When People Find Out We Make Our Own Dog Food At Home They Always Ask Us What About A Raw Diet So Lets Get That Out Of The Way First
There are LOTS of thoughts and theories on feeding your dog a raw diet especially a dog that is living with kidney disease. Our vet however, was personally opposed to feeding a raw diet due to the fact that dogs, just like us, are very susceptible to food poisoning. Besides that, a raw diet can be tricky to get just right! You run the risk of giving your dog a horrible belly ache by mixing a raw diet with cooked treats, so if you decided to go raw it is important to have both raw meals and raw treats planned for your pup at all times. NO MIXING the two! Since raw and cooked foods digest at different rates any combination of the two can wreak serious havoc on your pups gut which can lead to some pretty unpleasant situations for you if you get my drift.
What Kind Of Snacks Can I Feed My Dog With Kidney Disease
Our dogs walk a bit on the wild side when it comes to snacks as they love thin apple slices, banana chunks, carrots, whole unsalted peanuts in the husks, and dehydrated sweet potatoes! Dogs with kidney disease should avoid meat based chews/treats that are high in phosphorus, so you may find that you need to explore doing friendly fruit and veggies for treats like we have. We still on occasion will offer Hooch bully sticks or a jerky treat, but it is better for him if we limit his intake due to the levels of phosphorous that those treats contain.
Best Senior Dog Foods
Most senior dogs will not gain weight since they lose interest in their food. The main reason they cannot eat is because of the hard time to chew the dog will thus prefer to eat smaller pieces that are moistened with water.
You can also add some canned food full of nutrients and hence easier to chew. Vets will advise you to increase their food appeal by adding some canned tuna or cooked chicken.
When your dog gets older, ensure that you make the right choice to make their life as enjoyable as possible this includes choosing the right food.
The good news is that there are numerous dog food options available than ever before, including for senior dogs.
The age determinant is gauged on the dogs breed or size. The larger dogs become senior at 6-9 years if your dog is in these categories, it is advisable to switch to senior formula dog food.
When considering the best senior dog foods, here are some of the most important things to consider:
Calories and Protein
When switching to older dog food, do not depend on the dogs weight and activity. Older dogs become less active and require fewer calories. If the dog has gained weight when getting old, look for a formula with the right nutritional choice.
Most senior dogs have trouble metabolizing food, unlike when they were younger you will notice that they become skinny.
The dog will need more calories and more easily digestible protein to maintain its muscle tone.
Glucosamine
Antioxidants
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The Benefits Of Feeding Premium Food
Why move your grown-up pup to a premium adult dog food? Because quality counts. It’s crucial to continue his superb puppy nutrition into adulthood. Downgrading to a lower-quality brand at this stage of his life may upset his digestive system, and won’t provide him with the same level of nutritional excellence he was raised on.
Think of a baby. When it’s time to start giving him solid food, you wouldn’t dream of feeding your child anything less than the best nutrition you can buy. The same is true for your maturing puppy. He needs the best age-appropriate food there is to help maintain his overall health.
Premium foods, such as IAMS, are specifically designed to provide your dog with a food that has:
- High-quality ingredients
- Balanced, optimal levels of protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals
- A nutrient-dense formulation appropriate for a particular life stage
- Consistent, high-quality, natural-ingredient recipes that do not change because of manufacturing costs
- Specific fatty-acid balance to help maintain healthy skin and coat
- Great palatability and taste, based on feeding trials
- Met or exceeded the Association of American Feed Control Officials guidelines
- Product guarantees
Recommended Serving Amounts For Homemade Dog Food
As a general rule, dogs will eat around 2 to 3 percent of their ideal body weight in fresh food daily. Larger breeds may need as little as 1 1/2 percent, and smaller breeds may need as much as 4 percent.
This works out to be approximately:
- 2 pounds of food per day for a 100-pound dog
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of food per day for a 50-pound dog
- 1/2 to 3/4 pound of food per day for a 25-pound dog
- 5 to 6 1/2 ounces of food per day for a 10-pound dog
There is much variation in what the ideal amount should be as it depends on how much your dog weighs and how active she is.
I feel that the best approach is to feed and watch if your dog is losing weight, give more, and if your dog is gaining weight, give less.
For our pugs, we feed a scoop each in the morning and a scoop each in the evening, plus all their supplements.
We have an easy system for this: homemade food is refrigerated in a sealed container with a measuring cup , and all the supplements are lined up together in a cupboard in the kitchen. Keeping your ingredients organized and accessible will make feeding time fast and smooth.
Compared to feeding commercial food, where you might scoop out kibbles or open up a can, feeding homemade food with all the supplements takes maybe 10 seconds more. And even if it took 10 minutes more, fresh wholesome food for our furbabies is worth it.
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Learn All About Grains In Pet Food
Grains? No grains? What are they and what do they mean for your dog or cat? Find out on this special Blue Buffalo Grain FAQ page.
