Feeding the Senior Dog

Many of us have senior aging dogs. We love these beautiful darlings just the same. But just like our bodies, everything is changing as we age. This is a time to get a good analysis from your vets and make sure everything is working OK. Never leave out vet care, especially when your pet is aging. How we need to care for them is different. There is lots of information on this topic to assist your knowledge. I have some recommendation on feeding older dogs. I have three senior dogs. A large Black Lab, a medium sized Basset Hound, and a smaller Cocker Spaniel. All are aging differently.

Usually, as your dog ages, they become less active. They are still hungry most of the time. They still beg for cookies. Boy, it sure is hard to feed them less food. I give each dog their own bowl with their own measured food. Treats are reduced in size, given less often, never late at night.
I try to feed two or three small meals a day so they feel they are having enough to eat. Obesity can agrevate heart conditions in aging pets so we need to keep the weight down as much as possible. Going for walks helps maintain muscle mass and burns extra calories. If you can't walk outside, try walking around the house a few times. As long as they are walking with you, it makes them happy.

Feeding natural, human grade, organic, and holistic dog foods gives higher contents of nutrition that the aging pet needs. You can add supplements as well such as: Glucosamine & Chondroitin,
vitamins, brewer's yeast, linoleic acid, bromelain (for upset tummies). The following are some special foods good for senior aging dogs. They are available at EverythingNaturalPetFood.com.

