Special Nutritional Needs of Senior Animals
As dogs age, changes occur in their bodily functions, and it is logical that what they eat also needs to change. The list of health problems below are common in aging pets quoted from winchesterrawstore.com.
- Decreased immune system function
- Intestinal problems are common
- Reduced mobility
- Dental problems
Specialized Nutrition for Special Needs
Throughout a dog’s life, a process called Peroxidation occurs. Peroxidation is a normal process in the body to destroy useless cells and to kill germs, parasites, etc. However, this process can also destroy or damage healthy cells. As your dog ages, the damage caused by peroxidation accumulates and ultimately increases certain risks, such as infection.
Antioxidants are natural nutrients that help maintain overall health by neutralizing peroxidation processes in cellular molecules. Some antioxidants, such as vitamin E, beta-carotene, and lutein, are natural nutrients.
Recent research sponsored by The IAMS™ Company found that dogs fed foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, lutein, or beta-carotene had improved immune response and vaccine recognition. This is very important in the care of senior dogs; IAMS research has found that as dogs age, the immune response can decline.
More Frequently Occurring Intestinal Problems
Older dogs may have higher levels of unfavorable bacteria than good bacteria in their intestines, this can result in clinical signs of digestive problems (diarrhoea, among other things).
Feeding foods containing fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a unique source of fiber helps with nutrients to maintain a healthy gut bacteria population, encouraging the growth of good bacteria. Beet pulp, a source of easily absorbed fiber, helps maintain gut health by providing energy to the cells lining the gut and encouraging small, firm stools.
Signs Your Dog Needs Senior Food
Different dogs show signs of aging at different times, and most of these differences are related to size. Larger dogs generally appear to ‚age‘ more quickly than smaller dogs. The table below lists the ages at which different groups of dogs switch to senior foods, such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Senior Plus.
Providing vitamins, minerals and other nutritional components is important for the health and well-being of pets, and the best way to do this is to feed a high-quality, complete and balanced diet. Adding supplements to a dog’s diet often upsets the balance and can cause health problems.