Senior dog foods have less calories per cup than other dog foods, on average. While weight management dog foods can be useful, they're not really necessary. You can make some easy changes to how you feed your dog to manage their weight better.
Do senior dogs need fewer calories?
Because some dogs lose muscle and gain weight as they age, senior diet recommendations often include fewer calories, says Dr. Larsen. The range, she says, could be 20 to 50 percent less than a typical adult diet, depending on the individual animal.
How many calories should a senior dog eat?
Most senior dogs who are fairly healthy (and not overweight) just need a diet that has moderate amounts of protein and fats, and is easy to digest. You're aiming for protein levels of somewhere between 28% and 30%, and fat between 10% and 14%. In terms of calories, approximately 350 calories per cup is about right.
Does senior dog food really make a difference?
A properly formulated senior dog food includes farm fresh vegetables and fruits, instead of grains and gluten, to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Overall, a good senior dog food is low in calories, high in fiber and provides adequate protein and fat for a dog's aging body.
Will senior dog food help my dog lose weight?
A 2011 study found that calories in senior foods varied widely, ranging from 246 to 408 calories per cup. So, the same senior food may be a great choice if your dog needs to lose weight.
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