1. Natural Planet Organics: Just like you, your canine companion's health depends on the proper blend of minerals, vitamins, meats, vegetables, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Natural Planet Organics has taken all the guesswork out of feeding your dog. Ingredients: Organic chicken, chicken meal, organic brown rice, organic oats, organic barley, natural flavors, dicalcium phosphate, organic flaxseed, poultry fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), calcium carbonate, organic sunflower oil, potassium chloride, tomato pomace, brewers yeast, sea salt, proteinated minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, cobalt proteinate, manganese proteinate, selenium proteinate), choline chloride, organic alfalfa, organic peas, organic sunflower seeds, organic pumpkin seeds, organic carrots, blueberries, organic broccoli, yeast culture (saccharomyces cerevisiae, enterococcus faecium, lactobacillus acidophilus, aspergillus niger, trichoderma longibrachiatum, bacillus subtillis), vitamins (vitamin A acetate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, niacin, pantothenic acid, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement), glucosamine hydrochloride, chicory extract, lecithin, taurine, preserved with mixed tocopherols, sage, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), chondroitin sulfate, yucca schidigera extract, garlic, calcium iodate, rosemary extract.
2. Newman's Own Advanced Dog Chicken & Rice Formula for Active or Senior Dogs Dry Dog Food a unique blend of proteins, whole grains, vitamins and minerals that maximize palatability, digestibility and nutrient assimilation. Feeding your dog high quality, largely organic food is the very best thing you can do for your pet's health. Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Organic Oats, Organic Barley, Organic Peas, Organic Soybean Meal, Organic Sorghum, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Millet, Organic Rice, Chicken Fat (Naturally Stabilized with Mixed Tocopherols [a Source of Vitamin E]), Organic Flax Seed, Dicalcium Phosphate, Organic Carrots, Chicken Liver, Sea Salt, Potassium Chloride, Parsley, Zinc Amino Acid Complex (Source of Chelated Zinc), Choline Chloride, Iron Amino Acid Complex (Source of Chelated Iron), Vitamin E Supplement, Rosemary Extract, Manganese Amino Acid Complex (Source of Chelated Manganese), Lecithin, Copper Amino Acid Complex (Source of Chelated Copper), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Source of Vitamin C), Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Biotin, Cobalt Proteinate (Source of Chelated Cobalt), Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide (Source of Iodine), Vitamin K Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Dehydrated Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Bifidobacterium Thermophilum Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Bifidobacterium Pseudolongum Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product.
3. Wellness CORE Grain Free Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food is a Thoughtful Alternative in Grain-Free, Protein-Focused Nutrition ..with Nothing in EXCESS, and everything in BALANCE. * No Meat By-Products * No Wheat or Wheat Gluten * No Soy * No Dairy * No Corn or Corn Gluten * No Artificial Colors, Flavors or Preservatives. 80% more meat and none of the grain allergens. Excellent for allergic dogs. Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Dried Ground Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Whitefish Meal, Tomato Pomace, Natural Chicken Flavor, Chicken Liver, Salmon Oil, Flaxseed, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Kale, Broccoli, Spinach, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Vitamins, Minerals, Choline Chloride, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract.
4. Innova EVO Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food contains 30% less fat than regular EVO Dog Food but with 20% MORE protein. Only the highest quality turkey and chicken, including the meat, cartilage, fat, bone and connective tissue attached to the necks, backs and wings are used in the making of EVO Reduced Fat Dog Food. Whole fruits and vegetables are added to supply important, health promoting nutrients that dogs would find foraging for food. Live, naturally occurring microorganisms are then gently sprayed on after the cooling process. Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Herring Oil, Natural Flavors, Egg, Tomatoes, Apples, Carrots,Cottage Cheese, Alfalfa Sprouts, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins/Minerals, Dried Chicory Root Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Lecithin, Rosemary Extract
5. ACTIVE CARE we have seen first hand and many times how even well-cared-for dogs can have their happiest years brought to a painful and premature end because of degenerating joints. And so we created ACTIVE CARE chews, biscuits and food with natural chicken cartilage with the highest levels of unprocessed chondroitin and glucosamine, to develop, maintain and repair the joints. It's for all breeds at all ages, naturally formulated with skin and coat conditioners, and makes taking good care of your dog's joints absolutely effortless. Ingredients: Brown Rice, Chicken Meal, Chicken Cartilage (Source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Ascorbic Acid), Flax Seed (Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Dried Egg Product, Diacalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Grapeseed Oil, Potassium Chloride, Monosodium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, DL-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Copper Sulfate, Amino Acid Chelates of Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Copper and Cobalt, Niacin, Ascorbic Acid (Source of Vitamin C), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, D-Biotin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement
