Although a detailed and deliberate discourse on nutrition of the elderly dog was presented in our column of March 30, 2025, I am compelled to continue on the topic, if only to emphasise that your pet can have an extended life in your care with close attention to the feeding regime and to respond to recent queries raised by my clients.
It is clearly obvious that the animal is visibly slowing down as it gets older and less engaged in what used to be its normal activities. Working dogs, (those which actually earn their keep by herding domestic from livestock) and hunting dogs (which go on long hikes with their owners) will no longer be able to continue these activities. (NB. The German Shepherd was developed to assist the farmer to herd sheep —ergo the name).
The elderly family pet exhibits sluggishness and refuses to be hurried. Of course, when actual “old age” elements like arthritis begin to affect the companion animal, the resultant inertia and languor are major causes of concern.
We cannot continue to place the elderly on the same diet that was provided in its healthy adult life. The physiological process pertaining to digestion of food is altered as the animal gets older. Food must now be more easily digestible. Constipation is an obvious consequence of high roughage diets. I do truthfully believe that, generally, pet caregivers tend to overfeed their wards — not only at Festive Seasons. Perhaps one should institute, in our feeding regime , a day of fasting once every week. I must admit that I have not been very successful in sharing this advice. “We love our pets too much to starve them”. Well, it’s not starvation, it is only one day a week. I recall a professor of mine arguing that dogs’ carnivore cousins (wolves, foxes, etc.) do not catch prey and have a feast every day. Dare I mention that many of my Muslim friends and family make a point by extolling how very much better they feel after following fasting principles during the Holy month of Ramadan. I mean both physically and spiritually. Since I have touched the issue of diet related to religious tenets, allow me even now to mention that vegetarian homes may encounter some challenges— all of which are surmountable. Dogs are omnivores and while they have a strong predilection for meat, they can digest both plant and animal-based foods. Attention to the protein base and amino acid profile on a strictly vegetarian meal is critical to providing a balanced diet. Having said that, most of a billion (plus) Hindus who have pets, feed them only a veggie diet and they live healthy lives.
I understand that the Pet Food Companies produce special diet packages for elderly dogs. But I have never seen these items on Supermarket shelves—either locally or abroad. It therefore becomes necessary for companion animal caregivers to discuss the diet with the veterinarians.
Let’s reiterate the
general principles to follow:
Feed the elderly animal once a day. If you have been feeding your dog three times a day, reduce that to once a day— but not abruptly. Introduce change of diet to your canine companion animal slowly. Whatever is the routine, stick to it – as long as there are no obvious deleterious consequences. The digestive tract of the elderly dog has specific bacteria which have “evolved” to deal with a specific diet. A sudden change (even in the water quality) can create a diarrhea and other gastro-intestinal upsets.
The content of the food must have easily digestible components. For example, in vegetarian households, beans (approximately 8 hours to digest) and various other legumes (difficult to digest) are not recommended.
If the dog has a specific organ ailment or is already too obese, let your vet prescribe a specific diet for your pet.
Do not feed the old dog cold food.
Examine the oral cavity often for gum disease and tooth problems, which will affect intake and need veterinary care.
Note the impact of diet on the stomach (distension), defecation, and discomfort. Discuss any digestive issues with your veterinarian.
Offer elderly dogs several smaller portions of food spaced out every 4-6 hours. There are good arguments for this feeding schedule.
Control the calorie intake and avoid nutrient excesses. Your vet will advise about the usage of quality to protein supplements and antioxidants.
