Senior Dog Diet
Special nutrition for special needs.
Antioxidants are naturally occurring nutrients that help maintain overall health by neutralizing the peroxidation process of cellular molecules. Some antioxidants, such as vitamin E, beta-carotene, and lutein, are naturallyoccurring nutrients.
Recent research sponsored by The Iams Company found that dogs fed a diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, lutein, or beta-carotene had improved immune responses and vaccine recognition. This may be especially important in senior dog, because research has found that as dogs age, immune responses can decrease.
Older dogs may have higher numbers of unfavorable bacteria and lower numbers of beneficial bacteria in their intestines, which can result in clincal signs of gastrointestinal problems (e.g., diarrhea).
Feeding a diet containing fructooligosaccharides (FOS) - a unique fiber source that helps nutritionally maintain healthy intestinal bacterial populations - promotes growth of beneficial bacteria. Beet pulp, a moderably fermentable fiber source, also helps maintain intestinal health by providing energy for the cells lining the intestine and promoting small, firm stools, aiding in senior dog care.
Signs that your dog needs senior pet food
Different dogs show signs of aging at different times, and much of this variation is associated with size. Larger dogs generally appear "old" sooner than smaller dogs. The table below lists the age at which various groups of dogs should be transitioned to senior foods.
Dog Weight and Transition
90+ pounds -- 5-years
51-90 -- 6-years
21-50 -- 7-years
Up to 20 -- 7-years
