In the last third of his life, your dog’s metabolism works much more slowly. In addition, most dogs automatically become calmer and thus use less energy. The senior now needs a high-quality and easily digestible feed. As with all other age groups, their diet should be individually adapted to their current physical activity.
When is a dog considered a senior?
The age phase of a dog starts at different times depending on its size. The changes that occur then gradually increase the dog’s susceptibility to disease and sensitivity to stress. The performance decreases steadily and the sensory organs become weaker. Chronic diseases become more common with age.
Despite all the differences: From the age of about 7 years, all dogs are considered “senior”. From then on, an annual check-up at the veterinarian should also be carried out.
Old dog: tailor-made nutrition
Simply changing the amount of adult food is not a good idea. The composition of protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins should be optimized according to age. This relieves the digestive system and supports the weakening immune system. Special senior dog food that offers a high-quality and easily digestible composition is ideal.
In dogs, changes in metabolism become noticeable from around the age of eight. In order to meet these changing needs, it is important to switch to high-quality senior food.
Seniors at the bowl: tips for feeding old dogs
Dog teeth also deteriorate with age and salivation decreases. You should always keep these tips in mind in order to give your dog a balanced diet, even in old age: