5 Supplements for Senior Dogs to Keep Them Healthy
Our pet dogs have numerous internal and external changes as they enter their golden years. Whilst there are obvious signs such as greying fur, being less mobile and loss of sight and hearing, we also need to consider the change in their nutritional requirements. As dogs age, their nutritional requirements do to. Incorporating supplements into our senior dogs diet will ensure they get the necessary nutrients required, even if they don't eat like they used too!
Feeding our senior dogs the right supplements is necessary for their continued health and vitality. Therefore there are some factors we should consider when purchasing our senior dog supplements.
IngredientsLook for a supplement that contains antioxidants. Most senior dog supplements have antioxidants, these are essential to boost your senior dogs immunity.
Additional ingredients to look for are:
- Omega-3 fatty acids to promote heart, brain, and skin health.
- Probiotics to help in maintain a healthy gut and ease digestion.
- Glucosamine to improve mobility. This keeps joint healthy, and improves arthritic symptoms.
What form should you buy
Senior dog supplements are available in powder, liquid, tablets, and soft chews. If your dog can't chew properly , consider liquid or powder supplements. Mix the supplements with food to disguise it. Follow the feeding instructions carefully.
Flavour
As with most animals, our senior dogs can be fussy eaters , so look for supplements that come in flavours your dog will enjoy Our Senior dog loves duck, so we don't have any issues when it comes to giving him his duck flavoured heart medication. For those who don't like particular flavours, try adding cheese or peanut butter to tablets or soft chews before feeding.
Dosage
Feeding inappropriate dosage of supplements can lead to various side effects. Therefore, follow the instructions on the label or ask your vet regarding the suitable dosage.
Safety and Certifications
Your senior dog supplements should be certified by the relevant authority in your country.
Here are five senior dog supplements that have been recommended by veterinarians and dog owners to meet the nutritional needs of senior dogs.
Vet Natural Hemp & Hips Dog Supplements
These contain a combination of spirulina, glucosamine, chondroitin, and devil's claw root extract - which combined, boost dogs' energy levels, relieve joint pain, and nourish ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. They also contain omega-3 and 6 fatty acids which are good good coats and skin.
Other benefits include:
- Being grain-free and soy-free, perfect for dogs with food sensitivities.
- The vitamin E, turmeric, and grass-fed beef collagen in these supplements promote a healthy digestive system.
- These supplements lack harmful additives, and can easily be administered to senior dogs.
NaturVet VitaPet Senior Dog Supplements
These senior dog supplements contain glucosamine and chondroitin and are great senior dogs with joint pain. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to support a healthy heart and immune system and promote healthy organ function.
They're also wheat-free, so they don't upset sensitive stomachs!
Shop the VITAPET™ SENIOR DAILY VITAMINS CHEWABLE TABLETS here.
VetriSCIENCE Senior Dog Supplements
VetriScience Senior dog supplements have an entire range of products suitable for all types of pets - everything from eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts, through to your everyday multivitamins for joint health, boosting energy levels, and healthy skin/coats.
They are free from harmful allergens and are appropriate for all breeds.
Our pick: Golden Years Energize & Thrive Multivitamin for Senior Dogs
The Missing Link Senior Dog Supplements
The Missing Link Senior Dog Supplements are perfect for filling nutritional gaps in your senior dog's regular diet. They are available in powder form and can be mixed with dog food, either homemade meal, wet food, or dry kibble.
What we love:
- It contains omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, great for joint health and promoting healthy skin.
- It also contains plant-based antioxidants and dietary fibre to enhance cardiovascular function, promote optimal bone health, and relieve age-related joint stiffness.
- To ensure nutrient absorption, there's also probiotics!
- Not only all of that, but they're also easily digestible and contain no flavours, colours, or preservatives.
Shop the The Missing Link® Senior Supplement for Dogs here.
Zesty Paws Senior Dog Supplements
Zesty Paws Senior Dog Supplements are another one of our go-tos, with a whole range of supplements to suit your dog's needs. These multivitamins keep our senior dogs hearts healthy and boost their immunity.
As we've started to expect, there are no preservatives, flavours, or artificial flavours. So no concerns around allergy flare-ups or digestive comfort. And, these multivitamins are in the form of easy-to-chew tablets.
Our pick: The 11-in-1 Multifunctional Bites™ for Senior Dogs
Choosing the right supplements for your senior dogs is essential to ensure a quality life and to keep them healthy. Identifying the right supplements will help them enjoy their senior years. Of course, we recommend that you chat to your Vet before starting any course of supplements.