Nutritional tips for senior dogs

We all love our pets and want them to live healthier and longer. This can be achieved by keeping them in good living conditions, taking them to check-ups and most importantly watching their diets. When it comes to senior dogs, it is essential to provide them with a nutritious and healthy diet to help keep their weight low, boost their immune system as well as avoid ageing. Here are some essential nutrition tips for senior dogs.

1. Go for Diets with Lower Caloric Density

A lot of people have a tendency to feed senior pets with high calories meals. But that could eventually lead weight gain, especially when it comes to senior dogs. Weight gain brings with it with many other health complications for old dogs, so this is why it is essential to limit their calorie intake, especially if they aren’t as active as they used to. Ingredients such as broccoli, asparagus, carrots, yams, string beans as well as sweet potatoes when prepared well are good low calories sources of nutrients. You can also add some fruits like slices of apple, watermelon or pears.

2. Increase GLA Intake

When dogs get old, their skins and haircoats are affected negatively. This can be avoided if you supplement their diets with Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). A dog’s liver produces GLA, but when they age, the amount produced reduces significantly. This is why it is essential to increase the level to enable them to maintain a healthy skin and coat. GLA comes from borage oil as well as evening primrose oil, and many dog supplements have been developed with this essential nutrient.

3. Increase the Level of Antioxidant Compounds in the Diet

Do you want your dog to remain young and healthy no matter the age? Well, to achieve this, you just need to observe your dog’s diet more closely. When dogs get old, the aging process as a result of the oxidation process taking place in their bodies. Therefore, it is vital to add antioxidants compounds in your senior dogs’ diets that inhibit the oxidation processes. These antioxidants include vitamin E, beta-carotene, fat-soluble vitamin A and many others. Vitamin E can be obtained from grains, leafy green vegetables like kales, and nut oils. Animal fats and egg yolks are good sources of soluble vitamin A while beta-carotene can be found in many fruits.

4. Observe Protein Levels

Senior dogs require meals with optimum levels of proteins. This enables them to maintain their muscle mass and remain strong. Many dog supplements have been developed with varying levels of protein, and if you’re going to go that route, it’s better to go for those with highly digestible proteins.

Senior dogs require special care for them to remain healthy and happy. They may be faced with metabolic and immunological challenges which can be alleviated through proper diet. Remember to provide them with diets that have the optimum level of proteins, antioxidant compounds as well as GLA. It is essential that you provide them with nutritious meals to enable them to live better without diseases and ageing disorders.