Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian and this article is not a substitute for veterinary care. Any information found on this site is meant to serve as a starting point for a conversation with your dog’s veterinarian about what options or treatments are appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.
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Is your dog so food motivated that you think he might be a space alien…or a Labrador? Or are they so picky that they turn up their nose at the slightest change from their preferred meal?
As your larger breed dog ages, you want to do all you can to make his life comfortable and enjoyable. This includes feeding him a diet tailor-made to meet his specific nutritional needs. Here’s a little general information that can help get you started.
(Don’t worry, we start deep diving in future articles)
General Canine Nutritional Needs for Senior Dogs
Learning how to properly feed your dog as he ages can be confusing. You may think that all you need to do is purchase food labeled as a senior food, but this isn’t always an accurate way of finding their perfect diet. Many manufacturers will advertise their food for different stages of life without making enough changes to the original recipe to truly make a difference.
According to the ASPCA, “The main objectives in the feeding of an older dog should be to maintain health and optimum body weight, slow or prevent the development of
Fortunately, there are ways you can change their diet to help manage many of the physical, as well as medical, changes your pet will experience as they get older.
A few ways your dog’s diet needs may change with age:
- More or Less Protein or Fat Content
- A Softer Texture
- Higher Digestibility
- Including Joint Supplements
- Including Omega-3 and Antioxidants
Your older dog can greatly benefit from nutritional changes, such as adding more protein. The amount of protein a dog’s body stores depletes quicker as they age. Extra protein helps them maintain their muscle mass, keeps them stronger, and allows them to remain mobile.
But isn’t too much protein bad for the kidneys? Nope. This is a myth. This was based on a study in rats from the 1940s. Dogs have evolved very different diets that rats and further studies have shown that you can’t compare the two. In
Senior dogs are also more likely to have digestive issues. This includes food allergies, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreatitis. If you notice any sudden changes in your dog’s appetite or elimination, or they have vomiting or diarrhea may sure you have them checked out by a vet right away. Most problems are treatable, especially when you catch them earlier.
You also may notice that their stool quality may be poorer as they age. If your dog is experiencing problems, you may need to avoid feeding them foods with soluble fiber, which can worsen the condition.
Instead, look for foods with insoluble fiber in them like vegetables. Broccoli and green beans could be quite beneficial. Offer them as treats or mixed in with their usual meals. Discuss this with your veterinarian who can recommend foods that contain additional insoluble fiber.
Softer canned foods help and make it easier for them to eat, especially if they are experiencing dental problems as they age.
Special Considerations for a Larger Breed Dog as They Age
Although many large breed dogs can continue eating their normal food, they do have a couple of challenges that the smaller breeds don’t.
A common problem facing larger breeds as they age is arthritis. Arthritis can be more pronounced with their larger frame and careful weight management is a must. Diets that include extra DHA and EPA can be helpful. They tend to keep the symptoms from becoming severe.
Just know that you will probably need to use a supplement rather than rely on a commercial pet food with these added in. This is because many manufacturers add “feel good” amounts rather than actually therapeutic amounts. These are also frequently rendered inactive in the cooking process.
Suggestions for Preventing or Mitigating Weight Fluctuation
Weight Loss
While weight gain is a major concern, so is the opposite. Some large breed dogs may have a hard time keeping weight on as they age. If you notice your dog dropping weight, it could be caused by an underlying problem that is affecting his calorie needs, appetite, or digestion. This is definitely an issue that calls for a trip to the veterinarian, just to make sure that there isn’t a more serious medical issue. The cause of the weight loss will determine how you can best adjust their food.
A high protein diet is recommended for issues with muscle mass. Other dogs may require higher fat content in their food. When weight gain is the desired result, look for kibble offering 450 calories or more per one cup. A high-fat diet should include food with at least 50 grams of fat for every 1,000 calories.
Weight Gain
On the other hand, if your dog is constantly battling weight gain, a lower-fat diet may be in order. If weight loss is the desired effect, look for a kibble with less than 350 calories in each cup. When trying to help your dog lose weight, always measure their portions. You will need to cut back on each serving if you aren’t seeing any results.
The amount of calories your large breed dog gets with each feeding can also affect their weight. Determining just how many calories to feed your pet will take some work on your part. Begin by keeping track of the number of calories in each cup of food you give them.
Lifestyle Factors that Change Nutritional Needs
You may find that regardless of whether your dog is overweight or not, you will need to switch to a lower
Just like a human, dogs can show signs of memory loss as they age. There are several commercial foods that can help with this. Medium-chain triglycerides are a type of fat that helps. Look for foods listing coconut oil in their ingredients. Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables are also beneficial, and DHA, which is an omega-3 fatty acid, can be used as a helpful supplement. Check the ingredients for concentrations of fish oil or algae oil.
Things to Discuss with Your Dog’s Veterinarian
The best thing you can do for your large breed dog as he ages is to talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you may have. Tell them about any new behaviors or changes in behavior that you are noticing.
This could be a loss of appetite, changes in their stool, stiff joints, or drinking more or less water than normal. The vet can determine the exact cause of the problem and help you come up with a diet that they can benefit from.
Talk to your veterinarian about introducing fresh foods into your dog’s diet as well. Senior dogs can benefit from a diet that you have more control over.
Chicken, ground beef, liver, and fish can all be served with cooked whole grains. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, and fruits and vegetables have many necessary nutrients to help your dog age gracefully.
Ask your vet before starting a fresh food diet as there are several foods dogs cannot have due to dangerous side effects.
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