Bell & Bone Blog

Like their human counterparts, all dogs have unique dietary needs. Especially as dogs age, their nutritional requirements become even more difficult to understand and cater towards. This frequently leaves pet owners wondering what should you feed older dogs? 

Due to natural aging, it is common for senior dogs to develop issues such as joint pain, increased susceptibility to illnesses, and dental disease. But just because your pooch isn’t quite as nimble or as quick as they used to be doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you can take to help them feel like the puppy they once were.

What Age Are Dogs Considered Seniors?

There is no universally agreed-upon medical definition of what constitutes a senior dog. Although every dog is unique, the most important factors to take into consideration are your dog’s size and weight. 

In general, very large dogs (like Great Danes) live shorter lives and are considered senior at a younger age, around 5 or 6, whereas smaller breeds (like Beagles) tend to live longer and may not reach senior status until around age 8 or 9. But even into their senior years, many dogs continue to live healthy, active lives.

What Are the Signs of an Aging Dog?

Noticeable traits with an aging dog include things such as loss of vision, joint problems, skin problems, weight gain or loss, and bad breath due and dental issues. 

It is necessary to be able to distinguish the difference between "aging" and “geriatric'. When veterinarians refer to geriatric dogs, they typically mean those who are nearing the conclusion of the senior stage. Along with some of the aforementioned aging symptoms, geriatric dogs may exhibit more severe symptoms, such as:

• Memory loss;
• altered behaviour (such as agitation, confusion, or other personality changes);
• trouble adhering to regular sleeping patterns;
• muscular mass loss;
• urinary incontinence or increased urination, which could be signs of renal disease;
• Impaired mobility and osteoarthritis.  

Keep an eye out for these symptoms as your dog ages, and make sure to take them in for frequent examinations. For senior dogs, the majority of veterinarians advise twice-yearly consultations so they can undergo a complete physical examination and blood tests to help detect changes in organ function or other internal concerns. They can also assess which symptoms and indicators can benefit from a change in diet and offer recommendations regarding nutrition for elderly dogs.

Is There a Difference Between Senior Dog Food and Regular?

Is there a distinction between food designated for senior dogs, and regular dog food? Not necessarily. More often than not, many of these pet food products are very similar but are marketed differently to target specific audiences. As a result, there seems to be a lot of confusion about which dog foods are effective at catering specifically to the needs of senior dogs. 

However, there are undoubtedly some nutritional factors to consider, that can assist in managing the physical and physiological changes that dogs go through as they age. A senior dog diet may be different from a typical adult dog diet and may require the following additions or changes:

• Nutritional changes;
• Better digestibility and softer texture;
• Foods and treats designed to combat dental diseases;
• Adding supplements for joint health;
• Supplementing their diet with more antioxidants, omega 3’s and MCT’s.

What Nutritional Adjustments Need to be Made For Senior Dogs?

One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to senior dogs and their diets, is how much protein does a senior dog need? This is a valid question, considering many older dogs need extra protein in their diet. 

Senior dogs' protein reserves are used up more quickly than those of younger dogs, and much like humans, dogs can begin to lose muscle mass as they get older. To make up for that loss, additional protein provides amino acids, which keep older dogs stronger and more mobile.

Some older dogs may have trouble maintaining their weight. A high-protein diet is essential if muscle mass is the issue, but if your dog is losing weight for other reasons, your veterinarian may advise a diet heavier in fat. On the contrary, an overweight senior dog may benefit from a diet with less fat.

How Many Calories Does a Senior Dog Need? 

The answer to that can be difficult to answer. Whether your dog needs to gain weight or reduce their weight is the biggest determining factor in how high its caloric intake should be. Some senior-friendly dog foods are designed to have fewer calories per serving, while others have more.

There are a couple of general principles you can adhere to when determining how many calories you should be feeding your senior dog. If your dog needs to gain weight, feed them a higher-fat diet with more than 50 grams of fat per 1,000 calories. As for overweight dogs that need to lose weight, give them less than 350 calories per cup of kibble or a diet with pre-measured servings.

Given that senior dogs tend to be less active than their younger counterparts, lower-calorie diets are frequently the best option. Dogs' activity levels tend to decrease by up to a third to a half as they get older, which means they don't need to consume as many calories. The key is portion control!

What Can I Do to Promote Healthy Bones For My Senior Dog?

The main component of bone structure that contributes to bone strength is collagen. A dog's bones weaken as they age and their ability to produce more collagen declines. Since they no longer have the collagen, their bones need to stay strong; they also lose bone mass.

