Like humans, dogs also have an old age, and aging also accompanies them. Aging of cellular and biochemical structures, which determine the structure and function of muscles, nerves and other tissues, is irreversible. When the cellular structure and biochemical structure begin to age, the dog begins to enter the third stage of its life: old age.

Generally speaking, small dogs have a longer life expectancy than large dogs. Small dogs begin to enter their senior stage at around 10 years old, while large dogs enter their senior stage at around 8 years old, and giant dogs begin to enter senior stage at around 6 years old. The super-old stage generally only exists in toy dogs or small dogs, which is over 11 years old, large dogs over 9 years old, and giant dogs over 7 years old.

Changes in Aged Dogs

In terms of appearance, the dog's fur will become gray, the skin condition will worsen; the movements will become slow and lethargic; the dog's health will decline, vision and hearing loss, loss of smell, tooth loss, and weight loss.

In addition to changes in dog performance, aging dogs also have some changes in energy requirements and intake. After entering old age, dogs' energy intake will decrease, but the demand for essential nutrients in older dogs will increase.

So, what are the special nutritional needs of elderly dogs?

Nutritional needs of elderly dogs

Of all types of essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, older dogs need more of them. Due to reduced caloric absorption, older dogs also need to consume 20% more protein and 20% more fat than adult dogs.

In addition, you need to pay special attention to the fact that aging dogs have difficulty in absorbing vitamin B, but their demand for vitamin B, copper and zinc is more than twice that of adult dogs. Older dogs therefore need foods containing more B vitamins, copper and zinc.

Therefore, the food of aging dogs must contain low-energy-density, high-nutrient foods to meet their nutritional needs.