As your dog ages, his once-active lifestyle begins to slow. If you continue to feed him his usual diet, then you may witness a fairly rapid weight gain. And, unfortunately, weight gain can lead to a number of health problems. For this reason (among others), it is important to regulate all pets' diets, especially senior pets. Older dogs have differing nutritional needs than younger dogs, and the diet should reflect those needs. With the help of a veterinarian, you can decide what food is right for your pooch.

If you have ever searched for senior diet recommendations on the Internet, then you have probably uncovered many conflicting suggestions. Some owners say more protein, while others suggest decreasing it. Many people suggest cutting certain minerals, while others say add to them. All dogs are different, which is why the suggestions are not uniform. For instance, dogs that are at a higher risk of kidney disease need less protein in their diet, while other dogs need the protein to keep up the muscle mass. All agree that diet is extremely important for the senior dog. Since your pooch is unique, you need to work with your veterinarian to come up with an appropriate diet. After an exam, which may include some blood work, your veterinarian can decide how much protein and other nutrients your pooch needs. Then, based on the suggestions of your veterinarian, you can figure out what food is best for your pet. Here are a few things you can do if you can't get to the veterinarian right away.

There is one aspect of the senior diet that is rarely argued: caloric intake. As your pet slows down, he needs to consume fewer calories than when he was younger. It's not a tough equation: consuming the same amount of calories with a less active lifestyle will result in weight gain. The last thing your slowing pet needs is extra weight. Not only will it make him even less active, it can lead to a number of health issues. So, your senior pet should consume fewer calories than his younger counterparts. If you haven't changed his diet yet, then just start feeding him a little less until you do change his diet. Now, if he is still fairly active, don't limit the number of calories to too few. Many pooches will stay active well into their lives, so base how much you feed him on how much he exercises.

Many people rush out to the grocery store and find the first food that has a "senior" label on it. While this may be better than what you are currently feeding him, it may still not be the best choice. Just because the label reads "senior" does not mean that it is right for your pet. The ingredients are what counts. Once again, if you haven't had time to visit your vet, then you may be a little lost. On the same note as weight gain, select a food with less fat and calories than the others. You should also pay attention to the sodium content. Just as it affects humans, salt can worsen heart disease. As a dog ages, his immune system can be compromised. Look for food containing vitamin E and beta-carotene, since these antioxidants are known to increase the immune system's effectiveness.

If your pet is beginning to suffer from age-related dental problems, then you should seek out a softer food. Chewing hard kibble is not fun for a dog with sore teeth. If you pet has lost teeth or has problems chewing, then consider the switch to wet food. You can find wet food to meet your pooch's nutritional requirements, and most dogs enjoy the taste.

As your pet ages, there are a number of things you can do to help him out. Changing his diet is necessary, especially as his body begins to slow. The best thing you can do is to visit the veterinarian and come up with a diet specifically designed for your pooch. If you veterinary appointment is a few days away, then consider purchasing food for older pets or feeding him a little less of what he is currently eating. But, don't make a drastic change until you talk to a specialist.

This article was provided by pet-super-store.com an online pet shop featuring dog car seat covers and orthopedic pet beds.