As human beings age, their needs keep evolving. The food and dietary requirements change. Similarly, as a dog ages, its body needs will not be the same either.
If you have an old dog at home, it might have gained or lost weight may have become slower than before, and doesn’t enjoy food the way it used to. In other words, its appetite has significantly dropped. But let me tell you, that’s natural.
However, the only difference is that as humans, we are capable of identifying the changing needs and how to cope with them. That is not the case with pet dogs. You, as their caretaker, need to take note of how your dog is aging and gradually make changes to his or her eating habits.
To help you through the process, below I have compiled seven tips that will help you take care of your old dog’s eating habits.
1. Increase their meal frequency
As I mentioned before, old dogs may have reduced appetite. But this does not mean that they do not need food in their system.
However, when the dog is not willing to eat, you can reduce their meal portions, but increase their meal frequency so that their body can get all the optimum nutrients. Dogs in their senior years prefer meals in smaller portions.
2. Buy more wet food and serve it at room temperature
When a dog is young, he has comparatively fewer tantrums about food than the older ones. But as he ages, a senior dog prefers wet foods, served at room temperature.
So, make sure you take out your dog’s food two hours before serving them. Also, if that is not possible, you might consider microwaving the food, but make sure you don’t heat the food too much.
3. Store Dry foods in the right manner
A dog’s sense of smell is multiple times better than that of humans. So, don’t you think that a dog will recognize from a mile away that his food stinks, or do you think it wouldn’t mind?
Sure, he wouldn’t mind if it was young. But when it ages, a stinking meal would immediately put off your furry friend. So, keep dry foods in resealable packaging, or air-tight containers, so that they taste great!
4. Consider buying a dog food subscription
Honestly, you are no expert in dog food, and neither am I. So, you must seek expert advice for your dog’s daily diet.
When it was young, you could read a few articles on the internet and manage your way ahead, but as it ages, its requirements and needs become more complex.
So, it is time you consider opting for a dog food subscription. It will help you and your dog explore more options and also be Nutri-fit!
5. Feed them in a quiet place
Like humans, even dogs can face arthritis or joint pains. This makes it difficult for them to reach a bowl when it is placed on the floor, so raising their food bowl can be greatly helpful.
Next, make it a habit to feed your dog in a calm place, where he only focuses on food. This will ensure that your furry friend eats uninterrupted.
6. Say no to overfeeding
Just because your dog has grown weak, doesn’t mean that making him eat more would solve the problem. In fact, that is not a problem, all dogs are supposed to grow old and weak as they age.
But forcing them to feed more than they need to, is a problem. So, make sure you offer them meals in checked quantities and ensure they’ve no bloating.
7. Add some supplements
As mentioned above, older dogs may develop arthritis as they age and require special foods. To help them cope with that, you can add supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to their daily needs.
Further, you can also add omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA to help reduce inflammation in the joints.
Over to you…
Apart from all of this, make sure that your dog always has access to fresh and clean drinking water, throughout the day, and you are also visiting your vet, as scheduled. Further, don’t forget to pamper them with all the love that you have.
