Senior Food 101
Volume 20: Selecting the Best Dog Food for Your Senior Golden
As our goldens age, their nutritional requirements change. Switching your golden’s food from adult to senior, will ensure they receive the proper nutrition so they live a long life. Goldens should be transitioned from adult to senior food around 8 years of age (Braby, 2023).
Senior golden’s metabolisms slow down which results in requiring less calories (“Geriatric dog care: The best dog food for senior dogs”). We need to ensure they are not gaining weight due to their decreased metabolism levels. If your golden does become overweight, it can put a strain on their weakening bones (Braby, 2023). If they do gain weight, you could also alter the amount of food you give them per day. Another way could be to give them smaller more frequent meals throughout the day (Callaghan, 2022). A lower metabolism also results in your golden requiring more effort with digesting fat; thus, the fat content in their food should be lower (Braby, 2023). Selecting a food that is high in fiber will also help keep them regular and maintain good gastrointestinal health (“Geriatric dog care: The best dog food for senior dogs”). Probiotics will help with their digestive health as well (Braby, 2023).
Senior goldens also need a lot more glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health than adult goldens (Braby, 2023). Meat and fish meals are the types of proteins that can help aid in your goldie’s joint health (Braby, 2023). Senior formulated foods ensure the proper levels of glucosamine and chondroitin (Braby, 2023). There are also glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, like Dasquin, that you can add to their food.
Giving your golden a food that is high in protein is just as important for a senior golden as it is for an adult golden (Braby, 2023). A high protein diet is essential for muscle maintenance (Braby, 2023). Antioxidants and superfoods will also help support their weakening immune system (Braby, 2023).
Now that you know the essentials about what kind of food your senior golden needs, you can rest easy knowing they are being fed only the best. Remember when transitioning your golden to a new food, you must do so gradually over the course of 7-10 days to avoid an upset stomach (Callaghan, 2022). As always, The Golden Pupper is not a replacement for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian to discuss the right solutions and diet for your golden retriever.
References
Braby, E. (2023, January 12). Best dog foods for golden retrievers: Puppies, adults & seniors. Love Your Dog. https://www.loveyourdog.com/golden-retriever-dog-food/#Senior_Golden_Retriever_Nutrient_Needs
Callaghan, A. (2022, July 20). Old golden retriever – Caring for your dog as they age. The Happy Puppy Site. https://thehappypuppysite.com/old-golden-retriever/#food
Geriatric dog care: The best dog food for senior dogs. Apple Valley Animal Hospital. https://www.applevalleyanimalhospital.com/site/blog/2021/12/15/geriatric-dog-care-the-best-dog-food-for-senior-dogs