Admin / 19 – July – 2024 – Essential Nutrients in Senior Dog Food to Stay Healthy and Active
Senior dog care involves paying extra attention to them and being aware of how their demands change with age. An essential thing to think about is senior dog food. The following are some of the vital nutrients that a senior dog’s diet has to contain in order to keep them healthy and live a long life.
1. Protein
Benefits:
- Muscle maintenance and growth
- Helps dogs stay active
- Achieves and maintains a healthy weight
Sources:
- Eggs, Lamb, chicken, mutton, pork, Organs such as liver, tripe.
2. Omega 3 & 6
Benefits:
- Aids brain and eye development
- Maintains a healthy and shiny coat
- Reduces inflammation in the skin, bladder, and joints
- Treats heart problems, high blood pressure, and cholesterol problems
Sources:
- Fish oil, canola oil
- Soybeans, chia seeds, ground flax seeds
- Salmon, tuna
3. Fiber
Benefits:
- Aids digestion
- Maintains body weight balance
Sources:
- Cauliflower, beans, Broccoli, cabbage
4. Vitamins
Vitamins A, D, E, and K (Fat-soluble vitamins stored in body tissues)
Benefits:
- Boosts immunity
- Prevents cancer
- Bone and tooth formation
- Slows down the aging process
Vitamins B and C (Water-soluble vitamins will be taken only what is needed and the rest of the vitamins will be excreted through urine)
Benefits:
- Aids growth and reproduction
- Helps the digestive system
- Strengthens the nervous system
- Prevents stress
Sources:
- Eggs, salmon, liver
- Bell peppers, seaweed, berries
- Carrots, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, kale
- Salmon fish oil
5. Glucosamine and ChondroitinGlucosamine and Chondroitin
Benefits:
- Provides additional support to the joints
- Helps prevent joint cartilage damage
Sources:
- Salmon, liver
- Shellfish, bone broth
- Chicken feet
By providing these nutrients in your senior dog’s diet, you can help them stay healthy, active and happy in their old age. Make sure to always consult your vet about your dog’s specific nutritional needs, so that they get the best care according to their health condition.
Foods That Senior Dogs Cannot Eat
It’s critical to know which foods are inappropriate for senior dogs in addition to giving them a healthy diet. For dogs, especially elderly dogs, many foods that are frequently consumed by people might be dangerous or even fatal. A list of foods elderly dogs should not eat is provided below:
1. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine which are extremely harmful to dogs. Chocolate consumption can cause vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and even death.
2. Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic, whether in raw, cooked, or powdered form, contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells, causing anemia.
3. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Even in small amounts, these foods can be harmful and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
4. Avocado
Avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The skin and seeds also have the potential to cause intestinal obstruction.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol has a much greater effect on dogs than humans. Alcohol consumption can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, coordination problems, breathing difficulties, tremors, blood acidosis, coma, and even death.
6. Caffeine
Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda can be very harmful to dogs. Caffeine can cause vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, tremors, and seizures.
7. Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener often found in candy, gum, toothpaste, and baked products. Consumption of xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin in dogs, resulting in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and liver failure.
8. Cooked Bones
Cooked bones, especially chicken bones, can break into sharp shards that can cause choking, mouth damage, or intestinal rupture.
9. Salt
Excessive salt consumption can cause sodium poisoning in dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, high body temperature, seizures, and death.
10 Milk and its Processed Products
Many dogs are lactose intolerant and consuming milk or dairy products can cause digestive problems, including diarrhea.