Nutritional requirements for mature dogs
Nutritional needs of dogs change from stage to stage. What they are given as young pups will not suffice their nutritional needs when they mature. Adult and mature dogs undergo many physical changes. Hence the pet food needs for mature pets must be different. Matured dogs are dogs that are in the last stages of their life expectancy. Different dog breeds have a varied lifespan.
What happens to adult dogs?
The physical changes that take place in mature dogs bring in significant changes in their energy levels. Their metabolism slows down so they need less calories and fat in their food. But most pet owners are not aware of this required change in their pet’s food. Unaware of this nutritional change they keep on feeding the same old pet food which makes the mature dogs sick and obese. They become less active and prefer to rest in a warm, cozy bed for most of the time because they do not have any more muscle strength to jump around actively.
Aging health complications
Like humans, dogs also face many age-related health problems. As they age, they face a lot of health complications and organ failures like kidney and heart. There are some diseases, namely, arthritis, diabetes, dental diseases and also cancer can be the Their immune system weakens significantly hence they are more prone to infections. And also they take time to recover and heal when they fall sick. Some dogs also face behavioral changes, poor vision, and cognitive dysfunction. Some pets may have difficulty in sleeping. To combat the effects of these health conditions, the pet food needs for mature pets needs to be changed accordingly.
What‘s the right pet food needs of mature pets?
As your pets mature, they need a diet that is less in calories and rich in protein and fiber. Their balanced diet should be a right balance of fats, proteins, fiber, and carbohydrates. This diet will make your pets feel full. If your pet is suffering from any specific health complication, their diet needs to be altered accordingly, such as, pets with kidney problems need a diet that is rich in proteins and low in phosphorous. Pets with a heart condition need to be fed a diet low in sodium. Similarly, cognitive dysfunctional pets need antioxidants in their diet. If your dog is diagnosed with cancer then add Omega-3 and antioxidants to the diet.
When you change the diet as per the health conditions of your pet, you stop the progression of that disorder. You also give the body the strength to fight the condition and reduce the effects of that particular health condition. Omega-3 and antioxidants boost the immune system and help the body to heal.
Even if your pet is not suffering from any health conditions, make sure you have a certain diet for your pet so that they remain healthy and fit. Also, consult with your vet and incorporate the required dietary changes for your aging pet.
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