Feeding Your Senior Dog

As dogs grow older, their dietary habits change, and owners sometimes notice that their once ravenous dog doesn't seem as interested in eating anymore, as he ages. Senior dogs often experience obesity because they are not as active as they once were and sometimes are prone to other age-related problems such as arthritis. Because excess weight places undue pressure on the senior dog's joints, making sure that the senior dog does not gain too much weight is essential in reducing pain and improving mobility. Although the eating habits of the senior dog usually cause the dog to consume less calories than before, they tend to accumulate higher proportions of body fat than younger dogs.

Certain dog foods that are tailored to the senior dog have reduced amounts of protein in them. It was previously thought that too much protein could wreak havoc with the kidneys of the senior dogs, however, new studies are emerging that protein requirements for senior dogs do not decline as the dog ages. For this reason, it is important for the senior dog to consume adequate amounts of digestible protein that will help maintain his muscle mass and prevent weakness. Also, senior dogs tend to have sensitive gastrointestinal systems and often have difficulty digesting their food. Although younger dogs can sometimes tolerate an occasional table scrap or piece of chicken or other meat, the senior dog is more sensitive to human foods, and therefore should be avoided.

Dog food for senior dogs should contain antioxidants which can help stave off the production of free radicals, which are substances that can contribute to cellular damage. Antioxidants can also help support the senior dog's immune system and help him maintain optimal health. Senior dogs can also benefit from consuming dog food that has been enriched with GLA, a type of fatty acid that is beneficial to the coat and skin of the senior dog. Ideally, the dog should get his nutrition for his dog food, but sometimes dog dietary supplements might be recommended. Nutritional supplements should never be given to a dog unless recommended by the veterinarian. This is because the dog might have predisposing medical conditions that might make taking nutritional supplements dangerous to his health. Proper nutrition for the senior dog goes hand-in-hand with regular veterinary care. The dog's weight and general state of health needs to be monitored so that his nutritional state can be modified in conjunction with this health status.

Source: ASPCA
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/feeding-older-dogs.aspx