Best Senior Foods - Page 1

With the advent of Raw diets how are people feeding overweight or convalescing seniors dogs. If not raw what?? Looking ofr recommendation on a good kibble for senior dogs that is weight conscious?

I have experience with many overweight dogs who are mostly overweight because of owner oversight. I put these dogs on a diet of Royal Canin Maxi Light. Within a month one notices slow and steady weight loss. We also check first for other problems, including thyroid function. If weight stabilizes and the weight loss continues on this food, I switch to the Royal Canin Adult Senior version. Almost all dogs like these foods although once in a while I start with spicing the food up a bit with a tablespoon of canned food, or yogurt or even chicken broth with fat skimmed off. The dogs seem to do well. Of course, adding in an appropriate exercise program, if possible and not contraindicated, is always desirable. For older dogs with joint problems, swimming is the best exercise possible. Dogs who are at an appropriate weight are also fed Royal Canin, breed specific foods, when possible, including the GSD Maxi 24. I have 20 German Shepherds here regularly and they do very well on this kibble. Rarely I supplement with yogurt, a bit of raw hamburger or some other "treat". But only rarely. I hope this helps.

People- Please don't put your dogs on commercial "light" or "senior" foods. It's full of carbohydrates. More grains and less meat. Find a good dog food (if you can't feed raw) and stick with it. Cut the dog's ration by even 1/2 cup a feeding and take the dog for a walk or thow it a ball. Better to get them exercise than more uneeded grains in their diet. Plus, I feel that German Shepherd 24 food by Royal Canine is expensive hype. Too much Soy in it and those of you who have dogs that still eat it you are lucky. I have heard and personally talked to breeders and pet owners that say their dogs eventually turned up their noses at this food. Too expensive for the ingredients it contains. Just because the food has "German Shepherd" in the name doesn't make it the best choice available. Birdy...

Royal Canin Maxi Light has 27% protein. The GSD food, while expensive, gives great results and I will vouch for that. I have fed it now for several years without problems. Whenever we go to a show, no need for spraying, coloring, supplements for the coats etc., etc. The dogs' coats are already looking excellent. Simply walking an obese dog, or playing fetch does NOT give the dog enough exercise to loose weight. Feeding a diet like Royal Canin does give the dog the sense of being fed enough, yet also has ingredients which may enhance metabolism. Of course, there may be other kibbles which are appropriate as well. I stand by my experience, that of my clients, and know others who have also had excellent results. I make NO money on this product like some of the big stores can because they buy in much larger quantities than can I. Doomsayer, everyone will try to tell you something different. Those that feed raw, although many of them know little about it and simply hop on the latest bandwagon, will always tell you kibbles are no good. Everyone has a favorite brand of kibble and most who feed dogs know little about canine nutritional needs or research. The trick is to try a few of the suggestions you receive which make sense, and then not change with every little minor glitch. In any given kennel, on a given day, some dog may decide not to eat. If it does here, it either means it has just arrived, is overweight to begin with and not hungry, is perhaps a little stressed *(although this is rare), or is ill (which is extremely rare). I do not change food at the drop of a hat as some do. Within minutes of putting the food down, the dogs have eaten it. They compete and condition and are in great shape to do it on this food. Feed whatever you like. I assure you, I do not care what you feed. You asked for personal experiences and you have mine. You are obviously free to disregard my or any advice you receive. Good luck,

Hodie, Do you have the website for this food so I may look and post the ingredients. And you are correct, talking about different dog foods is like a discussion of one's religion or their politics. Everyone has an opinion. I do have a degree in Animal Husbandry/Nutrition from Cal State Poly, in San Luis Obispo, CA. I do know something about nutrition. My father, now deceased, was a veterinarian. We do know there are benefits to dogs getting exercise. Just like people, dogs need it too. Yours Truly, Birdy...

Hello Birdy, I agree with your analogy about food discussions. And it is always nice to see someone who has some science background who contributes to these discussions. The website for Royal Canin is: www.royalcaninusa.com There is no soy in the Maxi Light variety by the way, although there are grains. I am sure we could debate until the cows come home. I do agree with you about simply feeding carbs, and high levels of some grains, and I also agree that for some dogs, simply reducing the amount fed will do. However, for the very obese dogs I have dealth with (and almost every dog who comes to my facility is grossly overweight), the Maxi Light has done wonders. I speak from my personal experience gained from running a GSD rescue for 8 years and now for the last two, building and running a large boarding and training facility. While it is possible that some given dog may not like or thrive on the food, my experience to date has been excellent. As well, many clients who have come to me seeking help for one reason or another have switched and in all instances, the dogs are thriving, itching has stopped, and in cases where weight was excessive, weight has been lost. Then again, they are also given exercise fitting their circumstances, the best of which is that I can swim dogs here as well. I have severe arthritis which causes me great and constant pain and weight management for me and exercise to tolerance limits suits me well too!

Even my seniors are on raw because it is SUCH a good method of controlling weight, seeing to their nutritional needs and keeping them happy. My oldest, at 11, was recently put to sleep because of spondyliosis, but I think it was the raw diet that allowed her to lead such a productive and happy life after her diagnosis at six years of age. Every semi annual blood panel that was done surprised the vets, they would have expected those results from a much younger dog. Up until the very end, she was full of energy and life and I feel confident that the raw diet was the reason for that. I miss her very much, but at least have the satisfaction of knowing that I did what was absolutely the best for her. JDN - US

Hello Janis, Thanks for the story, I always feel raw is the best choice for our dogs. I know some folks think it's impossible to do but it's really quite easy to prepare for our pets. Nice to see you here. I hope you are feeling well? Birdy...

Hello, Birdy! I was one of those people who thought raw would be "too hard". And for the first month it was! But then, you learn how to guestimate amounts by eye, you set up your system, you fill your freezer and all goes well. Maybe it will never be as quick as scooping kibble out of the bag, but the results were so outstanding, I was hooked. Thank you for asking about my health. Some days are good, some not so good. We just take it as it comes! Hope all is well with you and yours. JDN - US