When your Chihuahua gets older, his needs change. Their dietary needs change because nutrients for senior dogs need to change also. There are so many misconceptions among pet owners and others in the pet industry that ChiChis And Me wants you to know the facts from a veterinarian nutritionist.
I hope that armed with these facts of exactly what nutrients for senior dogs need, you will be better able to choose the right dog food for your senior Chihuahua.
About Dr. Justin Shmalberg
Dr. Shmalberg’s veterinary nutrition journey began nearly two decades ago. He adopted a young Rhodesian Ridgeback mix named Liberty. Liberty suffered from intractable seizures. She was having multiple violent seizures daily for days at a time.
Dr. Shmalberg tried conventional medicine, but it didn’t help. Eventually, he began integrative veterinary medicine that included a combination of conventional care and complementary treatments that included a natural diet and supplements as well as lifestyle changes. Her health improved dramatically. For the last 10 years of Liberty’s life, she had only two seizures, after hundreds in that first year.
Qualifications
DVM, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2008
BA, African Studies, Highest Distinction, and Honors, University of Kansas, 2004
Clinical Training and Employment
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Florida, 2016-Present
Medical Director, Small Animal Hospital, University of Florida, 2015-2017
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Florida, 2012-2016
Resident, Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, University of Florida, 2010-2012
Associate Veterinarian, Haile Plantation Animal Clinic, Gainesville, Florida, 2009-2010
Intern, Veterinary Acupuncture (canine and equine), University of Florida, 2008-2009
Ask Dr. Shmalberg:
Q: Do senior dogs need more or less protein in their diet?
A: For a long time, there was a common misconception that protein would lead to kidney disease in senior dogs, when in fact phosphorus was what was causing kidney disease in older dogs. The reason these two ingredients have been confused a bit is that in some dog foods the protein source comes from whole animal carcasses that have been ground, rather than pure meat (yes, that should sound alarming– this is the case with many “budget” kibble options, though can also be found in more expensive diets such as raw and frozen foods). The ground bone contributes phosphorus, whereas the meat contributes to the protein.
Q: Should my senior dog have soft food or is kibble better for their teeth?
A: By now, hopefully, we all know that hard kibble does not actually clean teeth (one of many dog food myths). And for seniors, hard foods can be especially challenging due to dental issues (Chihuahuas especially tend to have dental issues as they get older). Whether your senior has lost teeth over time, has less energy, or has the same full dentition they’ve had their entire lives, a soft diet is easier on senior jaws, as well as on the senior digestive system. Fresh diets that are composed of whole, real ingredients are easier for seniors (as they are for any other dogs), because the body is able to use more of the nutrients, and less goes to waste.
Soft, fresh foods with high palatability can also help keep seniors interested in their diets, as appetites may wane over time.
Q: What nutrients does my senior Chihuahua need?
A: To account for reduced food intake and smaller appetites, it’s important that senior dog food has plenty of vitamins. This is why seniors should have as hearty of vitamin blends as growing puppies.
You’ll want to look for anti-inflammatory foods in senior dog food, that reduce inflammation in the body rather than promoting it. Fish recipes, or anything with fish oil, are great examples of anti-inflammatory foods that senior dogs thrive on.
Q: Should I lower the portions I give my senior Chihuahua?
A: There are rough guidelines for when a dog becomes a senior and should switch to senior dog food, and these are important for making sure the needs of high protein, soft food, and high nutrient values are met. For larger breeds, the time to switch to senior dog food is around 7 to 8 years, and the age for Chihuahuas and other small breeds is closer to 11-12 years. The portions, however, should only really change as your dog’s activity changes.
Now you can get a natural diet for your senior Chihuahua formulated by Dr. Shmalberg himself. Created specifically for your dog’s needs whether they are older or not, and delivered right to your door. What could be more convenient than that? And the price is comparable to that of any premium commercial dog food on the market. Best of all? Now get 50% off your first order!
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