Hi everyone! This time we want to talk to you about natural treats for older dogs. As we age, our needs change. Just like humans, we can suffer from arthritic joints, teeth problems and poor skin. Dogs tend to put on weight as their energy levels fall. They can also lose their sense of smell and their appetite can decrease.
Older dogs are prone to kidney and heart disease and as their immune system weakens, they are at risk of infections. Some older dogs can even develop brain problems such as dementia. Then there are certain breeds that are prone to liver or kidney cancers.
Luckily, there are several natural treats for older dogs that can help minimise the effects of ageing.
In this article, we want to talk about specific natural treats that help older dogs with typical ageing problems. Before we do that, here is a quick guide to feeding treats to older dogs.
Choose softer treats: older dogs can experience digestion and dental problems. Some dogs prefer a softer treat as they get older. The treat should be nutritious and easy to digest and chew.
Go low calorie and high fibre: older dogs have less energy and may not exercise as much as younger ones. Treats low in calories but high in fibre help with weight management and digestion.
Avoid crunchy treats: their teeth can fall out or become loose as dogs age. Older dogs find hard crunchy treats difficult to eat and they can cause choking.
Give high-protein treats: although older dogs need fewer calories, they still require high amounts of protein. Protein keeps muscles healthy and helps to prevent muscle loss.
Natural dog treats for older dogs
1. Joint problems
Joint problems are common with older dogs. Treats containing glucosamine and chondroitin help maintain healthy joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin are found naturally in cartilage.
Natural dog treats containing cartilage include:
Fish oils contain Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA which help reduce inflammation in joints and improve mobility.
Natural dog treats containing Omega-3 include:
2. Weight gain
Older dogs get less exercise and are prone to weight gain. Extra weight exacerbates joint pain and puts additional pressure on the heart. Choosing low-fat treats made of lean protein means you can still reward your dog while keeping it healthy.
Natural dog treats that are low fat and contain lean protein:
3. Dementia
If you’ve noticed your older dog is acting differently, they might be suffering from dementia. Many people don’t know that dogs can develop brain disorders as they age but adding antioxidants and fatty acids like DHA Omega-3 can improve brain function. As well as fish oil, antioxidant-rich foods include berries like blackberries, blueberries and raspberries.
Natural dog treats that contain antioxidants and DHA fatty acids:
4. Bad teeth
Older dogs can lose teeth, or they can get infected. Keep them in tip-top condition with the following natural treats.
Natural dog treats that clean older dog’s teeth:
5. Boost the immune system
Look for dog treats packed full of antioxidants and fatty acids. These boost the immune system which can weaken in older dogs.
Natural dog treats that contain antioxidants and fatty acids include:
6. Poor skin and fur
Has your dog’s fur become dull and flaky? Some dogs lack certain minerals like zinc in their diet. Zinc helps with cell regeneration so it's essential for healthy fur. Dogs also need a diet rich in B vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids to maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
Natural dog treats that contain zinc and B vitamins:
7. Cancers
Omega-3 fatty acids are your best defence against cancers in older dogs. These compounds boost your dog’s immune system, help with cell regrowth and fight off infections.
Natural dog treats that contain Omega-3 fatty acids:
Conclusion
What we love about natural doggie treats is that lots of them have several health benefits and help with a range of different issues. We hope this article on natural treats for older dogs has been helpful. In the meantime, you can always get in touch if you have specific questions via our email or pop and see us at one of our markets.
Comentarios