5 Foods to Keep Dogs Healthy as They Age
This article shows you 5 Foods to Keep Your Dog Healthy as They Age.
As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. We need to provide them with good and balanced nutrition because we all want to keep dogs healthy as they age!
Did you know that senior dogs need higher-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids as they age? The right foods can support their aging joints, digestion, and immune system.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 Foods to Keep Your Dog Healthy as They Age. What’s really amazing about these foods is that they are easy to include in their diet!
1 Salmon (or Other Fatty Fish)
Salmon is one of the tastiest and easiest fish to prepare! Just pop it in the oven for 20 minutes, and you’ll have a perfect meal you can share with your dog.
When you make salmon for your senior dog, make sure to cut a small piece and avoid adding any salt, lemon, or herbs. Your dog likes things plain!
You probably know that salmon is very healthy as it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids that keep dogs healthy as they age. These not only reduce inflammation but also directly support your dog’s joint health.
As dogs age, they can start feeling pain and develop arthritis. It’s all due to aging and inflammation, so salmon or other fatty fish (or seafood) rich in omega-3 can really help them with mobility issues.
2 Pumpkin
I often write about the amazing benefits of pumpkin for dogs and really think of it as a superfood. Pumpkin is great for digestion and is the best remedy for stomach issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
However, since it has both soluble and insoluble fiber, pumpkin also helps with constipation, which is something that often troubles older dogs.
The best way to share pumpkin with dogs is to buy it fresh or frozen and cook it with no added salt. If you prefer oven-baked pumpkin, make sure you don’t add any salt or oil. Older dogs don’t like that, and they shouldn’t have it.
3 Blueberries
Blueberries are a powerful fruit packed with antioxidants and vitamins. There are so many good things about blueberries that I don’t know where to start!
First, they are rich in vitamins and natural sugars that give energy to the brain. They can be a really good snack after long walks to help your dog recuperate.
Secondly, the antioxidants in blueberries support the overall immune system. Blueberries are also rich in vitamins like vitamin C and K, which are important for bone health.
You can serve them fresh, frozen, or mixed with other fruits and yogurt. Since they are low in calories, they are gentle on the stomach and great for senior dogs with slower metabolisms.
4 Sweet Potatoes
Similar to pumpkin, sweet potatoes are a fantastic food for your senior dog! Since senior dogs have slower metabolisms and need fewer calories than adult dogs, sweet potatoes can be a good option for dog bowls as they are low in calories but full of nutrients.
Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, but the good kind that won’t be too hard on your dog’s stomach. Fiber helps with constipation and improves digestion.
On top of that, sweet potatoes have lots of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins that contribute to general health. Like all orange vegetables, they are packed with vitamin A, which is important for vision and a strong immune system.
The best way to cook and share sweet potatoes with your dog is to boil or bake them without oil, butter, or salt. Your dog needs them plain and properly cooked.
5 Plain Yogurt (or Kefir)
Most dogs can eat dairy products, so unless your senior dog has trouble with dairy, you can give them plain yogurt or kefir!
Both yogurt and kefir are great for dogs because they are full of probiotics that support good digestion and create a balance of healthy bacteria in the gut. These probiotics also help maintain a healthy gut environment for nutrient absorption, which senior dogs definitely need help with.
Yogurt also has calcium, which is necessary for bone health. On top of that, yogurt is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and strength.
Give your dog plain, full-fat, or low-fat Greek yogurt and avoid flavored ones. Make sure to read the labels and never give your dog anything with sugar substitutes, especially xylitol, as it can be dangerous for dogs.
Here’s a quick overview of 5 foods to keep your dog healthy as they age and links so you can read more about each:
Remember, your senior dog needs the following:
With a few thoughtful changes to their diet, you can help your senior dog feel their best in their golden years.
Talk to your vet about your dog and get some tips on foods you can introduce.
Do you have a favorite food that helps your senior dog stay healthy? Share it in the comments!
Don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll always have these foods handy!
Love, life, and fur forever!
This post showed you 5 Foods to Keep Your Dog Healthy as They Age.
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