Senior Dogs and Their Needs
As a dog reaches 7 years old, they are now considered to be in the senior years of dog life. These years mean changes in metabolism, muscle tone, joints, eye sight and hearing, as well as the skin and coat. Many of you are familiar with some of these issues.
Lifestyles…..
First, let me say that a working dog, in my opinion is any dog with a job that requires extreme workouts in the outdoors. Dogs that retrieve put their bodies through some of the most extreme conditions and sacrifice the muscles and joints. In doing so, they are in the sun, cold, water and mud. These conditions play a part in the skin and coat. Have you ever noticed your skin after hours in the sun, water and dirt? It’s very similar to what a dog feels. The skin is dried by the heat, water and mud as well as chapped by the cold. They are working their joints and muscles to the fullest when retrieving whether for fun in the yard or competition.
What about the couch potato?
Dogs that are happier on the couch and less active, still need proper nutrition and supplements as they age. They have the same declining metabolism, organs, eyes and hearing. They actually need less calories than the active dog to ensure proper weight.
How can diet help?
I recommend feeding your senior dog a grain free diet that is lower in protein, higher in fiber and has less Kcals per cup than many of the grain free foods on the market. Grain free means less grain to wick away moisture from the digestive tract, and less empty calories. This also protects they urinary tract from grains absorbing the liquids in the stomach to digest.
Myths
Four years ago, the FDA started research on grain free dog foods after being prompted by some of the leading science prescription companies to do so. It was a far-fetched theory of DCM, a genetic disease, being caused by grain free foods. After years of studying the 550 dogs out of billions of dogs in the USA, they have concluded it is not true. The biggest fact not mentioned throughout this study is the Doodle. Many dogs, (golden retriever, king Charles caviler, cocker spaniels) that are now mixed with a poodle to create a designer breed, carry the genetics for DCM. Therefore, we have more potential for DCM in dogs. Most of these breeders do not do health testing, as do AKC ethical breeders. You can find a great article here explaining this. FDA Finds No Evidence that Grain-Free Diets Cause Canine Heart Disease | Industry News | petbusiness.com
Grain free – low protein
The senior dog needs less protein because they do not have the same muscle building ability that they had. This means the kidneys will work harder to filter the protein not used by the body. Keeping your protein under 30% will keep things more in balance for seniors. Higher fiber plays an important role in keeping the bowels consistent and keeping down an over production of the anal glands.
The senior dog, that is less active, couch potato, or in “retirement”, should be able to maintain on a protein level of 24% or so. Keeping the Kcal per cup down, helps keep excessive weight off of the senior, or less active dog.
What does extra weight do for the senior dog?
Overweight dogs have more damage to their joints. Senior dogs that are overweight have a much harder time getting up and down. They will also appear sluggish and tired more often than dogs that are at a normal weight. They also run a higher risk of torn ACL or similar issues.
Supplement, Supplement!
Adding glucosamine and chondroitin to your dog’s diet will help ensure the mobility of the joints. I recommend feeding this from puppy to senior. It helps play an important part in the building and strength of the joint, as well as maintaining the over used joints. Senior dog foods do not have an adequate amount nor are they absorbed well. You will see a much better success rate using a high-quality supplement. Granulated, natural supplements that also contain digestive enzymes and probiotics are best. Check out Nature’s Farmacy. They make wonderful supplements that work.
Omega 3, 6, and 9 are important for the joints, eyes, skin and coat. Organic Coconut Oil or pure salmon oil are two of the best sources for this. It helps to put back in to the skin what the outdoors can take out. Dry skin allows bacteria from ponds and even mud puddles to invade the skin causing infection. Dry coat becomes brittle and sparse leading to an itchy dog. There are no products that can completely repair dry skin and coat from the outside. This has to be done from the inside out. Using non detergent shampoo and a silk protein conditioner can help maintain the healthy skin and coat that the omegas have made.
A well-balanced diet that targets the seniors’ issues can prolong the ability to be an active dog during the senior years. You will be ensuring the golden years of your pet are protected. Check back for our blog post on supplements, grooming, and more that are more in-depth on these issues.
Annette Clark
Certified Pet Nutritionist, Pet Allergy Specialist, Master Groomer
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