6. ORGANIX Canine Organic Turkey, Chicken and Vegetable Formula Canned Dog Food uses Organic Free-Range Turkey meat as their #1 ingredient, assuring you and your dog that each turkey was fed a certified organic diet with no pesticides, no antibiotics, no growth hormones and no bio-engineering. An excellent source of complete protein and amino acids essential for growth and development. ORGANIC FRESH TURKEY & CHICKEN - We use real certified organic Turkey & Chicken meat as our #1 ingredients, assuring you and your pet that each chicken and Turkey was fed a certified organic, high-quality diet (This is the same organic chicken & turkey you'll find in your grocer's chiller!!). No drugs or antibiotics were used throughout their lifetime. An excellent source of complete protein and amino acids essential for adult maintenance.ORGANIC FLAXSEEDS WITH ANTIOXIDANTS Free from pesticides and herbicides, our formula's organic flaxseeds offer purity and nutrition for your dog's optimal health. Soluble and insoluble fiber helps maintain a healthy GI tract and provides natural laxative effects. Organic flaxseeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, helping to optimize the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids to soften skin, improve haircoat and decrease inflammation. Rich in antioxidants (lignans) that prevent free radical damage to cells.CHONDROITIN & GLUCOSAMINE Included for joint and bone function.PREBIOTICS & PROBIOTICS Optimize nutrient digestion and promote a healthy digestive tract.VITAMINS & MINERALS Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. Calcium and Phosphorus for strong teeth and bones. Vitamin D to aid calcium absorption. Antioxidant vitamins C and E protect cells and fortify the immune system. B Vitamins for proper metabolism. Iron to help build red blood cells. Essential Fatty Acids and Zinc to help promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. Vitamin A to help maintain clear vision and bright healthy eyes.
7. AvoDerm Natural Lite Brown Rice, Oatmeal & Chicken Meal Formula Adult Dry Dog Food is a vitamin enriched food with Avocados for healthy skin & coat. For overweight, less active dogs, antioxidant rich for healthy immune system highly digestible formula is for healthy skin and coat. Poor skin health can sometimes be traced to dietary insufficiencies or imbalances. Problems with the skin and coat are never just cosmetic. Symptoms such as hair loss, thinning coat, dullness, dry flaky skin, excessive scratching, thickened skin, infections, and odors can often be traced back to either a shortage or an excess of a specific nutrient. In fact, there is no more visible indicator of problems with your dog's overall health than problems with the skin and coat. Important Information:Why Avocados? Many of the nutrients your dog needs for a healthy skin and coat can be found in the remarkable fruit known as the avocado. Nutrient rich avocados contain vitamins A, E and C in abundance. They're also an excellent source of balanced nutritional essentials for your dog's skin and coat health-and good health in general. Avocados are high in folate, potassium, niacin, essential fatty acids, and many other nutrients. They have no cholesterol, very little sodium, and are high in monosaturated fats. Ounce for ounce, the avocado is simply one of the most nutritious fruits there is. Ingredients:Ground Whole Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Rice Bran, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Ascorbic Acid), Flax Seed, Avocado Meal, Dried Alfalfa Meal, Avocado Oil, Herring Meal, Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Rosemary Extract, Sage Extract, Bromelain, Papain, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product, Monosodium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, DL-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Manganous Oxide, Riboflavin Supplement (Source of Vitamin B Complex), Copper Sulfate, Zinc Methionine, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate, Niacin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
8. Artemis Weight Management has been formulated for dogs that are overweight or prone to gaining excess weight. Artemis Weight Management has been scientifically formulated with the correct balance of vitamins/minerals. Thus, it is not recommended for you to add any supplementation unless instructed by a veterinarian. Ingredients: Brown Rice, Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Pearled Barley, Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Egg Product, Salmon, Natural Chicken Flavor, Canola Oil, Flaxseed, Potatoes, Carrots, Peas, Apples, Cranberries, Dried Chicory Root, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Lecithin, Garlic, DL-Methionine, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Choline Chloride Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Inositol, Dehydrated Kelp, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Potassium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Sage Extract, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermantation Solubles, Dried Enterococcus Faecium and Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus.
9. Canidae Platinum Formula for Seniors and Overweight Dogs Dry Dog Food is made with all natural dog food formula made with four human grade meat meals with reduced fat and protein. It is made with an all-natural formula with lower protein, lower fat and reduced calories. Also made with glucosamine and chondroitin to promote better joint health and psyllium for fiber intake to help with digestion. Important Information:
   * Now with More Meat and Reduced Level of Overall Carbohydrates
   * All Natural, Human Grade, Holistic Pet Food
   * Four Human Grade Meat Meals: Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, and Fish
   * Now 2% Higher in Protein
   * Natural Ingredients Plus Essential Vitamins and Amino Acid Chelated Minerals
   * Naturally Preserved Herbal Formulation
   * Excellent Palatability - Dogs Love CANIDAE
   * Contains Skin and Coat Conditioners to Maintain a Health Luxurious Coat
   * Glucosamine HCL and Chondroitin Sulfate
   * Natural Psyllium Husk Fiber
   * Balanced Omega 6 and 3 Fatty Acids
   * Wholesome Nutritional Brown Rice and Diversified Carbohydrates
   * Decreased Overall Carbohydrates by Almost 2%
   * Decreased Overall Fiber by 1%
   * Now With Potato Protein Which Provides Excellent Levels of Amino Acids with Lower Levels of Calcium and Phosphorus
   * Superior Digestibility
   * Guaranteed Viable Micro-Organisms
   * Guaranteed Enzyme Activity to Help Break Down Cellulose
   * Made the CANIDAE Way with Superior Quality: No Corn, Wheat, Soy, Grain Fractions or Fillers and Naturally Preserved. Ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, white rice, rice bran, peas, potatoes, oatmeal, cracked pearled barley, millet, turkey meal, lamb meal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), tomato pomace, natural flavor, flaxseed meal, ocean fish meal, choline chloride, glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, psyllium husks, sun cured alfalfa meal, inulin (from chicory root), lecithin, sage extract, cranberries, beta carotene, rosemary extract, sunflower oil, yucca schidigera extract, dried enterococcus faecium, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract, dried bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation solubles, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D supplement, folic acid, cobalt proteinate, organic selenium, papaya, pineapple.

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