but will be higher in fiber and vitamins. Some senior formulas also add glucosamine and chondroitin for improved joint health. You should stick with dry dog food for as long as you can as it’s better for your dog’s dental health. However, if they are simply getting too old, or your veterinarian recommends it, then canned or soft dog food is acceptable.
Making the switch to senior dog food will be based on several factors, and the calendar is only one of them. The breed makes a difference because each breed has a different average lifespan. For the most part, larger dogs have shorter lifespans, and smaller dogs tend to live longer. There are always exceptions, so don’t go by this one factor alone. There will be other indicators to let you know when it’s time to make the switch. If you notice your dog is less active, then that’s a good sign that they are ready for a senior formulation of dog food.
If you and your vet decide it’s time, then you can go ahead and switch. However, you should make the switch gradually otherwise your dog may not tolerate the change or refuse the new food completely. The best way to do it is to slowly add more and more of the new dog food and use less and less of their old dog food. They will eventually be eating the senior dog food only, and that will help them live out their more advanced years in a more happy and healthy way.
