Diana Myers
The cheeky bully has become a quiet senior over the years. But not only the temperament of the animal has changed, but the diet also has to be adjusted.
Less exercise does not mean less food
Dogs and humans have something in common: both are getting older. And just like humans, dogs have different needs in the latter part of their lives than they did when they were young. This also applies to nutrition: the dogs become calmer, the digestive system more sluggish, and their energy requirements drop by up to 20 percent. Reducing the amount of food accordingly in order to save calories is obvious, but it is a mistake: a constant supply of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals must be guaranteed, especially for older dogs.
Senior food has all the nutrients but few calories
It is therefore advisable to switch to special types of food for older dogs in good time: they contain everything that the senior needs, but have fewer calories than normal food. If you put together the food for your dog yourself, you should get expert advice from the veterinarian or get the right recipes right away. So that the dog does not get digestive problems, it is also better to divide the daily ration into several small doses per day instead of feeding everything at once.
Drinking a lot is particularly important for “seniors”
Drinking water is also part of a healthy diet. Some dogs tend to drink too little as they get older. You can help here, for example, by switching from dry to wet food. In any case, one should take abnormalities such as little or excessive thirst seriously and have it clarified by the veterinarian to determine whether it is really just a sign of old age or perhaps a serious illness.