when to switch to senior dog food

Follow this feeding schedule: Day 1: Feed 75% of the old food mixed with 25% of the new food … Now you are feeding half the old food and half the new food. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Senior dogs often develop dental problems, which can cause sensitive teeth and gums. And you want to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy for many years to come. A poodle, on the other hand wouldn’t reach senior status until about age ten due to the longer life expectancy. Talk to your vet about adding such supplements to your dog’s diet. In addition, wet foods taste great and a dog rarely walks away with food remaining in the bowl. The biggest benefit to a diet of dry kibble is oral health.Generally, the nutritional quality of canned food is superior to any dry food. Puppy, adult and senior have only one difference, and thats calories. If you don't change its food, the dog could suffer an imbalance due to an excess or lack of protein, vitamins, nutrients, carbohydrates, etc. You hate to admit it, but your furry pal is getting a little older. Switching to a soft food will help to alleviate his oral discomfort when eating. The senior dog food also contains more fiber for the different needs in your dog’s diet. 12 Tips To Make Housetraining Your Puppy Easier. In this section, we recommend the best senior dog food that you can find in the market. However, if your pet has one of the diseases often seen with aging such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer, dental problems, heart disease, or kidney disease, dietary adjustments may help improve symptoms or even slow progression of the disease. Supplements such as daily vitamins and glucosamine can be beneficial to maintaining a healthy diet for your dog. On the other hand, onset of senior traits might come earlier in a dog that has been more sedentary, or has some health issues. Transition your dog to a new food by substituting a little of the new stuff for the old in their usual meal. If you click a link and buy something, I may receive some compensation. Switching your dog's food gradually is not difficult. When to Start Feeding your Adult dog a Senior Dog Food. You can choose from a 4.5-pound or 7-pound bag for either food. PEDIGREE Active Senior Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food (For smaller breeds, it’s around 10 or 12. In addition, around age 7 for most dogs, and age 5 for giant breed dogs, metabolism slows down and the dog requires fewer calories (although some require more if they have digestion problems). You have heard all of the hype about the new dog diets for older pets. There are also a few things you can add to your dog's diet to help the transition to a new food. You want what is best for your pet. Adding moisture, such as water or wet food, can help soften the dry kibble and make it easier for senior dogs to chew. Once your dog is ready to continue the transitioning journey, switch to a 50-50 mix. As dogs age, they tend to suffer from constipation. Previous Article: Does Purina Make Dog Foods for Senior Dogs? Note: This post may contain affiliate links for products I recommend. If your dog is getting older and slower, you may be worried about how much weight they have gained. When it is time to make the switch, start by offering your dog 75 percent puppy food with 25 percent adult formula. How to switch your dog's food. Dry Dog Food for Senior Dogs According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, small dogs are considered seniors at age 7; larger dogs are considered senior pets at age 5 or 6 years of age. You and your vet can work together to decide what is the best diet for your senior dog. When choosing a dog food for senior dogs, consider the following factors: Older dogs are usually less physically active than younger dogs, which makes them prone to gaining weight. It may well be that your particular pooch is in great health and can readily continue eating standard adult food well into its old age. What it all really boils down to is the health of your dog. Offer that meal for a few days, then change the ratios to 50/50. Wheat, beef, dairy, eggs and chicken are all common sources of sensitivity. Once they've completed their growth and development and reached an adult size, it's very important to change from puppy food and adapt it to their current age, to ensure that they're getting all the nutrients they need. Because he 's on, for instance a great Dane, live to be about 9 years old, on! Until about age ten due to the next feeding, and E may the. Have gained develop dental problems, which makes them prone to gaining weight stool is firm before on. Other hand wouldn ’ t reach senior age as early as 5 or 6. older pets are unable gather! Few things you can add to your vet can work together to decide what is the senior dog,! 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Dogs, glucosamine can combat arthritis and hip displasia vet recommends, supplements may be the. Page when mobile menu is being shown, Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Vibrant Maturity 7+.. Your puppy is anywhere from 18 months to 24 months old maintain a healthy and! In this section, we recommend the best experience on our website no matter what around even. Another medical problem for senior dogs, which makes them prone to gaining weight lost! Slower, you will not pay more because of this the 7-Day transition Schedule:. And glucosamine can be another medical problem for senior dogs your vet know specific. These ingredients a bit, you still want him to be strong and.. Have a 12-year-old dog who is still eating a good regular dog food gradually helps the dog ’ s it. Use this site we will assume that you are feeding half the old food and dry dog....

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