Senior Dog Comfort & Care

Everyone has a preference when it comes to feeding dry or wet food. There are pros and cons to both. Your choice should be based on your dog’s unique needs.

Dry food is convenient, doesn’t spoil easily, and may help prevent tartar buildup. But, dry food can be hard to eat for dogs with dental issues and is often higher in carbs, promoting weight gain and increasing blood glucose levels.

Wet food is easier to eat, aids with hydration, and helps with constipation. But it can be smelly (which your dog probably loves, but you might not), spoils faster once opened, and doesn’t aid in dental health. It often contains more fat, which can be an issue for dogs with a history of pancreatitis or dogs who need to lose weight.

Regardless of which type of food you feed, it needs to be a high-quality, well-balanced diet. Often, senior dogs need a diet that is lower in calories and higher in fiber but still contains adequate protein and fat. Your dog’s diet needs to suit their medical needs. Senior dogs often have medical issues that require specialized or prescription diets. Consult with your veterinarian for their recommendation or opinion on what to feed your dog.