What is the difference between senior dog food and regular?
Senior dogs of age 7-8 years need a high quality diet not the regular dog food. Lets discover if there is any difference between senior dog food and regular?
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Table of Contents
Written By: Ethan Anderson
Team My Dog Cravings
Disclaimer By The Author:
I am not a veterinarian doctor; I am just a pet parent responsible for more serious issues regarding your dog's health. It would help to visit a doctor and thoroughly research before choosing any food product.
Like humans, ageing in dogs is a disease itself which not only weakens dogs but also causes many diseases (obesity, cardiac, digestive, kidney) in them. According to an estimate, a medium breed dog becomes old at the age of seven to ten years and it becomes a problem for the pet parent which food to give to their dog. Is there a difference between senior dog food and regular dog food? Yes, absolutely.
The same food that a pet owner feeds an adult dog or puppy can’t be fed to a senior dog because as dogs age, their metabolism slows down and they don’t have the ability to digest food the way adults do. That’s why the food of old dogs is specially formulated with high levels of protein, calcium fiber and low level of fat carbohydrate so that your dog’s body remains perfectly balanced and he can enjoy a smooth life!
Quick comparison of Senior dog food vs regular dog food
No Time for overviewing complete articles? Let’s have a brief overview of regular and senior dog food.
Senior dog food
| Regular dog food
|
Differ b/w senior dog food and regular dog food:
There is a common misconception that senior and adult dog foods are identical. But in reality, a modified form of regular dog food with added macronutrients and vitamins is called Senior dog food. No more worries; let’s have a complete guide about senior and regular dog food.
Regular dog food:
The regular canine diet has the following characteristics!
- Calories:
Regular dog food has a higher caloric content depending on whether it is dry or wet, providing approximately 97 calories per ounce in dry dog food and 25 calories per ounce in wet food. More is needed, so regular dog food is made with low-calorie ingredients.
- Added supplements:
Heart, kidney, liver, and gastrointestinal diseases are scarce in young dogs, so no extra supplements are added to their diet. Standard omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and a certain amount of macronutrients are kept so your dog can grow optimally.
- Ingredients:
Regularly formulated according to AAFCO guidelines with high-quality ingredient protein sources, and additional supplements from natural sources, added fillers, and by-products!
Senior dog food:
The following are the characteristics of senior dog food!
- Calories:
Senior dogs need fewer calories due to their slow metabolism and low level of activity; therefore, senior dog food specifically provides only 25-30 calories per pound to adult canines.
- Added supplements:
There are the following additional ingredients
- Chondroitin and glucosamine for bone strengthening and Arthritis treatment.
- Soluble fats to protect from pancreatitis and cardiac disorder.
- Probiotics are used for smooth digestion and the prevention of diarrhea and constipation.
- Antioxidants for immunity boosting.
- Ingredients:
Senior dogs’ food is a grain-free, gluten-free formula with additional high-quality, easy-to-digest ingredients like chicken, veggies, fruits, and nuts for healthy mental and physical growth in canines.
Why choose Senior dog food for aged canines?
There is a lot of research on senior dog food and regular dog food. As a result, a diet with low nutrients is not suitable for senior canines but is best for adult dogs. So, a few benefits of senior dog food help pet parents make wise food selections for their old fellow!
1-Weight management:
With increasing age, about 50 percent of dogs become obese because their activity level is low, and fat starts accumulating in their bodies. That is why senior dog food is made low carb (23%) or low fat, keeping in mind the point of weight balance.
2- Easy to digest:
Senior dog food does not contain any fillers, preservatives, or additives that can cause skin allergies or kidney problems in your dog. Low-carbohydrate food is very light on the stomach and easy to digest.
3-Smooth texture:
Irritability, lack of appetite, or lack of taste are common in older dogs. However, senior dog food is formulated excellently so that its aroma and texture make the food palatable to the dog and attract it to itself.
4-Maintain immune health:
Antioxidant omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are the number one micronutrient in Senior Dog Food. They strengthen your dog’s immune system and protect him from many joints, skin, and gastrointestinal diseases.
Conclusions:
Finally, it is clear now that senior dogs need additional macronutrients and micronutrients, so their diet is specially formulated compared to regular dog food. To keep your adult dog healthy and energetic, it is wise to prescribe a diet from a vet containing more chondroitin and glucosamine for healthy functioning. For more information related to wet and dry dog food, visit our official website!
References
- https://www.greymuzzle.org/resources/wellness/does-your-dog-need-senior-dog-food#:~:text=Senior%20dog%20foods%20do%20have,good%20thing%20for%20your%20pet.
- https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/health-care/senior-dog-health/when-to-switch-to-senior-dog-food
- https://www.marketcrossveterinaryclinic.co.uk/puppy-adult-senior-dog-food-whats-the-difference
Research By: Brian Mitchell
Team My Dog Cravings