Fortunately, though, the bone mass in your pet's skeleton can be supported by taking a collagen supplement. Studies have indicated that daily collagen supplements can increase bone density, halt the aging process that makes bones brittle, and stimulate the growth of new bone.

A great way to supplement collagen into your dog's diet is to give your dog Bell & Bone’s Collagen Sticks. They are grain-free and developed by a vet scientist to ensure that the right level of collagen is included in each bite to give your dog optimal health benefits.

Collagen is Great for Mobility

In dogs with arthritis, collagen can increase movement and mobility. It is a natural supplement that aids in protecting and lubricating connective tissues that promote the health of the hips and joints. It can be used prophylactically on dogs that are getting close to old age or even on breeds that are predisposed to joint health problems.

For Joint Health: Collagen keeps the cartilage in your pet's joints healthy. It also supports appropriate inflammatory responses that can lessen sporadic joint pain. Even if your pet doesn't regularly experience joint pain, collagen nevertheless benefits healthy pets when it comes to muscle repair following activity.

For Muscle Health: When your dog exercises, its tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles are all put under stress. After exercise, consuming collagen aids in their recovery.

Additionally, in many cases, collagen can aid in injury prevention. Ligament and tendon health is particularly crucial for dogs that are very active and partake in rigorous activities. Those connective tissues remain flexible thanks to collagen.

Collagen Promotes Healthy Bones

The main component of bone structure that contributes to bone strength is collagen. A dog's bones weaken as they age, and their ability to produce more collagen declines. Since they no longer have the collagen, their bones need to stay strong; they also lose bone mass.

Fortunately, though, the bone mass in your pet's skeleton can be supported by taking a collagen supplement. Studies have indicated that daily collagen supplements can increase bone density, halt the aging process that makes bones brittle, and stimulate the growth of new bone.

Collagen Supports a Healthy Coat and Skin

Collagen is a fantastic way to improve your dog's coat and skin quality if they are collagen or biotin deficient. Collagen is what gives your dog's skin its healthy suppleness. Healthy collagen levels in dogs are associated with reduced shedding, reduced itching, and softer, glossier fur. It also helps them maintain healthy nails and prevents a number of skin diseases.

For Skin Health: Collagen helps to strengthen your dog’s skin. It promotes suppleness, and because it hydrates their skin from the inside, it is very advantageous for them. Having more hydrated skin will calm them, whether they have hot patches, seasonal allergies, or other skin conditions.

For Coat Health: A healthy coat is essential to your dog's well-being for reasons other than just looking cuddlesome. Their coat shields them from outside elements, while their undercoat insulates them and controls their body temperature. Not only does collagen do a great job of maintaining a healthy coat for dogs, but additionally it has been shown that dogs who supplement collagen in their diet shed less. 

Collagen is Great for Dog Digestion

Collagen is also helpful for dogs with digestive problems. Since collagen is needed to create the lining of your dog's stomach and intestines, it supports a healthy digestive system. It prevents them from developing conditions such as leaky gut syndrome by keeping food and stomach acid inside the walls of their GI tract.

Additionally, it aids in the breakdown of proteins, a crucial step in your pet's metabolic process. Their body can't properly convert food into fuel without collagen!

What Works Best to Fight Dental Disease for Senior Dogs?

For senior dogs, who are more likely to have loose or infected teeth, breaking through kibble can be challenging. The easiest change you can make to help your senior dog would be to switch to softer foods (e.g. canned, raw, or fresh).

Many dog food items on the market today that are promoted or labelled specifically for dental problems are simply conventional feeds with additional moisture. Of course, some do contain compounds designed to treat oral issues, such as Bell & Bone’s Dental Sticks.

Bell & Bone’s Chicken, Mint and Seaweed Dental Sticks are the most quality, highly effective dental sticks on the market. Their ingredients help to combat your canine's oral problems.

By paying attention to the changes in your dog as they age and taking a few simple steps to supplement their dietary needs, you can better ensure that they will be by your side for many more years to come. Additionally, if you have any concerns about your pooch’s health due to factors related to aging, be sure to seek veterinarian care as soon as possible; it could be the decision that keeps them barking with puppy youth well into their senior years!

