As our furry friends age, they can develop dental issues that make it difficult or impossible to eat their regular food. This can be a significant problem, as old dogs need to eat enough to stay healthy. The worry is that they might not be able to eat hard food anymore and not get the necessary nutrients.
Fortunately, there are ways to ensure your old dog eats appropriately and stays healthy. In this guide, we'll explore ways to help your senior dog get the nutrition they need, even if they have problems with their teeth.
Why Must You Be Cautious in Your Dog's Diet If They Are Getting Old?
As your dog enters their golden years, you may have to start changing its diet. This is because dogs can experience a decline in overall health as they age, impacting everything from their teeth to their digestion.
For example, many senior dogs lose some of their teeth, making it hard for them to chew hard food. Additionally, older dogs often have sensitive stomachs and may experience digestive issues if they eat foods high in fat or fiber.
As a result, it's essential to be cautious when choosing foods for your senior dog and to turn to your veterinarian if you have any questions. Doing so can help ensure that your furry friend enjoys a long and healthy life.
Why Do Dogs Lose Their Teeth?
Dogs may seem tougher than humans in various ways, but they’re also vulnerable to some odd variables. Here are three reasons why older dogs tend to lose their teeth:
Getting Neglect by the Previous Owners
When a dog is missing most of its teeth, it's often due to neglect by the previous owner(s). The dog was often never taken to the vet for routine dental care. As a result, the dog's teeth slowly decayed and eventually fell out. In other cases, the owner may have intentionally neglected the dog's teeth to save money on veterinary bills.
Facing Financial Problems
Typical issues may include financial constraints when a dog has few or no teeth. For example, when a dog needs to have its teeth cleaned more frequently or more elaborate dental procedures are required, oral care costs. In addition, the cost of food may increase if the dog needs to eat softer foods that are easier to chew.
Owner’s Unfamiliarity with the Dental Diseases
It's no secret that dental health is vital for dogs, just as it is for humans. Sadly, many dog owners are uninformed of the signs of dental disease and fail to take action until their dog's teeth are already in bad shape.
One of the most typical symptoms of a dental condition is bad breath. If your dog's breath smells foul, it's a good indicator of an underlying dental issue.
Drooling can also signify dental problems, as can a sudden change in behavior, such as increased aggression or lethargy. If you detect these signs, you must take your dog to the vet for a check-up. By catching dental problems early, you can help your dog maintain good oral health and avoid pain and other complications down the road.
What to Feed a Senior Dog With No Teeth?
When a dog ages, it's not uncommon for them to start losing its teeth. This can make mealtime a bit more challenging, as they may be unable to chew their food as quickly. However, there are still many options for older dogs with no teeth.
Dry food
An elderly dog who has lost all of its teeth will no longer be able to eat dry food. This can be a challenge for pet parents, as kibble is generally the most accessible and affordable type of dog food. However, a few tricks alter how you serve dry food to an old dog with no teeth.
One option is to grind the kibble into smaller pieces using a food processor or coffee grinder. You can add warm water, chicken broth, or bone broth to soften them. Another option is to soak the kibble in warm water or broth until it expands and becomes softer.
By making a few basic tweaks, you can ensure that your elderly dog gets the nutrition she needs without switching to an entirely new type of food.
Wet food
Wet food can be an excellent option for an old dog with no teeth. Canned food is softer and easier to eat than dry food, and chunks of meat or vegetables can be cut into smaller pieces or blended in a processor to make them easier to chew. You may also prefer to add some wet food to your dog's diet if he has trouble chewing dry food.
Wet food can provide additional moisture and nutrients and help make dry food easier to chew. Just be sure to choose a wet food that is high in quality and low in preservatives, and avoid giving your dog too much at once. A little damp food goes a long way!
Homemade Meals
One option is to make homemade food that is easy for them to eat. Soups and stews are a good choice because they can be easily mashed or pureed.
Boil chicken, veggies, sweet potato, and carrots, and add some water or broth to make a soup or stew. Be sure to get rid of any bones before serving. This will give your dog the necessary nutrients without putting strain on its teeth.
Raw Meat
It's essential to realize that an all-raw diet is unnecessary for older dogs with few or no teeth. Raw meat and bones can be dangerous for older dogs. They can choke on bones or suffer gastrointestinal distress if they overeat raw meat.
If you're thinking of a raw diet for your older dog, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. But if you research and transition slowly, it can be a healthy and delicious way to give your furry friend the nourishment he needs.
Conclusion
Before performing any adjustments to your dog's diet, you must talk to your vet first. They will be able to tell you if the new food is suitable for your dog and if there are any probable health risks associated with the switch. They may also recommend better food for your dog based on their individual needs.
Wags to Wiskers is a community-based holistic pet store focusing on natural pet supplies, primarily for but not limited to cats and dogs. We are your one-stop shop for all of your healthy pet food and needs! From food to toys to accessories, we have everything you need to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Stop by our local pet store in Ludington today and see what we have in stock!