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‘Senior’ Dog Food - How Important Is It?
April 8, 2008
Adult Dogs, weighing 25kg or more and requiring fewer calories, from1 year old until 5 years old i.e. dogs of larger breeds that are less active, neutered or otherwise prone to obesity. Science Plan Canine Light Adult Large Breed with Chicken is specially formulated to meet the nutrient and energy needs of dogs who are seven years or older who require fewer calories. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and shiny coat. Reduced energy density fat levels to help avoid weight gain. Contains Hill's Superior Antioxidant Formula to help support the immune system, glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate from natural sources to help maintain joint health during ageing. Increase natural fibre to promote regular bowel movements. L carnitine to increase the conversion of fat to energy, to limit fat storage.
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By Kay Stevens
Like us, a dog’s requirements changes as he nears middle age. If you are 50 plus, then you will realise that your dietary requirements are different to when you where in your teens. This is the same for dogs. As a rule of thumb, a dog who is 7 years old is really 50 years old in dog years.
These days, with the higher quality of veterinary care and nutrition available, our pets are living longer which is great. However, the down-side of this is that they are at a higher risk of developing age-related conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease and canine Alzheimer’s.
Warning signs of these problems can include bad breath, sleeping more, increased urination and drinking and changes in weight and behaviour. I, for one, can definitely relate to this. Therefore, when your dog reaches 7 years you must look for these signs but it is even better to take precautions.
The best and easiest precaution is switching dog food. This switch should be to a dog food specially formulated for older dogs, which can slow down aging and help prevent the development of age-related diseases.
A 7 plus dog food should contain higher levels of antioxidants, high quality protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and optimum levels of fibre. It should also be enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate to help support healthy joints and cartilage.
Symptoms of age-related diseases are usually only detected when there has been significant damage, so don’t wait until you actually notice something wrong with your dog. As an example, kidney disease is one of the most common diseases among older dogs, but the symptoms will only show once 75% of kidney function has been lost.
Therefore, it is of great importance that once your dog reaches 7, you look seriously at his dog food and make the necessary changes to his diet.
Interesting Facts.
1. A dog becomes a ’senior citizen’ at about 7 years of age which is equivalent to a 50 year old human.
2. Switching to a dog food specially formulated for older dogs can slow down the development of old-age diseases.
3. Mature dogs run a higher risk of developing diseases like arthritis, kidney disease and canine brain aging
(Alzheimer’s).
4. A dog which is well cared for can live between 10 and 15 years.
5. Approximately 40% of pets are seniors.
6. The oldest recorded canine, an Australian Cattle Dog, lived to 29 years. That’s about 203. Unreal!!
REMEMBER - Prevention is better than cure. Don’t wait until it is too late. When your dog reaches 7 review his dog food and make sure you switch to a ’senior’ dog food.
In closing, if you notice any changes in your dog or discomfort, PLEASE immediately seek veterinary advice. If you follow these few simple points, then you and your best friend will share many wonderful years together.
About the Author: I write articles about the wellbeing of dogs and their owners. My speciality is the Corgi breed, however all dog breeds are included. For comprehensive information and quality products, visit my website at http://www.corgidogworld.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Topics: Dogs |
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