When a dog ages, his or her eating habits and nutritional needs change as well. In order to make sure your senior dog is getting the proper nutrition he or she needs, it may be a good idea to switch to a dog food specially formulated for older dogs.

What Age is a Dog a Senior?

Since pets age much faster than humans, it can be hard to determine when a dog is considered a senior. Whether your dog is considered a senior depends on your dog’s breed and size. Large breeds age faster than small breeds. For example, a St. Bernard will age much faster than a Chihuahua. Because larger dogs live between 10 and 15 years and small dogs live between 15 and 20 years, a larger dog is considered older around 5 or 6 years old, while smaller dogs are considered older around 8 or 9 years old. In addition to size and breed, other factors can determine how your dog ages. These factors include, diet, exercise, and genetics.

Since each dog is different from the next, it is important you take your dog to get regular checkups from the vet. Regular checkups will allow your veterinarian to conduct physical examinations and answer any questions you may have about your dog’s aging.

What to Feed Older Dogs

Selecting a dog food for your senior dog may seem challenging with all the options available. It is always a good idea to pay attention to ingredients rather than choosing the first bag you see. To make sure you are buying the best dog food for your senior dog, try looking for the following ingredients:

  • Antioxidants, which help support a healthy immune system
  • MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine, which help promote healthy joints
  • DHA, which helps promote eye and brain health
  • Omega-3s, which supports healthy skin and coats
  • Premium protein sources to maintain muscle mass

While your dog may be a little whiter in the face and may not have the energy he or she once had, they are still your best buddy and it is important to get them the nutrition they need. AvoDerm® Natural senior dog food provides healthy, balanced nutrition for your dog with added benefits to help your dog maintain their quality of life, even as they get older. However, because every dog is unique, it is always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

AvoDerm Natural is a registered trademark of Central Garden & Pet Company.