How to feed an elderly dog

One of the biggest concerns for dog owners is feeding. When a dog gets older it can not be fed in the same way, its food intake must be adapted to its life stage . Many people do not introduce the necessary changes in the diet of their furry friends from the age of 7 and it is a real mistake that can have consequences for their health. In .com we tell you how to feed an old dog, read on and discover the keys to make your pet healthy and happy.

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As a dog ages its food needs change but there are many people who do not take any action to adapt their habits to that vital stage of your pet. It is necessary to introduce changes in the food of your dog when it reaches seven years, which is the third age canine.

A dog does not have the same nutritional and caloric needs as a puppy that is growing or an adult dog. Your pet's diet just like humans must change and evolve as it overcomes life stages.

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One of the keys to feeding an elderly dog is that you have to reduce fats in your diet. When a dog is in this stage of his life he needs the same basic nutrients as a dog in full youth; These ingredients are fats, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins. Hydrates are a very important source of energy for an older dog.

Your can also need minerals and vitamins that will be used to make all the necessary nutrients so that it is strong and healthy. If you wonder how your diet should be, what you should do is vary the amount of those components. Your dog, even if he is old, will need fats to keep his body temperature stable and protect himself from low temperatures. They will also help you keep your skin and hair in perfect condition. The only thing you should do is give it a lower proportion of fats in your daily diet.

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A pet when it enters old age will perform a smaller amount of physical activity, this means that they will begin to lower the rate of calorie burn. An old dog will be more likely to be overweight by reducing its energy consumption, so it is essential that your dog at this time take foods with lower fat concentration because it will not burn them so easily.

It is necessary to monitor the diet of your pet because overweight will increase the risk of your dog suffering from diabetes or even worsen ailments such as arthritis. The advice is to reduce calories by 20%, and there are feeds designed especially for senior dogs that meet these dietary recommendations. The diet for old dogs tends to be low in calories and with a high percentage of fiber to satisfy them.

In we give you some keys so you know if your dog has diabetes.

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The diet of an elderly dog must also have an important contribution of proteins . Old age is evidenced in various signs such as hair with gray hair around the mouth and eyes, problems to make physical effort and difficulty to see or hear clearly. The importance of proteins is crucial because they help to counteract the muscle deterioration of an elderly dog, in addition, they also help the dog to replenish the loss of muscle mass. Like young dogs, the elderly need these nutrients to transform food into small substances that the body uses for its perfect functioning.

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Another important recommendation for your dog is to take vitamins . With the passage of time, a dog in full old age can suffer from memory loss so you can give a greater contribution of vitamin C that will delay the wear and tear of the brain because it is a powerful antioxidant. It is best to increase the amount of vitamin C.

For example, there are some lipids called phosphatidylserine that will keep canine neurons active. Another change that your older pet faces are the frequent changes in mood. Your dog may be a little more grumpy than usual and there are some ingredients like tryptophan that help control the mood of your pet. This will help you feel more at ease, calm and will facilitate your sleep.

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Last but not least, go to your veterinarian to assess the change of diet. Do not make this decision on your own, or buy the first feed you see. Take your dog for a health check and depending on their status, age, race and volume of physical activity, the professional will provide the necessary help to make the change in your diet progressively.