As your four-legged friend ages, you may be wondering, “What’s the best dog food for a senior pet?” Just like people, dogs’ dietary needs change throughout the different stages of life. They may also develop age-related conditions, such as arthritis, which can be addressed through diet.
At Dylan’s Pet Food, which is one of the best vegan dog food brands, we want to ensure your furry loved ones stay happy and healthy in their golden years. In this article, we’re sharing what to know about feeding senior dogs:
Does your dog prefer napping these days, instead of zooming around the yard? This is totally normal: dogs’ energy levels naturally decline as they age. However, having a slower metabolism makes senior dogs more likely to become overweight.
Obesity is a major problem for senior dogs, and being overweight can worsen existing health problems, such as arthritis, since it places more stress on the dog’s aging joints. If your elderly dog is a lot less active these days, consider putting him or her on a lower calorie diet to prevent obesity.
Keeping your dog lean can help prevent the onset of additional health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, orthopedic problems, heart and respiratory disease, and more. Generally speaking, dogs are considered to be overweight when they are 10% above their ideal body weight, so adjust your dog’s diet as needed.
High-fiber is key for keeping your dog’s gastrointestinal health in top shape as they age. Senior dogs are also prone to suffering from constipation, and fiber can help them stay regular. That’s why we always suggest choosing dog food that contains a high-fiber formulation.
Elderly dogs with specific health issues, such as diabetes, may also benefit from a diet that’s higher in fiber and lower in fat. Here’s why: fiber slows the absorption of sugar and can help maintain regular blood sugar levels for diabetic dogs.
Unlike other types of dog food that may actually increase inflammation, plant-based dog food is naturally anti-inflammatory. This makes it ideal for elderly dogs, who often suffer from joint pain and arthritis, both of which can be worsened by inflammation.
At Dylan’s Pet Food, which is proud to be one of the best vegan dog food brands, we’ve developed recipes that are easily digestible and gentle on elderly dog’s digestive systems. Our plant-based dog food is also packed with plenty of fiber and nutrients that senior dogs need to stay healthy.
Because vegan dog food is clean, it can also boost your dog’s energy levels. Many mainstream dog food brands contain byproducts and filler ingredients that cause sluggishness. With a plant-based diet, your elderly dog can regain puppy-like energy.
The team at Dylan’s Pet Food understands how important your dog’s health is, which is why we’ve developed a full range of 100% plant-based food for dogs of every age. Our food is always made fresh in a human-grade kitchen, and it is free of corn, soy, wheat, gluten, and preservatives.
Give your dog the gift of health by choosing one of the best vegan dog food brands. Shop our products today.