Above: Dogs who are overweight are prone to many health-related issues, but in senior years it can be a critical health issue, particularly in the onset of hip issues and arthritis, and heart problems. Don't over love your dog to the point of obesity.

By Jenn Young

The senior years, in the canine world, come quickly, as early as six years for large breeds—far too early for their human companions.
Elder dogs require optimal nutrition to support their senior years. While most excellent quality top excellent quality dog meals have complete vitamins, organic supplement and minerals, the elder dog requires special attention. In particular, the senior dog should generally avoid grains altogether.

Cancer, arthritis and diabetes are concerns with elders
Dogs live longer than ever before, but this makes issues such as Cancer, arthritis, and diabetes—also common with their human companions—the number one issues. Their immune systems are often less effective. Depending on age, they are losing muscle mass. Larger breeds are prone to heart, cancer and bone issues.
It is certainly time to look beyond the less expensive good quality dog meals that may not be optimally balanced for seniors, and into by-product free and grain-free foods—or home cooking. Of course, age old advice—study the label—can help an educated human companion pick a good food. When in doubt, you can supplement. Remember that diabetes, cancer, liver issues are all part of the elder reality for a large percentage of dogs. Bagged foods, high in grains, may not be appropriate, for example, for either the glucose intolerant dog, or a canine with increasingly common cancers. Nutrition is the best prevention in many cases. Cancer thrives, for example, on sucrose.
Most dogs can benefit from the new grain-free alternatives increasingly available from most quality manufacturers, both in bagged and canned foods. When in doubt, consider a good supplement in consultation with your health care consultant.
Considering supplementation
When making these choices for your companion, be conscious of the fitness and health of your dog. Nutritional needs change with age and by breed. You will have to modify the supplement supplements as your dog grows from dog to mature. Most breeds, though can benefit from added Omega 3, low or no grains, and a high quality proteins, preferably from real meats rather than the "throw in the whole cow" meat byproducts.
Too much of a good thing is bad for elder dogs as there is toxicity associated with overdosing of some vitamins. If in doubt, be sure to research this or consult with your health care provider if you are providing supplements. Poisoning can occur in the following organic supplement and mineral...vitamin A, B-6, C, and D. Too much supplementation can also strain livers, which are often compromised in elder dogs. Some of the indicators can be lethargy, anorexia, fat reduction, constipation and firmness, limping, diarrhea, vomiting, abusive drinking and urination, depression and many other indicators—although these can also indicated many other conditions. Always consult your veterinarian.
Some conditions helped by supplements
Certain problems such as osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia can be treated with dog supplement supplements. You can also strengthen the aging and weakening immunity process. Cancer treatments often are difficult on the body, particularly chemotherapy, and supplements and herbs are often prescribed. Cancers where
Low or no grain foods
Choosing the appropriate dog meals and dog snacks is critical in to the and fitness and well being of your dog. Are you buying meals for a puppy? An heavy dog? A dog with epidermis allergies? Knowing your canine's medical insurance fitness needs will guarantee your best buddy enjoys the "dogs" life they deserve!
By aware that the vast majority of dry foods are heavy in grains. More advanced formulas might substitute brown rice or oatmeal, but the reality this are high glucose foods not well tolerated by most senior dogs. In nature, the canine does not eat grains. Dogs need meat, and some vegetables, but grains aren't really on the diet.
One reason, explains researcher Dr. Steven Eisen, is "Dogs have a higher metabolic rate than humans. This means that higher glycemic foods break down even more quickly in dogs than people, significantly increasing the odds of tumors and cancer cells multiplying more quickly." It is a known, well accepted fact that cancer thrives on high glycemic index carbs, particularly tumours. Both, are a growing issue with senior dogs, and may, in part, have been contributed to by dry grainy foods.
Weight and the elder dog
Lower metabolism and other age-related issues result in rapid weight gain in some senior pets. Although healthy fats such as Omega 3 are very desirable, avoid grains and sugars which turn quickly into body fat. A healthy bodyweight should reflect the build and size of the animal. Too much excess bodyweight puts stress on organs and joints. Senior Household pets with pancreatic or renal issues that require low levels of protein and fat and heavy most dogs needing a low calorie eating habits regime plan can benefit from a blend of substances including sesame and salmon oil, oatmeal, apples and cranberries.
Another reason to avoid grainy dry dog foods—look instead for grain free dry food if possible—is diabetes in dogs, a rapidly growing phenomenon in dogs. Veterinarians recommend day-to-day exercise (always recommended!) for dogs suffering from diabetes and low glycemic index foods. This is also, as previously mentioned, important for dogs with cancer.
Treats and how to reward
A pet looks forward to snacks and rewards, but the vast majority of packaged treats are high glycemic index. Substitute, instead, dried 100% chicken or duck, or look for low sucrose packaged dog treats free of grain.
Arthritis in the elder canine
Arthritis is, perhaps, one of the most common issue with elder dogs. Many large breed dog foods and specialty foods are formulated with this in mind, and usually include supplemental Omega 3 oils, MSM, and Glycosamine. Ingredients such as alfalfa and cod liver oil reduce the discomforts of osteoarthritis. Many aging pets and large breeds such as the Great Dane, Golden Retriever, Irish Wolfhound and Akita can suffer from osteoarthritis. Arthritis indicators may increase with age or the pain, inflammation and firmness may develop during old age.
Food allergies
Food hypersensitive reactions are common among older dogs, particularly dogs who have been given the same formula for meal after meal, year after year. Again, grains are an issue. Avoiding a fixed, unchanging diet helps prevent the development of allergies, and, again, avoiding grains. Allergies manifest as itchy skin, hair thinning, and frequent bowel motions in a dog with an allergy to these items. Fish and potato formulas are often recommended for allergic dogs, although any good natural food high in real meat proteins (no byproducts) and no grains is the most likely way to overcome this issue. Omega 3 oils are also helpful.
Ultimately, the biggest "villain" in all this are grains. While it is difficult to make a dry dog food without grains, it's certainly not impossible, as shown in brands such as Wellness Core and other grain-free dry foods. Even more choices are available in cans. Home made foods, if properly prepared, are best of all, but require extensive research.

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