As you 4-legged mate ages it becomes increasingly important to pay attention to their overall health, including their gut health. Their diet plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy gut in senior dogs, and ensures they can be out their living their best life well into their golden years.
A well-balanced diet provides essential nutrients that support digestion and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. As dogs age, their nutritional needs change, and it becomes more important to provide them with a food suited to their age and health requirements.
Let’s delve into specific ways to promote gut health in senior dogs.
- High-Quality Diet
Opt for high-quality, easily digestible dog food that contains essential nutrients such as proteins, fibres, and prebiotics. These components support healthy digestion and maintain a balanced gut flora. With a healthy gut comes optimal nutrient absorption, allowing your dog to make the most of their diet.
- Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that promote a healthy gut environment, while prebiotics serve as food for beneficial bacteria. Together, they help maintain a balanced gut microbiome. Consider adding probiotics and prebiotics to your senior dog’s diet, or better yet, choose a complete food like Cobber Adult 7+ which includes gut loving postbiotics to support digestive health.
- Fibre-Rich diet
Fibre aids digestion, prevents constipation, and supports overall gut health. Ensuring your senior dogs diet has adequate fibre is a great way to support their gut health and can help an older dog prone to weight gain feel fuller for longer.
- Adequate Hydration
Ensure your senior dog has access to clean water at all times. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing constipation.
- Regular Exercise
Regular exercise not only keeps your senior dog physically fit but also promotes healthy digestion. Physical activity stimulates bowel movements, reducing the risk of constipation.
- Regular Veterinary Check-ups
Schedule regular veterinary check-ups for your senior dog. Routine visits allow for early detection of any gastrointestinal issues and ensure timely intervention.
As your dog ages it may be necessary to transition them onto a specially formulated senior dog food, like Cobber Adult 7+. These diets are designed with lower calorie content and higher fibre levels to aid digestion and prevent weight gain. Additionally, Cobber Adult 7+ contains Cobbers unique Inner Goodness; a specially curated balance of vitamins and minerals, functional fibres and a postbiotic to target a healthy balance of gut bacteria, supporting digestion, nutrient absorption and immune function. Don’t forget to slowly introduce the new food by mixing it with their regular food, gradually increasing the proportion over a 1-2-week period.