Senior dog food: what's the difference from adult food, how to choose and how to transition?
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Senior dog food is something that brings many doubts to the owners. The transition of feeding older dogs is part of some of the care that these pets need at this stage of life. Like humans of advanced age, the elderly dog undergoes many bodily transformations. Because of this, the nutritional needs of the organism of these animals also change. Toto know more about this subject, we have gathered some information to help you provide the best food for your old furry. Just take a look at the tips we have separated!
What is the difference between senior and adult dog food?
One of the main differences between senior dog food and adult dog food is the size of the grains in the food. The elderly dog usually has weaker teeth and even loses some teeth in old age. That is why the specific food for this stage of life is also called soft food for elderly dogs. It is more sandy and has an aspect that facilitates the chewing of pets. AFood for elderly dogs with few teeth also has some differences in nutrition. Generally, the food is rich in nutrients that help the joints and keep the dog's immunity always regulated.
See_also: Thai cat: learn all about the Siamese-like breedThe amount of calories in senior food is also lower, since with advancing age the dog does not play as much as before. Calorie control is very necessary for these animals, it is common that when the feeding transition is no longer made the elderly dog faces problems such as canine obesity, since the pet consumes the same amount of calories, without spending them. In addition, theSoft senior dog food may also contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which are components that help joints and prevent arthritis and arthrosis (common diseases for the senior dog).
How to choose the best senior dog food?
In order for the elderly dog to achieve a quality of life, veterinary professionals recommend a diet with a super premium senior food. This type of food is specially formulated to prevent diseases, providing well-being, health and longevity for the elderly pet. It is important to always check the nutritional value of the food to know if it is ideal for your dog. so thatIn general, it is important to always monitor your pet with a trusted veterinarian. The professional will be able to indicate the most appropriate diet according to the animal's clinical condition, lifestyle and age.
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The transition to senior dog food should be made around the age of 7, as this is when most dogs begin to show the first signs of aging. But, it is worth remembering that this process may vary according to the size of the dog.
But after all, how to make the transition to senior dog food? The first thing you should keep in mind is that this process should be done gradually. Offering a new food overnight can cause digestive discomfort in your furry one. Therefore, it is recommended to mix the new food with the old one. In a period of 7 to 8 days, you should decrease the portion of the food.The recommendation for introducing the new food is as follows:
- Day 1: about 1/3 of the senior dog food and 2/3 of the old dog food
- Day 3: half of the new ration and half of the usual ration
- Day 6: about 2/3 of new feed and 1/3 of usual feed
- Day 8: full portion with senior dog food