What to Feed an Elderly Dog: 7 Healthy Foods

Just like people, dogs' nutritional needs change as they age.

Keeping your senior dog at an optimal weight and having a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals in his diet will ensure that he stays in good shape.

Let's look at products that have excellent health benefits and are therefore suitable for older dogs.

Chia seeds

Chia seeds have seven times more vitamin C than oranges, eight times more omega-3s than salmon, and six times more fiber than oat bran.

That's why it's great for supporting digestion in older dogs. These seeds also contain 20% omega-3 ALA, an essential fatty acid that supports brain and heart function.

Chia also works well as an anti-inflammatory for skin problems and irritations in older dogs.

You can sprinkle a small amount of the seeds on your dog's food daily or mix them with water to form a gel, which is an ideal replacement for eggs in dog treat recipes.

Fatty fish

Oily fish such as salmon and sardines are a great addition to any senior dog's diet.

Fish is a rich source of omega-3 fats, which support your older dog's immune system and healthy skin and coat.

Include it in your dog's diet, occasionally adding cooked salmon (not raw) or sardines. It is better to give fatty fish to your dog once or twice a week.

Natural yoghurt

Natural yogurt, rich in calcium and protein, is an excellent source of nutrients for older pets.
Probiotics (good bacteria) also promote healthy gut and digestion in dogs, making them great for more sensitive senior pets.

A great way to give yogurt to your dog is to choose frozen yogurt treats or mixed with fresh raspberries or blueberries. Always make sure the yogurt is all-natural, contains live active bacteria, and does not contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

If your dog is allergic to dairy products, it is best to avoid yogurt.

Pumpkin

A great choice for older dogs with sensitive stomachs, pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber to promote healthy digestion.

A good dose of pumpkin helps to “move” substances through the digestive tract.
You can add boiled pumpkin to your dog's food or mash it up and add it to treats.

Linseed oil

Flaxseed oil, rich in omega-3s, promotes healthy skin and coat in older dogs, and its anti-inflammatory properties may be helpful for pets with allergies.
It is also believed to be beneficial for older dogs with joint pain or mobility issues.

Oats

Being an excellent source of soluble fiber, oats are beneficial for older dogs. They can also help with weight management, which is especially important for older pets.

It can be served as a homemade treat or cooked, but remember not to add sugar.

Apples

A healthy source of vitamins A, C, and phytonutrients, fresh apple slices can help clean your dog's teeth as they chew. Healthy teeth and gums are equally important in older dogs.

Dogs love apples when they are given fresh with the skin on (to preserve all the beneficial chemicals). Remember to remove the seeds as they are toxic.

Earlier welisted 5 reasons why a cat meows when a person sneezes.