Aged dog: 9 tips to feed him well

It is from the age of 7 that a dog is considered old, or even 5 years old for large dogs. Once senior, the dog's rhythm changes and his metabolism becomes slower. Thus, the animal becomes less active, thereby modifying its nutritional needs. His diet must then be adapted. For that, it is enough to respect these 9 tips in order to guarantee a long and beautiful end of life to his old dog.

1. Increase the quality of proteins

As the older dog becomes weaker, its protein requirements increase. However, his kidneys work less well and fail to properly degrade proteins. In order to provide him with all the energy he needs, it is not necessary to enrich or reduce the amount of protein in his diet but to increase the quality. Thus, the ideal diet of the older dog consists of:

High quality concentrated protein: 18 to 20%
Few fats: 10 to 20%
Essential minerals to protect the joints
Vitamins C and E to strengthen the immune system
Fibers to aid digestion


2. Choose a special diet

In order to be sure to meet all the nutritional needs of your senior dog, it is highly recommended to choose a "special senior" diet. In fact, the oldest pet foods take into account all the essential elements to bring them in order to maintain them in a good physical condition.

Be careful, however, the change of diet should be done gradually over ten days to avoid digestive disorders. For that, it is enough to mix the new senior feeding with the old one by gradually increasing the quantity until it becomes the exclusive feeding of the dog.

3. Opt for small croquettes

As you get older, older dogs are not always able to chew properly. Thus, it is advisable to opt for small croquettes or foods easy to swallow to facilitate their task. Similarly, it is possible to moisten their kibble with warm water.

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4. Stimulate your appetite

It is not uncommon for older dogs to gradually lose their appetite. In fact, old age makes them lose the sense of taste and smell. So, do not hesitate to find tips to encourage them to eat. For example, choosing croquettes with a high meat content helps to stimulate their appetite.

5. Split his meals

An older dog needs to be fed more frequently than before to allow him to digest food more easily. Thus, it is necessary to give him his daily ration in two minimum meals (morning and evening for example).

Note that the ration to be given to his dog according to his age is always indicated on the packaging of industrial foods. If you have any doubt, do not hesitate to seek advice from a veterinarian.

6. Do not give him treats

It may sound a bit harsh, but it's important to never give an elderly dog ​​treats. Indeed, the latter being less active, it tends to store more easily fat and therefore to gain weight. However, obesity in dogs is at the root of many health problems, such as diabetes, arthritis or heart disease.

7. Serve foods at room temperature

The taste and smell of the older dog is not what they were, it is important to serve his meals at room temperature. In fact, foods that are too cold (coming out of the refrigerator for example) do not smell. It's the smell of a food that makes a dog want to eat it.

In addition, remember to keep your dog's kibble in a sealed package to preserve the taste and aroma.

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8. Think about moisturizing

The risk of dehydration in older dogs is greater because their bodies contain less water. Thus, it is essential to ensure that his hairball has permanent access to a bowl of fresh and clean water. A wet diet or water fountain can be additional ways to encourage your dog to hydrate.

9. Adapt your bowl

With age, joint problems are felt in dogs. Large dogs in particular may find it difficult to lean over their bowls of water and food if they are placed on the ground. To allow them to feed properly, in a comfortable position, do not hesitate to raise their bowls and place them at head height.