9/17/2023 0 Comments Dog lose![]() ![]() On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acids probably play an important role in senior diets because they may help combat both osteoarthritis and especially cognitive losses. However, they won’t hurt-except maybe your wallet. Unfortunately, the evidence that these supplements actually work is limited. Some senior foods include supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin in an effort to combat osteoarthritis. If they can’t provide either, that’s clue number one that you should find another product. While you’re at it, ask them about the credentials of the people formulating their foods. Any dog food manufacturer should be able to provide these numbers to you on their website or with a simple phone call. However, even those foods may have wide ranges of nutrients. Prescription diets are available for heart, kidney, and other diseases that take into account these nutritional needs. ![]() The 2011 study found phosphorous levels varied by threefold in the senior foods they examined, but were on average higher than their representative adult maintenance food. For kidney disease, you’ll want low phosphorous, but that’s not even mentioned on any label. But, that same 2011 study found that sodium levels in senior foods ranged from 33 to 412 mg/100 kcal. For both conditions, you’ll want a low-sodium food. Other factors to consider are senior dog health problems such as heart and kidney disease. Essentially, good care for senior dogs starts in youth. ![]() Two benchmark studies conducted by major dog food companies Purina and Waltham both found that restricting calories throughout life improved longevity and reduced illnesses. But it may be a bad choice if they need to gain weight.ĭon’t forget that the time to consider calories is well before old age sets in. So, the same senior food may be a great choice if your dog needs to lose weight. A 2011 study found that calories in senior foods varied widely, ranging from 246 to 408 calories per cup. But, very old dogs tend to be underweight. Veterinarian Ernie Ward, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, recommends 28 to 32 percent protein on a dry-matter basis for healthy older dogs, especially in those cases where weight loss is needed. But, diets formulated for adult maintenance diets often don’t have enough protein to satisfy these needs. Older dogs need about 50 percent more protein to maintain muscle mass compared to younger ones. Some seniors lose so much muscle they can no longer walk unassisted. Loss of muscle mass is a major problem in older dogs. Healthy seniors need more protein, not less, in order to fuel muscle. Many people still believe senior dogs should eat less protein. This will help you choose the best dog food for your senior dog. But you should be aware of just a few important factors that apply to most senior dogs. Nobody expects you to be a nutritionist just to pick out a bag of dog food. That may explain why commercial foods for seniors vary so widely in nutrient levels. It’s partly because senior dogs vary so much in their individual needs. Neither the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nor the National Research Council have determined official dietary requirements for aging dogs. However, there are issues when it comes to feeding your senior dog. And a big part of good care is good nutrition. That leaves good care as the one thing you can control now. While a few four-leaf clovers never hurt anyone, chances are it’s a little late to worry about good genes once you’ve welcomed a dog into your heart. A long life is the result of good genes, good care, and good luck. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |