I’ll start off by saying, since living in Thailand (21 years now!), I’ve always cooked for my dogs. And as Bolo lived to 26, and now Jackie Chan at 11, I think it’s safe to say the diet I’m providing my dogs, and the dogs I care for, gives them a leg up in their health game.
My recipe isn’t as much as specific amounts, but more in the ingredients. I give Jackie Chan a cup of food in the morning and evening, consisting of brown rice and fish or chicken, with very few exceptions. Occasionally I’ll give beef, more or less as a treat to break up the monotony. Jackie Chan loves salmon, and eats it regularly. Fortunately, here I’m able to get salmon scraps at a very good price, so this is a typical meal for her about 4 times a week. Bolo was not such a big fan of fish in general, so chicken was the most commonly eaten food. up to a year ago, but much has changed since then. In addition, I add green vegetables and occasionally eggs. Jackie also gets her daily chicken jerky treats, 3-4 a day is the norm. I do provide a quality dry food as well, but it hardly ever gets eaten as Jackie’s satisfied with two homecooked meals per day. It’s basically the back up. I also believe in a raw diet if it suits your dog. Bolo loved raw and Jackie Chan does not. Listen to your dog to help meet their particular appetite, as well as what’s the easiest for yourself.
Current trends are leaning towards homemade food, raw food and high-quality dry food diets. There is a lot of hype for very high-end dry dog food specifically geared towards senior dogs, but for me I’m still a fan of the homemade variety. Check the bottom of this blog for links on the top dry dog foods on the market in 2021
There continues to be a heightened focus on health, and e-commerce is playing a large role in distribution of pet food. Corn and grain free seem to be the most popular in regards to dry dog food.. Despite the last year’s crisis, it’s surprising that sustainable and e-commerce food has increased drastically. Considering the high cost of good quality food, this trend shows that people are interested in their dog’s overall health and immune systems.
I feel that if you’re giving your dog a healthy diet throughout their life, it isn’t a necessity to change to a ‘senior food’. Studies show that there are no standards for what actually makes a “senior” dog food, and there is no senior life stage guidance for dog food nutrients, so every manufacturer can create any formulas they want to market as a senior dog food.
That being said, there are foods that have added nutrients for your dog, such as glucosamine, and chondroitin, which can help if your dog has joint problems. It aids in alleviating pain and lets your dog get around easier, particularly if they’re arthritic. Glucosamine supplements can also be added to your dog’s current food.
As your dog ages they may lose fur or develop skin issues. You may want to add a dog food with higher fat content (specifically Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats). Fish oil supplements are widely available as well, and another option to provide these beneficial fats that are even more needed as our dogs age.
If your dog has teeth problems or sensitive gums, you may take them off kibble altogether as not to cause them any discomfort. A homemade diet is perfect in this situation as switching them over to strictly canned food is costly, unsustainable and surely not as healthy. You may then add the extra nutrients they need yourself, and know precisely what your dog is eating.
On average, senior dog foods have less protein, less fats, and higher carbohydrates than adult and puppy diets. Typically, higher carbohydrates and less fat isn’t a good thing and may be an indication of a cheaper dog food that uses more fillers. Read your labels!
As our pets age, some may put on weight as they’re less active which can be a big detriment to their overall well-being. This can lead to arthritis and shorter lifespans. Some senior formulas try to have less fat and less calories to help manage weight. This can be seen by looking at the average calories across life stage formulas. Also remember that senior dog foods have less calories per cup than other dog foods, on average.
If you need help in deciding what’s the right food for your senior dog, do your research and consult your veterinarian to find the right fit for you and your dog’s lifestyle. Keep in mind, health and wellness extends to our pets as well as ourselves.
Below are some links for the “Best” Senior Dry Dog Foods 2021
https://www.dogloversdigest.com/dog-food/best-senior-dog-foods/
https://www.dognerdz.com/dog/meals/best-dog-food-for-senior-dogs/
https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-dog-food-for-older-dogs-4579808
Homemade
https://dogquality.com/blogs/senior-dog-blog/our-favorite-homemade-dog-food-recipes-for-senior-dogs
https://thismessisours.com/easy-homemade-dog-food-recipe/
Raw Diet
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