Being a dedicated dog owner often involves asking the right questions, seeking the right advice and, most importantly, checking in with your pup to make sure that it's healthy and happy. When in doubt, or in the event of health concerns, always consult a professional. Head to our FAQs page for more answers to dog treat-related questions. If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch with me and I'll make it a priority to keep you informed and empowered.

sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5793325/#:~:text=Collagen%20is%20by%20far%20the,result%20in%20an%20increased%20BMD.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5793325/#:~:text=Collagen%20is%20by%20far%20the,result%20in%20an%20increased%20BMD.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465859/

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-mature-and-senior-dogs

The health of your dog’s gut flora would have to be one of the top concerns for pet owners. According to research, up to 80% of a dog's immune system resides in the stomach, which assists in their defense against allergies and a variety of other common health problems. As a result, it's always in your best interest to make sure that your dog's gut health is balanced and healthy. 

To fully comprehend what occurs in your dog's digestive system and how to support optimal performance, we thought what better time to discuss in more detail how your dog’s gut health works and what we can do to help it improve. 

We address what it means to have poor gut health, how your dog may address their poor gut health challenges, and ingredients we use at Bell & Bone that improve gut health for dogs.

How Does Gut Health Work?

Over the years scientists have developed a greater grasp of how important gut health is to both human and animal well-being. In fact, poor gut health can be linked to many common health issues in dogs, including excessive shedding, diarrhea, and nausea. 

Every intestinal tract contains bacteria that regulate the immune system, digestion, and general health. Healthy intestinal tracts contain good bacteria that coexist and work together with the gut to strengthen it. However, there are also harmful bacteria that can overrun your dog’s gut causing inflammation and eventually leading to disease. 

The unique and harmonious population of microbes in a healthy gut, where beneficial bacteria keep the harmful bacteria in check, are known collectively as the gut microbiome. If we don’t feed our dog’s the appropriate diet, it will lead to them having an imbalanced microbiome. This could eventually lead to them developing uncomfortable symptoms or even disease. 

What Causes Poor Gut Health In Dogs?

Many factors can cause poor gut health for your dog. Food sensitivities or allergies, parasites, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, gastric ulcers, colitis, and diarrhea are several of the conditions that can affect your canine’s digestive system. 

This can occur when dogs don't consume enough fibre, protein-rich meals, are under too much stress, or even from taking antibiotics.

How Do I Know If My Dog Has An Unhealthy Gut?

It's critical to be able to recognize the various elements that can lead to your dog’s poor gut. Obvious signs like chronic vomiting or diarrhea are clear indicators your dog may have a bad gut. Additional symptoms may include weight loss, nausea, or if they are constantly eating grass. 

How Can I Improve My Dog’s Gut Health?

Beneficial bacteria in your dog's gut called probiotics are essential for their overall health. Maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the fragile microbiome of the gut can aid in boosting your dog’s immune system. This could aid in preventing allergies, maintaining a healthy weight, and enhancing the general quality of life for your dog by helping them fight off dangerous bacteria, viruses, and environmental pollutants. A great place to start is with your dogs diet. 

Bell & Bone use only the best natural ingredients like Chia (helps absorb vitamins), Seaweed (helps to support healthy digestion), Manuka Honey (great for gut health, antiviral and antifungal effects), and Turmeric (anti-inflammatory, helps with diseases). 

Feed Your Dog A Nutrient-Dense Diet

Being carnivores, dogs need the protein found in meat to stay in good health. A diet high in nutrients can be obtained by eating raw meats, organ meats, and bone broth along with organic fruits, vegetables, and food-based vitamins. 

Live enzymes found in raw meats create ideal conditions for full digestion and nutritional absorption in your dog's stomach. A great healthy snack to help supplement this type of diet for your pup is Bell & Bone’s freeze-dried raw, grain-free, natural and healthy training and reward dog treats. With high amounts of fibre and using only the highest quality proteins, these nutrition treats are the best treats for aiding your dog’s gut health. 

At Bell & Bone, we are completely transparent about the ingredients in our dog treats. You’ll recognize everything in our ingredient list, with some favourite high-quality proteins like Kangaroo, Carob (a great source of fibre), and Ginger (fantastic to help with bloating in larger canines). 

Include Probiotics And Prebiotics In Your Dogs Diet

Include probiotics and prebiotics in your dog's meals to balance their microbiome and promote the growth of microflora. 

Prebiotics serve as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut while probiotics aid in their replenishment. Together, they make it more likely that your pup’s gut will receive all the nutrients it requires to function properly.

