For many people, their dog is more like a family member to them than a pet. But as their canine companion ages, their risk of obtaining health problems rises. Owners, of course, want to prevent and alleviate any health issues their dog may develop.
People who own small dogs know that they often experience size-specific health problems. Old age can exacerbate or even add to these issues. To ease these problems, owners will do whatever they can for their dogs. This may include adjusting their diet.
Many owners in this position want to find the best dog food for old small dogs. That’s why we have assembled a comprehensive guide to nutrition for old small dogs. In it, you will learn everything you need to know about helping your senior dog maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
When Small Dogs Are Considered to be Seniors
Small dog breeds tend to live longer than large dog breeds. As a result, small dogs usually aren’t considered seniors until they are around 8 or 9 years old.
Some small dogs still maintain a healthy and vibrant disposition into their golden years. This means that it could take up to 15 years until they pass their adult stage. Only then will you have to switch your dog to a senior diet.
There is no set standard that determines when a dog officially becomes a senior. But veterinarians may consider any dog that exhibits the following signs as a senior:
- Weight loss or gain
- Problems with vision
- Skin issues, such as lumps
- Dental issues including bad breath and excessive drooling
As your dog ages, you will want to check him for these signs. Bi-yearly check-ups at the vet will be important for keeping an eye on any potential health issues.
Nutritional Guide for Old Small Dogs
Many dog owners wonder whether “senior dog food” is even necessary. As of now, there aren’t any “senior dog food brands” officially recognized by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Some brands claiming to provide food tailored toward older dogs may contain the same nutrients as regular dog food. The only difference is the labeling and price tag. Before you purchase it, you need to determine whether its contents are actually any different than those in a regular dog food box.
However, there are still various changes that can be made to a senior dog’s diet, including a food’s:
- Protein levels
- Fat levels
- Type and/or amount of fiber
- Calories
- Joint supplements and nutrients
- Texture
Protein Requirements
Protein stores in older dogs turn over more rapidly than those in younger dogs. This can lead to muscle loss. Decreased muscle can impair your dog’s immune system. It can also lower his ability to health from physical trauma, sickness, and stress.
Exercise alone will not always prevent this loss in muscle. However, extra protein levels that supply amino acids can help. Ideally, senior dogs should be fed over 75 grams of protein per 1,000 calories.
There is a myth amongst dog owners that protein overtaxes the kidneys. Therefore, it is bad for older dogs. However, this could not be further from the truth. This myth started in the 1940s when scientists were researching protein in rodents. Unlike rodents, dogs are actually evolved to need more meat and protein than rats. Various studies have since debunked the myth that protein is bad for senior dogs.
Some research studies suggest that dogs actually need more protein during their golden years. One study found that senior dogs need at least 50% more protein than younger dogs.
Required Fat Content
As they grow older, certain dogs have trouble retaining weight. This could stem from an underlying medical condition. Anything that affects his appetite or digestion may cause weight loss in your dog.
It is imperative that you take your dog to the vet if you notice that he has begun losing weight. Your vet may recommend a high-fat diet for your dog. On the other hand, they may recommend a low-fat diet if your dog is overweight or obese.
Fiber
There are two types of fiber that exist:
- Soluble fiber
- Insoluble fiber
Soluble fiber is ingested by bacteria for fermentation.
Insoluble fiber cannot be broken down or ingested by bacteria. Most dog food brands add both types of fiber in their food for gastrointestinal support.
Senior dogs who struggle with constipation may benefit from a diet that is high in fiber. High-fiber diets can sometimes help dogs lose weight too.
Fiber may also decrease the absorption of certain nutrients. This is why you may want to avoid feeding your dog insoluble, cellulose-based fibers. They are difficult to ferment and can significantly impact your dog’s ability to digest nutrients.
Caloric Needs
Unfortunately, there is no single answer on how many calories your small senior dog needs. It mainly depends on whether your dog needs to gain or lose weight.
Most senior canines need a low-calorie diet. This is partly because they tend to be less active in their old age compared to when they were younger. Your dog’s metabolic rate also decreases as it grows older. As a result, it will have more difficulty burning calories. Most of these calories will be stored as fat instead. A recent study even found that older dogs require about 20% fewer calories than their younger counterparts to maintain their weight.
However, this rule does not apply to everyone. Some dogs actually lose weight as they grow older. This usually occurs from a decrease or even loss of appetite. Your dog’s lost appetite can be caused by a decreased sense of smell or taste. Difficulty chewing and swallowing may also play a factor. In this case, you will want to increase the fat content in your dog’s diet. This will both increase the food’s palatability and calorie content.
