What age should you start feeding your dog senior dog food?

Question

i have a 49 pound american stafforshire terrier that is 7 years old she never had kids she was fixed and i am wondering at what age should she start eating senior dog food? thanks

Answer 1

Medium and large breed dogs usually switch to a senior food at around 7 years of age (sooner for giant breeds, later for toys). Senior food can be lower in calories and is higher in protien, it's actually similar to a puppy food in protien content. As an animal ages their bodies absorb nutrients differently, and the type of nutrients they need changes.

As far as the arthritis goes there are several things you can do to minimize the affect of it. There are joint-specific-diets available through some veterinarians. They contain a higher ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6 which aids in diminishing joint inflammation. Many owners also see great improvement through accupuncture. If your vet does not offer it you may need to seek out a holistic vet. There also physical therapists for dogs that can reccomend exercises to help.

The best thing you can  do for an aging dogs joints is to keep an eye on her weight. Senior dogs need to be kept slender, even an extra 5 pounds can put tremendous pressure on already aching joints. Doing this and getting her on a good senior deit will certainly help.

Answer 2

If she is doing well on her diet, why change it?

I hope you are feeding her decent dry, not supermarket junk that's mostly corn meal, but there's no reason to change it for a 7 year old if she is fine on what she presently eats.

I have a 10 year old, a 9 year old, a 7 year old, a 6 year old, two 5 year olds, and a 2 year old - they are all fine on Canidae chicken and rice dry, mixed with a little rice and white meat, skinless, boneless chicken chopped fine.

Glucosamine is good to give a dog with arthritis or calcification, my vet suggested it for one of my dachsies and he has done well on it, doesn't seem anywhere near as stiff.

If your dog is in pain from the arthritis, there is Metacam, which helps with the pain and is also an anti-inflamatory.   Rymadil is also used, but Metacam - though more expensive - has less side effects.

Answer 3

It depends on so many things including how active she is, her weight and whether her joints are ok etc (senior foods can contain supplements like glucosmine).  Some seven year olds are still as active as three year olds while some are showing signs of ageing.  It can really only be your judgement but your vet may help.  You know your own dog better than anyone.

Answer 4

My dog is 10, Chocolate Lab, and he just eats plain old adult purina food, and does exceptionally well on it! We never do that, except with cats, at about age 8.

Answer 5

About 8 years of age, maybe sooner if she is gaining weight.  The senior dog food is lower in proteins and easier to digest.    

Answer 6

Well my dog is 10 and he's still eating regular adult food. I will probably continue feeding him adult food for the rest of his life and simply supplement with glucosamine. Since senior feed is just adult feed only less protein and added glucosamine. And I'm never thrilled about the low protein levels in senior food. He always sheds a excessively on senior dog foods and shedding constantly like that is a sign your dog isn't getting enough nutrition. So continue feeding good quality adult food with no corn,wheat,or soy, and just buy joint supplements when he starts acting his age.

Answer 7

You should start feeding senior food when you dog is 7.  Hope this helps.

Answer 8

I read a study indicating that there is no need for a healthy dog to switch to a "senior" diet at any age. Some older dogs have problems with their teeth, and if anything, you might want to consider switching to a kibble that has smaller pieces than what you currently feed, but unless your dog is overweight, there's no need to change.

Older people pretty much eat what they've always eaten, no senior diet there ...

Answer 9

7 years is the best, thats when we started feeding ours senior, she passed at 15!

Answer 10

You can start with senior food now. Buy your food at a pet store not the grocery store.