As Pet Parents, we’re probably more conscious than most of what we’re feeding our dogs when we’re feeding them and even how we’re feeding them. After all, we want to ensure that our beloved four-legged friends receive the best and want to make sure that they stay strong, healthy and happy too.
Often these thoughts appear most vividly when we first bring our dogs into their forever homes, whether as puppies or rescues. For puppies especially, what we’re feeding them is vital as it directly impacts their development as they grow up, so it’s critical that we get the nutritional balance right for when they’re ready to move onto adult food.
But what about senior dogs?
When Is My Dog Classed As A Senior Dog?
There is no fixed age for when your dog will be classed as ‘a senior dog’. Just like with humans, there isn’t a pinpoint age for us to be classed as a senior. Every dog and dog breed is different, and factors such as their age, health, breed, activity levels, and weight can all contribute to when they are classed as seniors.
However, larger breeds such as German Shepherds, Great Danes and Labradors can all be classed as senior from around the ages of seven or eight. In contrast, small breeds such as Jack Russells, Dachshunds and Pomeranians are often classed as seniors from the ages of ten or eleven.
But these are just guidelines, as each dog will live an entirely different life, so some may be classed as senior when they’re expected to be and others not until later. Really it’s up to us as Pet Parents to keep an eye out for the signs that our dogs may be edging towards their senior lifestyle so that we know how to help.
Signs Your Dog May be Entering their Senior Lifestage
- Reduced appetite and losing weight.
- Becoming slower and not as active as they usually are.
- Exercise intolerance and not being able to do as much as they were able to before.
- Developing joint and other health conditions that are associated with senior dogs.
- Increased tiredness and sleeping more than before.
When You Should Put Your Senior Dog on a Senior Dog Food Diet
As with puppies on puppy food, senior food is designed specifically to help seniors as they age. Putting your senior dog on a senior dog food diet will ensure they receive the right nutrition and help alleviate some of the symptoms of getting older.
Sometimes, it can be easy to forget that when your dog gets older, like humans, their nutritional requirements will differ. However, to maintain your dog’s health and keep them strong, healthy and happy, moving them to senior food will be more beneficial to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
Now, placing your dog on a senior diet doesn’t mean having to change everything in their diet overnight or stopping them from having their favourite treats. Instead, it can be just switching over to senior dog food or even raw food, as these will provide the right nutrition for your dog in later life.
Moreover, senior dog food often has a decrease in fat and increase in protein which is excellent to help your dog maintain their weight – especially if you notice a change in their activity levels.
Senior food also has an increase in omega-3 and omega-6 compared to normal adult food, which will help your dog and their joints ensure that they are supported.
If you think your dog might be entering their senior life stage, then check out the range of treats and food that we have that are suitable for a senior dog food diet here: https://shop.bounceandbella.co.uk/search?type=product&q=senior.