Many vets believe the best food for a senior dog has the word “senior” on the label. Many believe the prescription diets they sell are the best. Others recommend a homecooked diet. Plenty disagree. So…who’s right?

I personally don’t believe there is a “one size fits all” answer to senior dog nutrition, and I’m speaking from 16 years of experience sharing my life with them! I also don’t believe that just because a dog food is labelled “senior,” it is guaranteed to be the best diet for your dog.

I think it’s important to learn about the options available, read differing points of view about what is and is not considered a good diet, and why.

What Makes Us Turn to Senior Formulations?

While lots of senior dogs remain as active as they ever were, more tend to start slowing down. They don’t get as much exercise as they once did, their metabolism is not as fast as it once was, and the chances of weight gain and obesity become all too real.

Sense of smell and taste can fade, along with the ability to chew as effectively. Smaller kibble size can help, as can smaller chunks of food. Higher meat content improves palatability.

What Are the Components of a Senior Diet?

We’re talking about seniors with no “special diet” requirements!

• Lower calorie, to compensate for a decrease in activity level and slowing down of the metabolism, helping your dog avoid weight gain

• Easily digestible, higher quality protein to maintain muscle mass and improve palatability of the food

• Higher fibre for gastro intestinal health, and because older dogs are more prone to constipation

• Added supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, for joints, and antioxidants 

How Do We Know if This is What Our Senior Dog Needs?

That’s the thing…we don’t!

Not every senior dog has a weight problem, and a calorie restricted diet wouldn’t be the best thing for dogs who have trouble eating, or aren’t interested in eating at all. 

The Protein Debate

More protein? Less protein? Depends who you’re listening to! It seems to be less about the quantity of the protein, and more about the quality.

This is what I’ve discovered, and to be frank, it makes a lot of sense.

• There are highly digestible proteins that your dog’s body can easily absorb, and those that it can’t. For example, animal parts like beaks, feet, and tails are 100% protein, but not at all digestible.

• Soy is high in protein and a very popular dog food ingredient, but is believed by many, to be an inappropriate source of protein. It is seen as just an inexpensive way for pet food manufacturers to increase the protein content of their food.

• From what I understand, the recommendation for lower protein diets in seniors, came as a result of how the pet food industry made its’ food 50-60 years ago. Slaughterhouse waste was combined with discarded vegetables and grains, that were not suitable for human consumption.

• Because the quality of protein (and of course the food in general) was so poor, it was difficult for dogs (and cats) to digest it, causing strain and stress on the liver and kidneys. As a result, senior pet foods were introduced, and as a pet aged, vets recommended them for their lower protein content.

• On the flip side, many vets believe protein is particularly important in aging dogs. Be advised the protein they’re referring to is high quality, easily digestible.

Does that Mean a Raw Diet?

Yes, to many it does!

Raw food in its’ natural state, is considered by many to be the most digestible form of protein. It is full of moisture, with nothing added.

Because manufactured food has been dehydrated, pets must drink a lot of water to rehydrate, stressing an older dog’s organs.

I know many people who swear by a raw diet, and have seen noticeable changes in their dogs. Although I fed my dog Jack a combination of a limited ingredient wet food with human food added, I did sometimes give him raw as well and he absolutely loved it.

I asked my vet about feeding my other dog Red a raw diet, and he didn’t believe it was right based on her various health issues. 

Fibre

What about the need for added fibre to prevent constipation and aid in digestive health?

Although higher fibre causes dogs to poop more, too much fibre can block the absorption of healthy nutrients.

Well, as is the theme throughout this article, plenty of vets believe senior formulas contain the right amount of fibre, while others believe there are healthier ways to get that much needed ingredient.

Supplements like digestive enzymes and probiotics can be added to the diet, which is exactly what I added to one of my dog’s condition specific food. After discussing it with my vet, of course!

Healthier ways to add fibre

Psyllium husk powder, dark green leafy vegetables, and canned 100% pumpkin are just a few examples.

I recommend speaking to your vet before adding extra fibre. 

Supplements in the Food

You read about all the wonderful supplements being added to our cereals, juices, even skin care products. Then you read how they are actually present in such miniscule amounts, as to have no positive effect at all.

Many believe the same can be said about supplements added to dog food.

Omega 3 for example, is sensitive to heat and light, so while it may be technically present in the food (so it can be listed as an ingredient on the label), the manufacturing process has made it useless.

It’s best to supplement the diet with a good source of fish oil.

Joint supplements are another additive, but the quality and amounts are unknown. Once again, using a glucosamine or other appropriate supplement would be heaps more effective.

The Beginning of the End of our Confusion

I know the whole “what to feed my dog” issue can be confusing, but I think it would be a whole lot less confusing if we approached it from a different angle. 

Rather than checking out the hundreds of dog food brands (are there hundreds, or does it just feel that way?), and trying to figure out which one to buy, let’s do this…

Step one would be to take your dog to the vet for a health check. Are there medical concerns? Things his body needs more of? Less of?

This information will give you a starting point.

Where to Start Your Research

Your vet will be the most logical first step. Ask him what he recommends and why. What makes him pick that brand over another? That type (dry vs canned for example)?

Keep in mind, many vets are not very well versed in the area of canine nutrition, and stock what the large pet food corporation sales reps sell.

Many have been approached by large pet food corporations so those are the brands you’ll often see in their office. Does that mean the food must be good quality? When I first had pets I absolutely believed that, but I haven’t believed that in years.

I’ll never forget sitting in my vet’s office ages ago, staring at all the plaques on the wall awarded to various staff members for completion of nutrition classes. The thing is, they were awarded by the big pet food brands they stocked!

Having said all this, your vet is a professional and you trust him enough to care for your pup so hear what he has to say.

A canine nutritionist is another person to talk to, but as is the case with any professional you’re looking to hire…get recommendations. Start with your vet and their staff.

A holistic vet is another resource that may be able to help. A few years ago we lived in another country for a few months, and I was finally able to see a holistic vet. He was so incredible, and created a recipe made of fresh ingredients, specifically designed for my dog. You can see the picture above. 

I’m sure you’ve seen non stop ads for all the fresh food companies out there, creating custom formulations for your dog’s specific needs. They are typically overseen by a vet or canine nutritionist, so it may be worth reaching out to a couple and having a chat.  

The Best Senior Dog Nutrition

I know I haven’t given you the name of the perfect senior dog food, but I do believe I’ve given you something more important. A good start to finding what you believe is the best diet you can provide for your pup.  

If you’re interested in learning more about guidelines and regulations in the pet food industry, here are two resources to start you off.

Resources

FDA 

The European Pet Food Industry Federation

What do you feed your senior dog? How did you choose this particular type or brand? Sharing helps others, so please leave your thoughts below.

If your dog is a picky eater…read this ⇒ What to Do If Your Dog is a Picky Eater

Aging Pet Support

I am a Senior Dog Care Consultant, helping senior dog parents struggling with anticipatory grief, quality of life and health & wellness issues. I offer practical tips, advice and one on one support. I am also a Certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist, helping you navigate through your pet loss journey.

Click this link to book a FREE 20 minute discovery call, visit my services page to find out more or email hindy@greypawsandall.com if you have any questions.