We all wish for our dogs to live forever, but all we can do is give them extra care and attention as they age. As our beloved pets transition to their golden years, their needs change – especially their health issues and dietary preferences. As pet owners, we need to address these needs, including finding appropriate treats for senior dogs to enjoy.
Older dogs may have a lower tolerance for regular treats, even the ones they used to love. This may be because they already have specific health issues, such as sensitive teeth, gums and digestive tracts. Because your selection of dog treats has become limited, here are some tips on choosing the right treats for senior dogs so you can keep them happy, healthy and comfortable for a long time.
Consult your vet.
Before shopping for treats, it’s important to work closely with your vet to address any questions or concerns you may have about your senior dog. Your vet can create a nutritional plan tailored to your dog’s specific health requirements, including suggesting appropriate food choices and dog treats for senior dogs that reflect the nutrient balance of your pet’s diet.
Look for treats that are gentle on the teeth.
As dogs mature, they become more susceptible to dental problems and may experience chewing difficulties. Soft and small treats or chews may be ideal as they are easier to eat and digest. Pawtion’s snack range, specifically the Lamb Snacks, provides the perfect balance – you can break them down into small pieces so your pets don’t have to chew, and they still get to enjoy their natural flavours.
If your older dog still enjoys a light nibble, choose a treat that is chewy enough to help maintain their ageing teeth and promote dental health. Chews like Pawtion Bully Sticks, Chicken Strips and Kangaroo Jerky or Beef Jerky still give a satisfying crunch but are not so tough that it can cause them issues. In particular, Bully Sticks are non-bone products that can be safely consumed by older dogs.
Choose low fat, low calorie treats.
Dogs’ metabolism and activity levels slow down as they get older, so it’s essential to mind their daily intake of treats to help maintain their weight. Treats should be given in moderation to prevent your pet from becoming overweight or obese, which increases their risk for various health issues like heart and kidney diseases and joint problems.
It’s best to choose lower calorie and lower fat treats for your ageing pooch. Water based vegetables like fresh carrot sticks, cucumber and zucchini slices, broccoli and lettuce are all very low in calories and can be safely given to pets. Some fruits, like small servings of apples, bananas and blueberries, can be served fresh or frozen as guilt free snacks for senior dogs. You can also opt for low fat treats like the Pawtion Fish Jerky, which contains 2% crude fat and are filled with Omega-3 fatty acids to nourish and complement senior dogs’ nutritional needs.
Look for treats that help with specific health issues.
Older dogs may benefit from various supplements and treats especially formulated to boost their wellbeing, including supporting their sensitive gut, strengthening their immune system and more. In particular, senior dogs may experience joint or muscle pain more frequently, which is why vets are more likely to prescribe supplements to improve joint health.
Even if your pup has not developed the condition yet, they can benefit from treats like the Pawtion Green Lipped Mussels – treats that are packed with Omega 6 fatty acids to help fight the symptoms of arthritis and inflammation. It also contains glucosamine that supports joint health, and chondroitin which helps maintain cartilage and promotes joint flexibility and mobility.
Keep it all natural.
With so many dog treats available in the market, it can be difficult to choose which ones are appropriate for your senior dogs. Many are loaded with filler ingredients, artificial flavouring and additives that are like “junk food” and can be harmful to their health.
When looking for treats for your ageing canine companions, be conscious of the ingredients on the label. As much as possible, choose ones that are made with high quality and natural ingredients.
Pawtion treats and chews are made with single ingredients that are either dehydrated or freeze dried, making them free of harmful preservatives. They’re also packed with essential protein, vitamins and minerals that help boost your dog’s overall health and nutrition.
Giving treats to your maturing dogs isn’t just a sign of love and appreciation – it can also be mentally enriching and motivating for them to keep moving and exercise. Choosing the best dog treats for senior dogs is all about adapting to their changing needs to ensure they are happy and healthy as they enter their golden years. With careful planning and monitoring, you can ensure your canine companions live their best lives and stay with you for a long time.
Want to stay updated on proper pet care? Sign up for our newsletter or read our blog here for more treating tips and guides.