Feeding the Older Dog

A complete and well-balanced diet is essential throughout a dog's life to maintain optimal health. As dogs age, they require the same nutrients as in their younger days. However, the relative proportions of these required nutrients change over their lifetime. Diets for older dogs should be lower in energy and high in protein to meet their different needs. On average, a dog is considered to be old at around seven years of age. However, this age varies greatly with breed differences and genetics, with larger breeds showing the signs of aging earlier than the smaller breeds.

Dogs undergo both physical and metabolic changes that in turn affect their nutritional needs as they age. Older or geriatric dogs will typically display a reduction in lean body mass and an increase in the percentage of body fat. These changes are in part the result of reduced physical activity that normally accompanies old age. In addition, studies have shown that as a dog ages, its metabolism slows down resulting in the need for less energy. A decrease in food consumption is also common in the geriatric dog and can be the result of reduced taste acuity, dental problems, joint pain (as a result of arthritis), stress and depression. Thus, older dogs may eat less but still put on excess weight due to a slower rate of metabolism and lack of physical activity.

While the older dog still requires the same nutrients as a young dog, the older dog requires these nutrients in different proportions. For instance the energy requirement of the older dog is lower due to reduced physical activity and decreased muscle mass. In other words, a less active dog needs less energy, which translates into less fat needed in the diet. The energy provided needs to be sufficient to maintain health, while at the same time prevent excess weight gain associated with aging.

The reduction in lean body mass with advancing age causes a loss of protein reserves in the dog. Protein is important for maintaining muscle tissue and immune system function. Research has shown that aging dogs can become less efficient in metabolizing protein and thus may require more protein in their diet than younger dogs. Therefore, an older dog will benefit from a diet that provides high protein to help minimize the loss of lean body tissue and aid in keeping the dog as strong and healthy as possible. Older dogs that do not suffer from kidney disease generally have no problem remaining on higher levels of dietary protein.

Joint health may decrease with age as natural production of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate slows down. Both compounds are important in the maintenance and repair of joint cartilage. Dietary supplementation of older dogs with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate may benefit joint health and mobility, thus enhancing the comfort level of the senior dog.

In summary, it is recommended that a healthy older dog receive a diet that is lower in energy to maintain ideal body condition and high in protein and other essential nutrients and to aid in maintaining muscle mass.