The microbiomes digest prebiotics (carried by fibre sources) to enhance the good bacteria. While probiotics, which are good bacteria, control the body’s natural balance and assist in maintaining the health of the digestive system. They achieve this by producing beneficial vitamins and enzymes that aid in digestion. Dogs that do not consume enough probiotics often suffer from diarrhea and stomach discomfort.

It’s also a great idea to include collagen sticks into their diet. We recommend Collagen in your dogs diet to help promote better gut health as collagen helps break down the nutrients in the body to improve digestion.

Collagen is a crucial ingredient in maintaining your dog’s overall health and well-being. We only use the highest-grade collagen in our collagen sticks which helps improve dog’s joints, skin, coat, nails and gut health. We recommend giving 1 collagen chew daily for optimal care.

Feed Your Dog Fermented Foods

Studies have shown that adding fermented foods to your dog's diet can improve gut microbial diversity. According to a study done by the Stanford School of Medicine, a diet high in fermented foods increases the diversity of the gut flora and reduces the molecular indicators of inflammation. 

The results of the study showed that microbial diversity increased as a result of eating larger portions of foods like yogurt, kefir, fermented cottage cheese, kimchi and other fermented vegetables.

Avoid Grains

Although there is debate about whether dogs need a grain-free diet, the data suggest grains can cause inflammation in your dog's gut.

Additionally, one of the top items that might trigger allergies and sensitivities in pets is grains. While some canines may easily digest grains, many canines cannot. Therefore, if your dog has digestive issues, cutting out grains is a simple first step to take. A high-quality, grain-free diet with meat as the first ingredient is what you should seek out.

How Do I Restore My Dog’s Gut Health?

As you work to improve your dog's intestinal health, it is important to be patient. Keep in mind that since these problems often have been ongoing for some time, progress might not be immediate. Your dog will need weeks to months, and occasionally even longer, to recover. The longer they have experienced symptoms related to intestinal health, the longer it may take to restore their gut health.

It’s great to give them daily treats with ingredients you can trust will benefit their gut health long term. For example, our superfood dog treats containing Carob and Ginger. 

Carob: a great source of fibre that helps regulate metabolism and keeps you fuller for longer. It also contains pectin which helps flush toxins from the body.

Ginger: assists in preventing nausea, and bloat which is common in larger dogs. It is an anti-inflammatory which is great for bones and joints and supports immunity.

Focusing on your dog's gut health can help you keep your furry companion as healthy as possible for the duration of their presumably very long life. Everything about their overall health will remain healthier if you can keep their digestive system in good shape. Gut health is the foundation of a healthy pet!

Our dog's digestive health can be a major sign of their general health. Keep a watch out for any significant changes in your dog's stool as this could indicate issues with their digestive system.

Make sure you are feeding your dog a nutrient-rich diet. Some of the best products on the market are Bell & Bone’s outcome-based dog treats, formulated for specific canine needs. All their dog treats are grain free and are made only from healthy natural ingredients. 

Being a dedicated dog owner often involves asking the right questions, seeking the right advice and, most importantly, checking in with your pup to make sure that it's healthy and happy. When in doubt, or in the event of health concerns, always consult a professional. Head to our FAQs page for more answers to dog treat-related questions. If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch with me and I'll make it a priority to keep you informed and empowered.

sources:

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6958461/

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7329990/

www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/disorders-of-the-stomach-and-intestines-in-dogs

www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/disorders-of-the-stomach-and-intestines-in-dogs

We all know how much dogs love peanut butter, but you may be wondering can I feed my dog peanut butter? The answer is yes; dogs can eat peanut butter. Peanut butter is a wonderful treat, but it is precisely that, a treat. 

Peanut butter can serve as a tasty supplement for your dog’s diet, as long as you always make sure to monitor the ingredients closely and are only giving it to them in moderation. 

Let’s dive in and find out more about what’s safe about feeding your dog peanut butter, what’s not, and some tips you should know before giving it to them.

Is Peanut Butter Good For Dogs?

Most peanut butter is perfectly safe for dogs so long as it is consumed in moderation. When eaten as a treat sparingly, peanut butter can be a great source to provide your pup with a healthy dose of protein and natural fats. Although the fats present in peanut butter are healthy fats, they are still fats and can lead to obesity and other health complications when consumed in excess. 

The best peanut butter to buy for your dog is unsalted peanut butter or dog-specific peanut butter, as high sodium levels can also lead to health complications for your pooch.

How Much Peanut Butter Can Dogs Eat?

