Before we talk about the best dog treats for senior dogs, think back to when you first adopted your sweet puppy. It seemed like they would stay young and frisky forever, didn’t it? Their boundless energy and playful antics kept your hands (and hearts) full.
But somewhere along the line, the years began to slip by. And out of nowhere it hits you – in the middle of all that fun, your beloved dog has begun to age. While it breaks your heart that they’re getting older, you love your senior dog more than ever. To you, they’re still your little furbaby, only now they’re in a new stage of life.
All stages of your pup’s life bring their own questions and wonders. As you and your doggo head into this new chapter, you might have questions about their nutritional needs. Like what foods to include or avoid, what dog treats are best, and more. We’re here to explore many of your questions. Keep reading to learn more, and specifically what type of senior dog treats are best!
Let’s Talk About the Aging Process…
Let’s start here before we get to the fun part–finding the best dog treats for your senior dog. What exactly does aging look like when it comes to your dog?
Well, not all dogs age at the same rates, which may surprise you! Size and breed play a big role in the aging process. In general, smaller breeds age at a slower rate than larger breeds. When it comes to weight, heavier dogs tend to age faster than leaner dogs.
According to the AKC, the most common signs of aging are visibly cloudy eyes or difficulty seeing, bad doggy breath, the development of bumps or lumps, and moving at a slower pace.
As your dog ages, their dietary needs may begin to change as their bodies change. Arthritis and joint pain are common ailments found in senior dogs. Many pet owners may also find that their senior dog shows less interest in eating, or a reduced appetite when they do eat. Despite this, it’s not uncommon for dogs to gain weight as they age due to becoming less active.
So, What Are The Best Dog Treats For Senior Dogs?
Every dog is going to have different needs when it comes to their diets, right? Well, keeping that in mind, here are some general rules of thumb for senior dog treats.
- Keep things nutritious overall! Healthy snacks can be a helpful supplement to their normal dog food. Why not try to slip in extra vitamins and minerals? If you’re looking for a homemade option, carrots and apple slices are a great source. If you don’t have time to chop veggies or fruits, check out our line of dog treats here. We have tons of dog treats packed with nutrients!
- Protect their joints and hips. As dogs age, their joints and hips can become less mobile and more fragile. To combat this, we’re searching for treats that support bone and joint health. Look for treats packed with high quality protein, ALA, EPA, DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids. Green veggies, sweet potatoes and chia seeds (ALA), and salmon treats (omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, quality protein) are all great options.
- Let’s think about soft foods. Because teeth get more fragile (and fewer) in old age, soft dog treats will be easier for your aging pupper to eat. You might consider our Beef Infused Sweet Potato Fries as a flavorful treat for your senior dog.
- Keep your pup’s eyesight strong. Sweet potatoes and pumpkins are perhaps the best natural foods and treats to support your pup’s eyes. This is thanks to zeaxanthin and lutein, which protect the eyes in part by absorbing blue and ultraviolet light, which can damage the eyes. They both have other compounds and minerals that reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals as well.
- Keep the snacks high quality. There’s no place for fillers and impurities in your dog’s diet, especially as they age. Opt for soft dog treats that keep your dog’s best interests in mind!
- For your dog, it’s all about the taste! If you find that your special doggo has less interest in eating, try giving them delicious treats. Something super yummy will be more tempting and help them to get the calories and nutrients that they need! Most dogs love peanut butter, so why not try our Peanut Butter Coated Sweet Potato Bones?
As always, you should discuss any health concerns or questions with a trusted veterinarian. For example, if your dog suffers from diabetes, they will need a special diet. Make sure to discuss your dog’s particular needs with your vet!
What Brands Can I Trust For Senior Dog Treats?
No matter what treats you choose to purchase for your precious dog, be sure to pay close attention to the ingredients in their products and try to learn more about where they source those ingredients from.
If you’re in the market for senior dog treats, be sure to check out our amazing line of natural, delectable dog treats! What can you expect to find in our treats?
First of all, no icky fillers here! At Blue Ridge Naturals, our treats are always made with natural, wholesome ingredients. As if that wasn’t good enough, we also responsibly source and manufacture our treats here in the USA!
We know that your dogs are more than your pets–they’re your family. That’s why we pride ourselves on crafting the very best dog treats for senior dogs. Like you, we want to give your furry friend the highest quality dog treats. After all, it’s what they deserve!
Does your pup need less protein? Learn all about low protein dog treats here.
