Freshpet understands that having a senior dog is both a great honor and a great responsibility. Being able to spend more time with our furry friends and help them fully appreciate their senior years is always wonderful, but we must also make sure that we are caring for them in a way that maintains their quality of life as high as possible. The good news is that, even though senior dogs’ needs differ from those of puppies, they are frequently manageable enough that, with a little help, a responsible pet parent should be able to keep up with them. Freshpet offers some tips in this article on how senior pet owners can maintain their animals’ happiness and health as they age.
It’s crucial to make sure that your dog receives the care they require as they age in order to stay healthy well into their senior years. One of the easiest ways for pet parents to maintain their senior dog’s health is through routine vet visits. Experts advise bringing older dogs in for a checkup at least twice a year. A dependable vet can provide you with crucial information regarding the health of your dog, including a review of their weight, musculature, and exercise routines. The nutrients your senior dog needs to stay healthy can be determined holistically by your veterinarian, who can also suggest a fresh, natural dog food for you to feed him. A veterinarian can also suggest supplements that can provide your senior dog with nutrients in addition to those found in a diet of healthy dog food alone in cases where they have ailments or deficiencies.
It’s crucial that dog owners give senior dogs a lot of high-quality protein through a nutritious dog food because they may have trouble fully absorbing nutrients like protein in their diet. It is also advised to take into account the nutrients’ bioavailability in the pet food that is selected. An easily digestible protein source will be most beneficial for senior dogs in terms of providing them with the nutrients they need. Options for fresh, natural dog food with a high moisture content are known for being simple for aging organs to digest and process. Senior dogs tend to benefit from food that is as close to its natural form as possible, so a healthy dog food for them is one that is free of by products and by product meals.
Senior dogs must still exercise daily to maintain their health, even though they might have health problems that make it different from when they were puppies. This means that even if your dog isn’t feeling up to going for a brisk run, they might still enjoy other activities like taking a slow stroll around the block. Due to potential issues, some senior pet parents may find that even moderate activity is too much for them. Freshpet advises light exercises like range-of-motion training in these circumstances, which can help stimulate their joints and make movement more comfortable. Some senior pet owners discover that their animal companions enjoy exercises that are easy on their joints, like swimming in a pet-friendly area. Remember that senior dogs can still approach obesity and experience further discomfort if a consistent exercise routine is not established, even when maintaining a diet of fresh, natural dog food that is tailored to their health needs. Freshpet agrees that it is a good idea to take the chance to learn your senior dog’s limitations with exercise and keep them in mind as you work with them.
Tip 3: Feed them the best nutrition
Every pet deserves the best nutrition throughout their lives, but it is especially crucial in their senior years. You should avoid using chemical preservatives and fillers because your pet’s metabolism may slow down with age and there is a higher chance that they may have other disease conditions. Instead, choose nutritious grains, lean proteins, and fresh vegetables. For my senior Shih Tzu, Eddie Underbite, Freshpet checks off all the requirements for being a high quality, complete, and balanced diet—not to mention it tastes great!
Tip 5: Have yearly blood work done
Our pets should undergo routine lab testing so that we can determine what is “normal” for them. It’s critical to have a baseline Complete Blood Count (CBC), chemistry panel, urinalysis, and thyroid profile to enable us to track gradual changes. Your veterinarian can identify bigger issues before they reach a stage at which treatment may no longer be an option by being able to track even the smallest changes in your pet.
What dog food do vets recommend for older dogs?
Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is the best overall dry food. Numerous veterinarians and pet owners are at ease with the Purina brand. The business has been manufacturing pet food for 90 years and offers a wide range of goods, including a number of senior foods.
Overall, Freshpet is an excellent dog food with a high animal protein content that is great for most dogs. Their protein sources are animal-based with no by-products. Consult your veterinarian to determine whether Freshpet is a good option for your dog if it has kidney problems or other specific health issues.
FAQ
What do vets say about Freshpet?
High Palatability. Freshpet is very tasty because it is made with fresh ingredients and has a high meat content. In other words, it’s not only nutritious but also tasty, and it’s frequently the meal of choice for persuading picky eaters to eat.
What is the best thing to feed an old dog?
- Eukanuba Senior Small Breed Dry Dog Food.
- Iams ProActive Health Healthy Aging Senior Dry Dog Food.
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Food Food for Senior Dogs.
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food.
- Royal Canin Size Health Small Aging Wet Dog Food.
- Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dry Dog Food.
Is Freshpet good for all dogs?
The straightforward response is yes, as all Freshpet puppy pet food recipes start with fresh and 100% natural ingredients. Additionally, our Vital and Nature’s Fresh lines are AAFCO-approved for all life stages, making them a great option for puppies.
Do vets recommend fresh food?
The American Veterinary Medical Association opposes the unrestricted feeding of raw foods and advises against “feeding cats and dogs any animal-source protein that has not first been subject to a process to eliminate pathogens due to the risk of illness to cats and dogs, as well as humans.” ”.