Food Texture
Soft food is perfect for dogs struggling with degenerative dental conditions. Dogs who have lost a number of teeth from disease or are between cleanings may struggle to chew tough foods.
Beware of dog food products that claim to be made specifically for dogs with dental disease. Most of them are regular foods with extra moisture added in. Make sure they have ingredients that can effectively help your dog’s dental issues, such as:
- Additives such as citric acid that prevents hard materials from forming
- Dog probiotics
These ingredients do not replace treatment from a veterinarian. Rather, they help your dog maintain beautiful teeth and prevent oral problems.
You should always consult your vet for advice before switching foods or adding supplements to your dog’s meals. They will know how to adjust your dog’s diet according to his unique needs.
Diet Rules for Small Dogs
Despite their tiny size, small dogs sometimes require more calories than larger dogs. This is because they tend to have higher metabolic rates than them. They also face a higher risk of developing low blood sugar. In scientific terms, this condition is known as hypoglycemia. Luckily, small dogs have a lower risk of obtaining this condition as they grow into seniors.
In terms of food options, small dogs require more than just meat in their diets. Grains, fruits, and vegetables, along with meat, are all necessary for a well-rounded diet. Commercial foods are popular among dog owners. Not only are they affordable and convenient, but they also provide all of the nutrients your dog needs in order to be healthy.
If you decide to feed your small senior dog commercial food, make sure it is designed specifically for small dogs. They need smaller kibbles to consume and digest the food.
How to Read a Food Label
Before purchasing a new brand of dog food, you will need to thoroughly examine the bag’s label. As you do this, make sure there is a statement on it certifying that the food is “complete and balanced.” This means that the food contains the minimum amount of nutrients for a healthy diet.
You will also want to make sure you are choosing the correct size and life stage. The food should be designed for either all ages or for “senior” dogs. You should then compare the “senior” dog box with the regular “adult” box. Not all brands make actual distinguishments between their adult and senior dog foods. Finally, check the ingredient list to make sure it doesn’t contain any allergens.
Things You Should Avoid Feeding Your Dog
There are certain ingredients on the market that are toxic to dogs.
Make sure you avoid these ingredients:
- Artificial colors
- Corn syrup
- Wheat gluten
- Whole grain corn
- Bone meal
None of these ingredients provide any nutritional value to dogs. If anything, they add unnecessary calories.
Digestion and Health Problems in Older Dogs
As a dog ages, its gut undergoes numerous changes.
Note: There is no conclusive evidence that these changes impact their ability to digest nutrients. The only thing we know for sure is that older dogs are highly susceptible to digestion-related conditions. Anything from a simple food allergy to pancreatitis could require you to alter your dog’s diet.
Some brands will attempt to address these issues by adding soluble fiber or increasing the fat content in their food. While these adjustments might help some dogs, they may also be completely useless to others. Every dog digests its food differently. That’s why you must tailor your dog’s food to its unique needs and health issues.
Related Questions
Gradual weight loss does not always indicate a troublesome health issue in your dog. In fact, even healthy senior dogs lose weight from time to time. This usually occurs due to a loss in appetite or muscle mass. However, if your dog has lost over 10% of his body weight within the past year, you will want to take him to the veterinarian. A sudden drop in weight could also be indicative of a serious illness.
There are a variety of possible reasons behind your dog’s refusal to eat. But you will want to find the specific cause behind your dog’s sudden loss of appetite in order to formulate a proper treatment plan.
Anything from illness to a recent vaccination to pickiness could be behind your dog’s decrease in appetite. Most often, your dog’s disinterest in eating is a sign of sickness. But it could also stem from being fed in uncomfortable situations. Maybe his food bowl is placed too high for him to reach. Or he is being forced to contend with another aggressive dog in the household. Either way, you will need to bring your dog into the veterinarian to confirm what is going on with him.
This depends on whether you feed your dog once a day or twice a day. If you feed your dog twice a day, you will want to feed him in the morning and in the evening. The best times to feed him are around 7 am and 6 pm, respectively. This gives your dog enough time to digest his food and to allow the receptors in his stomach to send hunger signals to the brain. If you feed your dog once a day, you should feed him in the evening. This will give him enough nutrients to last until the next day.
Probably not. Some commercial dog foods do provide more sodium in their dishes than necessary, dogs should still have some sodium in their diets. That being said, dogs with heart and kidney problems or with hypertension should be placed on low-sodium diets. These conditions often make it difficult for your dog to secrete excess sodium.
