What s the difference between regular dog food and senior dog food
Does My Dog Need Senior Dog Food?
Nutrition is a very powerful tool throughout all stages of a dogs life. It can be used to maintain health, prevent disease, and even primarily manage some disease conditions. That said, just because your dog is getting older doesnt necessarily mean they need a diet change.
There are many foods out there that are labeled for mature, aging, and senior dogs. There are even diets labeled for all life stages. It can be hard to know what is the best food for your senior dog and whether you should switch to senior dog food.
Do Senior Dogs Need Senior Dog Food?
The decision on what to feed and whether to change to senior dog food should be based on many factorsyour veterinarian can help make recommendations based on your dogs health status, disease risk, and lifestyle.
The goals for feeding a senior dog are twofold:
If your dog has been diagnosed with a condition thats known to be influenced by nutrition, it may be time for a switch. This is one of the main factors to take into account when deciding if your dog needs a senior food.
What Makes a Senior Dog Food Different?
So, what makes a senior dog food different from adult or all life stages dog food? Food thats labeled for senior dogs may vary in their ingredient and nutrient profiles, but not always.
For example, the percentage of protein in adult dog food ranges from 18-30%. This is similar to the range of 18-23% for senior dog foods (on a dry matter basis). Other nutrient content can vary widely, as is often the case with sodium and phosphorus levels.
What sets senior dog foods apart from adult or all life stages foods is whether they also have certain nutrients and other ingredients that can help influence or manage certain diseases.
Its important to read dog food labels, and if you are contemplating a change, check in with your vet to see what your dogs specific needs may be.
All foods, regardless of stage, should provide the recommended amounts of required nutrients as established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (or AAFCO). It is important to note, however, that AAFCO approval does not ensure the food will be effective in preventing or managing a specific disease.
What Conditions Can Senior Dog Food Help Manage?
There are quite a few diseases that are known to affect aging dogs. Many of these can be influenced or managed, in part or entirely through nutrition. This includes conditions such as:
In some cases, nutritional changes can affect the outcome or slow the progression of a disease process, while in others, it may simply help reduce the signs associated with the condition.
Dogs with dental disease may benefit from senior dry foods with a specific kibble shape, size, and texture to reduce plaque buildup. These may contain added ingredients known to specifically control dental disease.
Alternatively, if your senior dog has lost their teeth, or has few teeth left, your vet may suggest going with a canned food variety for ease and comfort with eating.
Dogs with arthritis may benefit from senior foods with added ingredients that are known to benefit the joints, such as glucosamine hydrochloride; chondroitin sulfate; and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), to name a few. If a therapeutic diet is not suggested, supplements containing these ingredients may be recommended for your senior dog.
If your dog has kidney disease, your vet might recommend a high-quality senior food with low (but quality) protein. In many cases, a therapeutic diet may be recommended.
When Does a Dog Need to Switch to Senior Dog Food?
Dog life-stage classifications can help you know when your dog is considered a senior. Depending on their breed and size, most dogs are considered to be mature adults between 6 and 8 years old. In most cases, a dog older than 8 years will move into the senior category.
While these age classifications can be helpful in guiding food choices, its important to remember that animals are individuals. Just because they reach a certain age does not mean they are necessarily old on a physiologic scale.
The aging process differs for each dog, and just like with people, it may look, feel, and affect them all differently. If your senior dog is healthy and maintaining a good weight, a new dog food may not be needed.
Your veterinarian is your best ally in determining when your dog is ready to transition to a senior diet.
How to Choose the Best Senior Dog Food
Before making the transition to senior dog food, talk with your veterinarian to make sure your dog is ready and that they dont have any particular suggestions.
Here are some tips for how to make the transition easier for your dog.
Use the Senior Version of Their Current Food
If your canine companion is ready for a senior food, you can start by trying the senior version of what they already eat (same brand, variety, and texture). Many brands offer a senior version of most mature adult foods. This may help avoid digestive upset associated with diet change.
Look for a Senior Dog Food That Is Similar to Their Current Food
If your brand does not offer a senior version, look for senior dog foods with similar ingredient and nutrient profiles. For example, if your dog has always eaten a chicken and rice kibble, look for a senior dry food with similar ingredients.
If your vet has suggested a different formulation, brand, or variety, take a closer look at the ingredients and make your selection based on your dogs unique needs.
Consider Trying a Food Thats Specialized for Your Dogs Size or Breed
There are usually small and large breed varieties of senior dog food, depending on the brand.
If you have a small dog, looking for a small breed senior food is a good idea (and the same for larger breeds). These diets are usually formulated with size-specific (or in some cases, breed-specific) needs in mind. This could include a certain kibble shape, size, and texture, or added ingredients for diseases that are more likely to affect dogs of different sizes or breeds.
Listen to Your Veterinarians Recommendations for Special Conditions
If your dog has been diagnosed with a condition known to be influenced by nutrition, or they are at risk for certain diseases based on their health and lifestyle, your vet may suggest a therapeutic or prescription diet. These diets require a prescription from your veterinarian.
