Do aging dogs have differing dietary requirements?
Yes. They should have less total protein but a higher quality protein, overall. As dogs move through life, they have differing nutritional requirements. The rate at which your dog is able to metabolize the nutrients is very different in later years. Sometimes, dogs will benefit from an increased amount of fiber added to the diet on a regular basis. Excess protein produces more nitrogen waste by-products, which in turn puts greater pressure on the kidneys. Dogs with renal ailments might require a prescription dog food, or small amounts of high-quality protein, found in eggs, yogurt, tofu, asparagus, lentils, cottage cheese, and hard mild cheeses, together with a lot of raw, grated vegetables. Kidney related problems demand a low protein diet. Cardiac problems require low sodium diets. Very often the two maladies go hand in hand.
