10 Surprising Foods for Aging Dogs
This post shows you 10 Surprising Foods for Aging Dogs.
As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. They require fewer calories but more nutrients. Some everyday foods are a perfect combination of these two factors!
In this article, we’ll explore 10 simple but surprising everyday foods that can support your aging dog—plus tips on how to prepare and share them safely.
What nutrients do senior dogs need?
This topic is a bit complex, but in a nutshell, senior dogs need high-quality protein and essential nutrients! Here are the key ones:
- High-quality protein for muscle and energy
- Omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health
- Fiber for good digestion
- Antioxidants to help with aging and support the brain
- Calcium and vitamins (like A, C, and E) for bones, immunity, and healthy skin and coat
Here’s where to find them!
1 Sardines
Sardines are one of the simplest fish to prepare, so convenient to share, and such a hit among dogs! Sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for aging joints.
You don’t need to wait until your dog starts having issues with arthritis or stiffness to give them sardines. They are such a great source of protein that they can be part of your dog’s diet all the time!
In addition to helping with joint problems, sardines can be a good food for dry, itchy skin.
They are also a good source of calcium, which is important for aging bones and teeth. Senior dogs need more calcium to fight the natural decline in bone density. That’s why it’s great that sardines also have vitamin D, which actually supports calcium absorption!
2 Spinach
Spinach is such a great leafy green to add to your dog’s meals and give them a serious health boost!
You probably know that spinach is healthy because it’s rich in iron, which is important for red blood cells. It also provides a slight energy boost, which is helpful for senior dogs since they are not as active.
Along with iron, spinach is a good source of antioxidants. While they don’t have superpowers, they support healthy aging and, in the long run, help slow down the aging process.
Last but not least, adding a handful of spinach to your dog’s meals will boost their fiber intake, which is good for constipation.
3 Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a good and mild source of protein. All these soft cheeses are very good foods for aging dogs. With cottage cheese, you get both calcium and protein!
What I really love about it is that it’s gentle on the stomach, low in calories, but still high in nutrients, making it a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
On top of everything, cottage cheese has probiotics! Probiotics are a common name for good bacteria that balance the gut microbiome and maintain a healthy environment for nutrient absorption.
I told you these are surprising foods for aging dogs! With cottage cheese, you get calcium, protein, and probiotics all in one! Add a spoon to your dog’s meal, or just give it to them plain as a snack.
4 Bone Broth
This is the number one food for your dog’s aging joints. Bone broth contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen.
These three are staples of a good diet for aging dogs, and you need to include them!
Glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen help with joint health by improving mobility. The joints become less stiff, making it easier for your dog to stay active and move around.
Bone broth is an excellent source of these nutrients. On top of that, it’s also hydrating and full of good electrolytes that help muscles!
If you want to buy bone broth, make sure to find a low-sodium version!
5 Eggs
Eggs are my favorite superfood! If you give your dog eggs, you’re giving them protein, fats, healthy amino acids, biotin, and selenium—all of which are important for healthy, non-itchy skin! And then some.
Eggs also contain choline, an important nutrient for brain and cognitive processes. This is why eggs are one of the best foods for aging dogs.
6 Apples
Apples are a low-calorie fruit that most dogs simply adore. It’s not really common to talk about apples in the context of foods for aging dogs but hear me out.
They are easy to digest, low in sugar, and super tasty, making them a healthy snack that you can mix with yogurt or other fruits.
Apples are good for senior dogs because they are high in fiber. This can help regulate digestion, support gut health, and make it easier for your dog to poop.
7 Turmeric
Whenever we talk about cooking for dogs, we mention that you need to cook plain foods without any seasonings or spices. But not all spices are bad for dogs!
Turmeric is safe and healthy for dogs. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with arthritis and joint health.
Of course, it’s not a miracle spice, but it has amazing benefits, including improving brain health and memory over time.
Sprinkle some on their cooked meat, cooked pumpkin, or mashed cooked eggs. You can also add turmeric to your dog’s bone broth!
8 Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest foods for aging dogs when it comes to improving gut health, aiding digestion, and relieving constipation!
Sweet potatoes have both soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which play a big role in maintaining regularity and a healthy gut microbiome.
They are also a natural source of vitamin A (and natural sources of vitamin A are the best!). This vitamin is very important for maintaining good vision.
9 Kefir
If you don’t already know how amazing kefir is, let me break it down for you. It’s amazing for both you and your dog!
Kefir is similar to yogurt since it’s a fermented dairy product. But it’s very rich in probiotics, which are essential for gut health. It’s also a bit more fun to drink because it’s zesty and tangy.
Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for senior dogs. As they age, dogs need to boost their digestion to continue absorbing healthy nutrients from their food.
Similar to cottage cheese, kefir also contains calcium and protein, making it one of the best superfoods for senior dogs.
10 Blueberries
The best and simplest fruit for dogs—blueberries are great for senior dogs because they are rich in antioxidants and packed with vitamins that support brain health.
Blueberries are also a good source of fiber, which helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome and supports digestion. Plus, they are a good source of vitamins!
Blueberries are rich in vitamin K, which actually helps with bone strength! On top of that, they are low in sugar and calories, making them perfect for senior dogs with slower metabolisms.
Adding these foods to your senior dog’s diet will improve their health and quality of life. Start with a bite or a small piece to see how your dog likes these foods. Then, slowly give them more to improve their nutrition.
Which of these foods does your dog love? Share your tips and stories 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 10 Surprising Foods for Aging Dogs.
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