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Dog Articles: Health
Puppy, adult and senior: all three stages are important times in your furry pals life when its appropriate to ask your veterinarian about your dogs diet.
Growth foods necessary at the puppy stage have higher protein levels and calorie counts to meet your pups developmental needs. But once your pup is six to 12 months old those needs change.
Thats usually when your puppy is nearing his adult height and can transition to adult food. Spaying or neutering usually occurs at this age as well, lowering your dogs need for increased energy hence a reason to switch from puppy to adult dog food.
Breed size matters
Switching to adult food coincides with maturity, but due to the large variety of breeds, different dogs mature at different rates. Smaller breeds tend to mature faster than larger breeds:
Dogs up to 30 pounds mature around 10 to 12 months of age.
Some toy breeds can mature as early as seven to nine months old.
Medium breeds, up to 80 pounds, mature between 12 to 16 months.
Large breeds can mature at 12, 13, or even 14 months old.
Giant breed dogs can take up to two years to reach full maturity.
No more three squares a day
Most pet parents feed two half-portions of adult food when their dogs are over a year old.
Eyes on your furry friend. Not his food.
Switch slowly
Help My Senior Dog Is Always Hungry
Polyphagia is a condition in which a dogs food consumption grows so much that it seems hungry all the time. If your senior dog diet is planned around well-portioned meals but your pup still appears hungry, somethings wrong. Read on to find out why your senior dog is always hungry and how you can solve this problem.
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How To Switch Your Dog’s Food Safely
Switching dog food cold turkey may not seem difficult for some dogs, but a thoughtful and gradual food transition can help your dog avoid any side effects of switching, like diarrhea or stomach upset.
To help you with the switch and dog food transition, refer to the 7-Day Transition Schedule below:
Days 1 and 2
Your Dogs Behavior Has Changed
You might notice your dogs behavior is a little offtheyre sleeping more and have less energy, or theyre unwilling to do activities they used to enjoythey might be entering their senior years. Give them longer periods of interrupted rest and consider talking to your veterinarian about switching to senior pet food.
Switching your dog from an adult diet to a senior diet might deter expensive vet bills, but most importantly, it will make for a comfortable older dog that is getting the nutrients they need to age gracefully.
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Should I Give My Senior Dog Supplements
Aging dogs have special nutritional needs and so some will benefit from supplements. For instance, a large percentage of older dogs suffer from arthritis and can benefit from vitamins and supplements, like chondriotin and glucosamine for their joints, such as Yumove for dogs, if combined with weight control and the proper exercise plan.
- Aids stiffness – ActivEase® Green Lipped Mussel contains 4x more Omega 3 than standard, and is proven to soothe stiff joints.
- Supports joint structure – Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Manganese support cartilage health, essential for mobile joints.
- Promotes mobility – YuMOVE is the only joint supplement with Hyaluronic Acid proven to reach the joint within 2 hours, helping to cushion joints more comfortable. Antioxidants Vitamin C & E help to reduce free radicals
A vitamin or mineral supplement is recommended if your older dog is not receiving adequate amounts through his food, which can occur if your dog is not eating a complete balanced diet. A supplement may also benefit some older animals that tend to absorb fewer vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes through the intestinal tract, and lose more of them through the kidneys and urinary tract. Finally, some older animals eat less and may not receive their daily needs of vitamins and minerals.
A fiber product such as wheat bran may also be given to help reduce the incidence of constipation if it occurs. Talk with your veterinarian to determine which supplements may be beneficial for your dog.
How To Transition Dog Food
Your dog may enthusiastically dive into their new dog food, but their system will likely need some time to adjust to a new diet. When switching dog food, our nutritionist Sara recommends making a slow, measured, and gradual change between over a 7-10 day period to help your dog avoid digestive upset. Thats something that both you and your dog will appreciate!
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Should I Feed My Senior Dog Wet Food
Canned foods are a good choice for a senior diet. It solves many of the issues presented with a kibble diet and is a great way to encourage picky eaters to eat more. Wet foods are generally more digestible than kibble, depending on the ingredients of course, and many options have very little carbohydrates or fillers.
When To Switch To Adult Dog Food
Dogs under 12 months of age are typically referred to as puppies while dogs over 12 months are considered adults. As a general rule, puppies can be safely switched to adult dog food when they reach 80% of their expected adult size.
However, just because your puppy is technically of adult age, doesnt necessarily mean hes ready for adult dog food. There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to determining when to switch to adult dog food, primarily your puppys breed size. For small breed dogs thats typically somewhere between 9-10 months, while for medium breeds and larger dogs, it might be closer to 12-18 months.
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Signs To Know When To Switch To A Senior Dog Food
Trying to decide when you should change from an adult dog food to a senior dog food can be a painstaking process simply because there are so many options available on the market. For that very reason, many dog owners will continue giving their dogs the same food throughout the rest of their dogs life.
We know that when a dog is a senior, they are going to have specific dietary needs. So, how do you know when to switch food? Here are six signs that will indicate when you should consider switching food.
