April 11th, 2011
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If you have an older pup, be aware of a recent study from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University regarding food for senior dogs. Researchers found discrepancies in the nutritional content of nearly 40 senior dog foods and owners’ perceptions about them. One important takeaway: Not all older dogs require a “senior diet” and there is no single food that’s appropriate for all senior dogs. For instance, some aging dogs may lose weight and lean body mass, while others may become more sedentary and gain weight, and each would have different nutritional requirements. Do your research and consult your vet to choose the best food for your dog.
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Consult a Nutritionist that specializes in dog food not a vet. Vets know little about dog food and its contents.
If you do not believe me ask one.
I thought geraniums were poisonous to dogs. Your website says they are not.
Hi,
Just because our dogs get older is no reason not to feed them the right kind of foods.
Also good to make or buy them some winter woolies to keep the old bones warm.
Regards,
savvymouse
http://squidoo.com/loveyou-canine
I think we all need to be very careful when considering when a dog is at the “senior” age..it differs per breed.
I agree that many vets can’t know everything about foods and which company offers what. It is quite confusing if you go into the feed stores.
I feel as our dogs get to that senior age we should ask our vets to run blood work on our dogs to make sure they are absorbing the nutrients and minerals, etc. that they need to stay healthy.
I find the Whole Dog Journal a wonderful source on educating the everyday person about foods.
When it comes a time when your dog is getting along in age, and you are wondering if you should change their diet you need to take a few factors before changing their food. First are they still very active or are they sedentary and overweight. If a dog is active and or a working dog, then they need more protein which is in adult formulas. If they are overweight and inactive, they require less proteins in which you should change to a senior formula. You must first remember that protein level and fat should not be the only deciding factor; you should also look at the glycemic index of the other ingredients in the foods. Good carbohydrates are essential for dog health as well. The lower the glycemic level the better the grain, fruit, or vegetable is for the dog. Stay away from corn, corn meals, potato, tapioca, Brown rice and look for ingredients, such as, red lentils, Barley, split peas, and rye. The later ingredients are the very lowest in the glycemic index and therefore control blood sugar levels much better, which helps brain functions especially with dogs that have diabetes or are considered a senior.