While these diets do not usually contain the word senior in their title, they are formulated to manage disease conditions commonly seen in senior dogs. They may have added ingredients or formulation-specific differences not available in over-the-counter varieties.
Transition Slowly to the New Senior Dog Food
Once you have selected the right diet for your senior dog, its important to make the transition gradually to their new food. Ideally, this should be done over 7-10 days or more, with a complete transition to the new food by 14 days.
If your dog is prone to digestive upset, you may want to take longer to introduce the new food. Its best to start by mixing in small amounts of the new food with their current diet. Each day, you can add more of the new food and remove more of the old food until the transition is complete. If digestive upset occurs (vomiting, diarrhea, or not eating), its best to stop the new diet and contact your vet.
Always Talk to Your Vet About Diet Changes
There are so many great options when it comes to senior dog foods these days. The variability in nutrient and ingredient content makes it hard to know what is best. Choosing the right food should be a decision based on your senior dog's specific needs, known health conditions, disease risk, and lifestyle. Your veterinarian is a key player in your dog's health and should be consulted when considering a dietary change.
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Senior vs Adult Dog Food: Main Differences
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn moreIf youve ever found yourself standing in the dog food aisle and realizing that your dogs normal food is out of stock, you may have wondered if purchasing the senior version of the food would suffice until the adult food is back in stock. Before you make this decision, you should understand the differences between adult and senior dog foods. There are a few notable differences between the two, and while feeding the wrong food for one or two bags isnt likely to be a problem, you should still understand the differences between the two to make the best decision for your dogs health.
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Side by Side Comparison
At a Glance
Lets look at the key points of each product.
Senior Dog Food
- 1823% protein
- Low in fat
- Less likely to lead to weight gain
- Supports joint health
- Somewhat limited options
Adult Dog Food
- 1830% protein
- Moderate fat content
- Supports active energy levels
- May or may not contain glucosamine and chondroitin
- Lots of options
Overview of Senior Dog Food
When to Choose Senior Dog Food
If your dog is over the age of 7 years, senior dog food may be appropriate for them. As dogs age, their nutritional needs begin to shift. Senior dog food can help ensure your dog maintains a healthy body weight as they age, as well as support healthy muscle mass without leading to fat gain. Senior dog food is formulated to meet the changing organ needs of aging dogs, including supporting the functioning of the kidneys, heart, and brain.
Nutrient Specifications of Senior Dog Food
Senior dog food typically has a lower protein content than adult dog food. They are also usually lower in fat content to prevent weight gain with age and activity decreases. Most senior dog foods have a higher carbohydrate content than adult dog foods, which can support healthy digestion and maintain caloric density without stressing the kidneys of your senior dog with high protein content. Theyre also usually a great source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health.
- Formulated for the changing needs of dogs aged 7 years and above
- Helps maintain a healthy body weight and appropriate muscle mass
- Supports kidney, heart, and brain function
- Supports healthy digestion
- Good source of glucosamine and chondroitin
- May not be appropriate for highly active older dogs
Overview of Adult Dog Food
When to Choose Adult Dog Food
If your dog is between the ages of 17 years, then adult dog food is likely appropriate for them. If your dog has a high activity level, they may need to stay on adult dog food beyond 7 years of age. Adult dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional and energy needs of healthy adult dogs. They are available in a wide variety of options, including high activity, small breed, and limited ingredient options.
Nutrient Specifications of Adult Dog Food
Adult dog food can have a protein content between 1830%, so the protein content can be similar to some senior dog foods. Adult dogs need protein to support healthy metabolism and muscle mass. Adult dog foods are usually higher in fat than senior dog foods since younger dogs are better equipped to metabolize fat in their food instead of storing it, causing weight gain. Adult dogs often require lower carbohydrate content in their food than senior dogs do, and there are fewer concerns associated with age-related decline in organ function.
- Formulated specifically for dogs between ages 17 years
- Supports metabolic and nutritional needs of adult dogs
- A wide variety of options is available
- Good source of lean protein
- Higher in fat than senior food
- Can lead to weight gain in less active dogs
What Type of Dog Food Does Your Dog Need?
Age is the easiest way to determine if your dog needs senior or adult dog food. For dogs under 1 year of age, they should receive puppy food. Senior food is generally recommended for dogs aged 7 years and above. However, if your dog is an active senior, they may need to stay on adult dog food for a few extra years to support their energy needs.
If your dog has specific nutritional needs because of a medical condition, like kidney disease, then your vet can help you determine what type of food your dog needs. Some dogs may need a prescription diet that is age appropriate for them, and that also can support their specific medical needs.
Conclusion
If you have a senior dog, its generally advised to feed them a senior diet. This will ensure their specific needs are met as they age. If your dog is an adult dog with normal nutritional needs, then senior dog food is unlikely to meet all of their needs. Its important to discuss your dogs nutritional needs with your vet if your dog has a medical condition or a specific issue that may impact their needs or metabolism.
Featured Image credit: (L) mattycoulton, Pixabay, (R) 279photo Studio, Shutterstock
