Extra protein supplies amino acids that help make up for that loss, and these keep aging pups stronger and more mobile. The protein stores of a senior dog turn over more rapidly than in younger dogs, and like humans, dogs can start to lose muscle mass as they age. Older dogs may require more protein in their diet: 'How much protein does a senior dog need?' is a question vets get often and for good reason.their activity level or underlying medical conditions). While some dogs may not need a change in the nutrient composition of their diet as they age, there are nutritional adjustments that may specifically benefit senior dogs, depending on a number of factors (e.g. Nutrient Adjustments are Needed for Senior Dogs Softer texture and/or formulated to fight dental diseases.Here are some of the ways a senior dog diet might differ from a regular adult dog diet:

There certainly are, however, some dietary factors that can help manage the physical and medical changes dogs experience as they age.

According to our experts, there's no regulation of dog foods claiming to cater to seniors, which is why there's so much confusion on the topic. In fact, some food products might be identical and only market differently that is, only the packaging changes. Is there a difference between senior dog food, regular adult dog food, and food labeled 'all life stages' or 'multi-stage'? Not necessarily.

They can also make recommendations when it comes to senior dogs and nutrition and evaluate which symptoms and signs may benefit from a change in diet. Most vets recommend twice yearly visits for senior dogs so they can do a thorough physical exam and blood work to help detect changes in organ function or other internal issues. Increased urination (which could indicate kidney disease) or urinary incontinence ДЄs your dog crosses into his golden years, keep an eye out for these signs, and remember to take him for regular checkups.Difficulties following their normal sleep patterns.Altered behavior (confusion, irritability, or other personality changes).Most will show some signs of aging like the above, and perhaps a few more severe symptoms, including: It is important to distinguish, too, between 'aging' and 'geriatric.' When you hear vets talking about geriatric dogs, they are usually referring to those toward the end of the senior period. Bad breath, excessive drooling, or other dental symptoms.In the future, genetic testing might tell us more about how and when the 'senior' period begins. Still, many dogs are very healthy even when they reach these age ranges. Small breeds (like Beagles) tend to live longer and may not be seniors until age 8 or 9. Generally, dogs that grow to a giant size (think Great Danes) have a shorter life expectancy, and we deem them senior at an earlier age, around 5 or 6. Every dog is different, but size and weight are major factors. It turns out there's no medically agreed upon definition of what is considered a senior dog. At What Age Is a Dog Considered a Senior? This can often leave pet parents with a lot of questions: Is 'senior dog food' necessary? What is the best senior dog food on the market? What do you do if your senior dog refuses to eat? While you're here, check out our success story on how our fresh dog food helped to improve Bailey, a 13-year-old lab mix's life.Д¬heck out the answers from our pet nutrition experts to some of the most common questions we receive about senior dogs below. Once your beloved pup reaches his golden years, it can be even tougher to understand his shifting dietary requirements. Every dog has different nutritional needs, and senior dogs are no exception.

Feedy healthy