As mentioned, peanut butter is rich in natural fats and is high in calories, so too much consumption is not good for their diet and can lead to health complications. The best way to know the appropriate amount to feed your dog is to call your vet and ask for their advice. This is especially important for dogs that have pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, or specific food sensitivity issues.

With that being said, most of us are looking for more general advice on what is a safe amount to give our beloved pets. So for the majority of us, the 10 per cent rule is the most common rule to follow. The 10 per cent rule advises that treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s caloric intake.

Generally speaking, this would equate to approximately 1/2 teaspoon twice a day for small dogs and 1 teaspoon twice daily for medium to large dogs. 

Additionally, because peanut butter is so rich in fats and high in calories, it would be a good idea to alternate with healthier treats. It is best to only feed your dog peanut butter when necessary, such as when giving them medications, or using it as a tool for training purposes. 

What Peanut Butter is Toxic For Dogs?

This is the most important factor to consider when looking into feeding your dog peanut butter. It is vital to make sure that you avoid peanut butter that contains xylitol. Xylitol is a common sugar replacement sweetener found in many products, including several peanut butter products. 

Because of its dental benefits and its ability to be used as a replacement for people with diabetes, xylitol has become increasingly popular as a sugar replacement in many products. Though safe for humans, it is toxic when consumed by canines. 

Xylitol is extremely toxic for dogs. It causes a rapid release of insulin in dogs, which results in a significant decrease in their blood sugar levels. Even in small doses, xylitol can cause hypoglycemia and seizures and commonly results in death.

Why is Xylitol Toxic For Dogs?

As is the same for both dogs and humans blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. With humans, xylitol does not stimulate this response. However, when ingested by dogs xylitol rapidly absorbs into their bloodstream, resulting in a fatal amount of insulin being released from their pancreas. 

This release of insulin into the bloodstream results in a quick drop in blood sugar, causing hypoglycemia. The effects can be seen as soon as 10 to 60 minutes after consumption and are extremely life-threatening if not treated immediately. 

What Are the Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs?

Initial symptoms of xylitol poisoning typically occur within the first hour after consumption. These symptoms are a result of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). As a result initial responses typically begin with vomiting. This is followed by symptoms associated with a sudden drop in blood sugar, such as sluggishness, weakness, staggering, and lack of coordination. Eventually, your dog may begin to have seizures or even fall into a coma. 

If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol or you begin to notice the symptoms associated with it, get your dog to a veterinarian immediately. Most dogs do recover from xylitol poisoning, but veterinary intervention is imperative. 

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Peanuts?

Allergic reactions to peanuts in dogs are a very rare occurrence. Unlike in humans, there are no documented cases of dogs suffering from anaphylactic shock as a result of ingesting peanuts. 

Common allergic responses in dogs include swelling around the eyes and muzzle, rapid or difficulty breathing, itching, vomiting and diarrhea. If you notice any of these reactions immediately after feeding your dog peanut butter, contact your veterinarian.

What Are Some Tips For Giving Your Dog Peanut Butter?

Peanut Butter is a great way to make giving your dog medication, much easier. If your dog dislikes taking medication, hiding it in a glob of peanut butter is a great way to disguise the medication and ensure your pup will wolf down its meds. 

Peanut Butter is also a great way to train your furry friend. Dogs love the taste of peanut butter, making it a great incentive for teaching your dog how to be obedient or how to do entertaining tricks around the house. 

Another great option is to fill your dog’s treat toy with your favourite training and rewards Treats like Bell & Bone's Freeze Dried Raw Treats and Superfoods Treats, then smother it in peanut butter, letting your dog lick it up until their heart is content. This is not only entertaining and will keep them preoccupied, but licking reduces stress and anxiety in dogs and prolongs their consumption so that they are not eating excessive amounts of peanut butter. 

There is no need to keep your pooch in suspense any longer. Eating peanut butter is perfectly safe for your dog, as long as it is done in moderation and most importantly, does not contain xylitol. So next time you are looking for a fun tasty snack, your pup will love, pull out a jar of pet-safe peanut butter and watch that adorable submissive grin light up their day.

Being a dedicated dog owner often involves asking the right questions, seeking the right advice and, most importantly, checking in with your pup to make sure that it's healthy and happy. When in doubt, or in the event of health concerns, always consult a professional. Head to our FAQs page for more answers to dog treat-related questions. If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch with me and I'll make it a priority to keep you informed and empowered.

sources:

https//pets.wedmd/pet-treats

https//www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutition/can-dogs-eat-peanut-butter/

https//vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/xylitol-toxicity-in-dogs