When Should You Switch Your Senior Dog To Soft Food
When it comes to dietary needs, every dog has individual needs, regardless of age. So there’s no one easy answer to the question of soft food versus hard food. Both types of food can provide your dog with the nutrition your dog needsproviding you are feeding your dog a quality dog food that is nutritionally balanced and complete.
If your dog has very specific health concerns, such as aging joints or weight issues, consult with your vet for more information about what type of food best addresses your dog’s needs.
That said, there are a few reasons why you may want to consider switching your senior dog to soft food.
As your dog gets older, his teeth may become more sensitive, which can make chewing kibble more difficult and even uncomfortable for him. Switching to a soft food will help to alleviate his oral discomfort when eating.
Remember, if your dog is experiencing serious pain at mealtime from a condition like tooth decay or gingivitis, switching to soft food certainly won’t remedy the problem. So make sure you talk to your vet about oral care and dental treatment.
Digestion begins in the mouth with saliva, so if your dog has a tendency to bolt down his meals, he may not be adequately chewing the food or adding enough saliva to it. Soft food can aid with digestion because it’s more easily broken down and therefore more easily digested.
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Myth 2 Senior Dogs Require A Low
Not only is this one not true, but it is actually quite the opposite. As your dog gets older, they will most likely need more protein in their diet than before. This is due to proteins ability to build and maintain muscle, strengthen your dogs immune system, and support their central nervous system.
Finding The Best Senior Dog Food For Your Pet
When your dog reaches the age forsenior dog food, of course you want the very best to keep them feeling great. Not all senior dog foods are the same and they shouldnt be because not all senior dogs are the same. Your older dogs size is still an important factor in their nutritional needs. All older dogs need glucosamine and chondroitin to support their joints, but larger dogs need more at every age than smaller dogs. Remember, your dogs digestion is affected by aging too so it is important to transition to the new food gradually.
Our dogs give us their best every day. Of course we want to return the favour and give them the longest, healthiest, happiest life we can. Wholesome food appropriate to their age is a critical part of that, but it isnt the only part. Even very geriatric dogs appreciate a short stroll and a chance to sniff around outside every day.
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When To Switch From Puppy Food
Pet, grownup and senior: all three levels are necessary instances in your furry pals life when its acceptable to ask your veterinarian about your canines weight loss plan.
Growth meals mandatory on the pet stage have increased protein ranges and calorie counts to satisfy your pups developmental wants. However as soon as your pup is six to 12 months previous these wants change.
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Thats often when your pet is nearing his grownup peak and may transition to grownup meals. Spaying or neutering often happens at this age as properly, decreasing your canines want for elevated power therefore a motive to modify from pet to grownup pet food.
Breed dimension issues
Switching to grownup meals coincides with maturity, however as a result of giant number of breeds, totally different canine mature at totally different charges. Smaller breeds are inclined to mature sooner than bigger breeds:
Canine as much as 30 kilos mature round 10 to 12 months of age.
Some toy breeds can mature as early as seven to 9 months previous.
Medium breeds, as much as 80 kilos, mature between 12 to 16 months.
Giant breeds can mature at 12, 13, and even 14 months previous.
Big breed canine can take as much as two years to succeed in full maturity.
No extra three squares a day
Most pet dad and mom feed two half-portions of grownup meals when their canine are over a yr previous.
Eyes in your furry good friend. Not his meals.
Change slowly
What Is The Best Thing To Feed An Old Dog
Offer your dog fruits and vegetables. All dogs benefit from eating small amounts of fruits and vegetables, particularly when theyre older and more prone to constipation. Add fiber to your dogs diet in the form of wheat bran, steamed fresh green beans or canned green beans, or plain canned pumpkin.
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Is Your Dog Seven Years Or Older It May Be Hard To Believe But He Is Approaching His Senior Years And If Hes A Large Breed He May Reach His Senior Years Even Earlier
Like humans, dogs undergo physical changes as they age, causing their nutritional needs to change as well. Thats why its important to feed your dog the right food to nourish his aging body and mind. When choosing a dog food for senior dogs, consider the following factors:
Activity Level
Older dogs are usually less physically active than younger dogs, which makes them prone to gaining weight. Dog food for older dogs often has fewer calories to help older dogs maintain a healthy weight and ideal body condition. If your older dog is not as active as he used to be, you may want to consider a senior formula that has fewer calories than his adult formula to help prevent weight gain.
Even if your dog has slowed a bit, you still want him to be strong and active. To help support mobility and strong muscles, dog food for senior dogs often has higher protein levels than adult formulas. In fact, increased dietary protein can actually help slow age-related loss of lean body mass and support a healthy immune system. Glucosamine is also added to senior formulas to help support healthy joints.
Mental Sharpness
Dogs may show less interaction with you and lower engagement in daily activities as they age. Fortunately, nutrition like Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Vibrant Maturity 7+ Formula with enhanced botanical oils naturally nourishes your senior dogs brain and helps promote mental sharpness, helping him think more like his younger self.
Appetite
Dental Health