Best Food for Small Senior Dog? - Page 1

Well, if I couldn't do it, at least the vet was finally able to convince my dad that Yapper needs to go on a diet!

Yapper is a 12 yr. 7 mos. old Yorkie/Shih Tzu. And it's time to lose some weight.

It's been slow going, but since we got him almost 5 years ago, he is down from over 40 lbs, and the vet has finally been able to convince my dad that he is indeed still fat and could lose another 5 lbs easy. Vet was also concerned about the amount of fat in the Nature's Domain we currently feed both our dogs and says we need to switch him to a food meant more for senior dogs or a weight management formula.

This is what he is currently eating --> http://www.naturesdomainpetfood.com/about-natures-domain/natures-domain-turkey-meal-and-sweet-potato-formula-for-dogs

I'm here looking for advice for him on what a good and affordable kibble would be for him. I'll admit to not knowing too terribly much about nutrition when it comes to them (and I should, I know), so I'm hoping ya'll could help me out here.

Aside from that I'm wondering if you guys could reccommend a good Pet Insurance, as he is also due to have a lump removed soon, and being as old as he is (though he doesn't act it), you just never know...

I don't have pet insurance, so I can't help you there.  But may want to look into Care Credit too.  

As far as food goes, I'm always going to recommend a raw diet.  But aside from going raw, your dad could add canned pumpkin (plain, no seasoning/spices) to his food.  Cut down on the amount of kibble fed and add pumpkin to replace what you cut out.  The pumpkin will help the dog feel fuller without adding calories.  

I don't currently have any really old pets (oldest is 8) but in the past I've fed my elderly cats and dogs Wysong senior (this was before I went all-raw.)   It's the only senior food I've ever fed, so only one I can recommend, but it is pricey, more than Nature's Domain.  

LOL @ the name "Yapper"  I had a little dog once named "Squeakers" and one of my current little dogs I should've named SHRIEKER 

Um, how about less food? ;-) You can tell him that was my suggestion. The vet doesn't know much more than you do, Tif. :-)  Fat to a dog isn't the same as fat to us. I can't think of a single one that's the same or less than the Nature's Domain, though as small as he is, I'm not sure how much it matters. I'd honestly try a higher protein food with less filler (sweet potatoes and potatoes are pretty high cal, which is why you can keep weight on Qira w/that food) and add pumpkin. He needs the protein at his age. 

EuroShepherd - I'd love to go to a raw diet, but it just can't happen any time soon... not unless we all start hitting the books on nutrition and I get a second job. :P And CareCredit... I will have him look into it!

Pumpkin... that's an idea! He was told green beans and baby carrots would do similar... he is already taking the box of milkbones back (kinda proud of him, atm, LOL!)

Jenni - LMAO, I knew someone was going to post something like that. And I was afraid of that. This was the same office I took Qira to when back in Feb or so when she was having bloody diarrhea, different person though. He came back this morning and showed me the list of everything they did - vaccinated this poor dog half to death... rabies, bordatella, lepto, couple others I don't even think I've heard of... on top of his heartgard, 2 other kinds of pills (prednisone and another, I think... he has an ear infection and allergies)... ear cleaner. I asked him why he let them do all that and of course "Well the vet said..." ...I will not be surprised if this poor dog sprouts a second tail tonight, honestly.

Now I think I might shop for another new vet, as I am wondering how much of it is all true (if he needs teeth pulled (they are pretty white for a 12 yr old dog... if he wasn't such a lil' a-hole about it, I would give him raw bones like I do Qira), or that lump removed, espescially) or if they are just trying to get more $$$.



Anyway... thanks for the replies, I'll pass on the info.

I would look in to this food.
http://www.horizonpetfood.com/amicus
It is called Amicus.
It is a grain-free dog food developed and made specifically for small breeds, not just smaller kibble size.
They make three versions: Puppy, Adult, Senior/Weight Management.
The Senior/Weight Management keeps the protein level at 30%, but, drops the fat to 10.5%.
It is also very low on the glycemic index which will help your little guy.
It is made by Horizon Pet Foods.
They also make Legacy which is gaining more in popularity as a slightly lower cost alternative to Orijen and Acana.
Horizon is in Canada and uses many of the same suppliers as Champion (Orijen and Acana).
It is going to cost more than what you are using presently, but, I think that getting the potatoes out of the diet are a good thing.
I have been seeing way too many dogs and cats getting too heavy on grain-free foods that have a high potato content in them and that is what your present food has.

As for pet insurance, your dog is likely too old at this point to start him on an insurance plan.
You will have to check, but, I believe most of the pet insurance companies will not start a dog on a plan after they are 8 years old.

From the Horizon Pet Foods' web site:

Low G.I. Ratings Have Proven Health Benefits

We strongly believe the benefits of a low glycemic index can be enhanced beyond the current levels in conventional grain free pet foods. GI is a ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100, according to the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating. Low GI improves glucose and lipid levels in those with diabetes, helps control weight because the help mitigate appetite and dietary hunger and they also reduce insulin and insulin resistance. Low GI is a positive attribute in overall health and pulses are some of the lowest GI foods.

The lower the Glycemic Index, the better the food is for minimizing spikes in blood sugar levels.

Totally wrong on insurance. My 12+ mutt is insured. Check Trupanion or Healthy Paws. 

ohmyfreakinggawd, Dawulf,  I cannot believe they did those things to that poor dog!!!!!  That vet is a moron! 

They touch Qira, and an angry mob, (aka me, myself, and I)  will be on their doorstep. 

How could they do that to a dog w/known allergies, and an ear infection, on medication,  at TWELVE YEARS OLD?! I would not hesitate to report them. That is absolutely abominable that anyone holding a veterinary medical degree would do that to Yapper. 

I agree with the  fact that they are morons... we're gonna be looking into a small town vet in IA next... Screw the city vets, this is the third one we've gone to and all they care about is $$$. My mom also has issues finding a good vet for their 12 y/o Golden.

I kinda feel bad, because I'm the one who told him to go there... like I said, when I had to take Qira to the vet a few months back, thats the one I went to and I liked them then... they didn't try to pull any of that sh*t with me , (granted I'm not the pushover dad is... don't tell him I said that) other than wanting to get her spayed which maybe should've been a red flag then, but when I said no, they didn't push. GRANTED it was also a different veteranarian than he got stuck with. But when he said he was going to have to take Yapper in, I told him to try them. So I feel a little guilty - I should've gone with him I suppose.

I honestly couldn't believe they pulled that either. He came home saying it cost him over $500 and I didn't believe him, until he showed me everything they did... then was really in disbelief. Poor little Piggy. He is alright though, still... shocked he hasn't had any side-effects (hoping it stays that way).

But yeah, Jen...  Qira won't be going back, no worries there. ;)

Thanks OGBS - will definantly keep that in mind!!