Canned food is often seen as an ideal option for older dogs, but is it really the best choice? Many pet owners may be wondering if the added expense and convenience of canned food is worth it for their beloved pooch. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of feeding canned food to an older dog.
Advantages
One of the main advantages to feeding canned food to your older dog is that it typically has higher levels of moisture than dry kibble. For senior dogs, this can be especially beneficial since they often have a decreased sense of thirst due to age-related changes in their body. Higher moisture content can also help with digestion and reduce constipation, both of which are common issues in older dogs.
Canned food also usually contains more protein than dry kibble, which can help support lean muscle mass in an aging pooch. Additionally, it often contains fewer fillers such as corn, wheat and soy that can cause digestive issues in some dogs. Many canned foods are also formulated specifically with senior dogs in mind, providing additional nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin that can help support joint health.
Disadvantages
The biggest downside to feeding your older dog canned food is cost. Canned foods are typically more expensive than kibble due to their higher quality ingredients, so they may not fit into everyone’s budget. Additionally, many pet owners find them less convenient than dry kibble since they require refrigeration after opening.
Conclusion
Overall, there are both advantages and disadvantages to feeding your older dog canned food. Ultimately, whether or not it is the best choice for you should be based on factors such as your budget and convenience level. However, if you are able to afford it and don’t mind taking the extra time required for refrigeration, then canned food could be a great option for your aging pup!