Processed foods (kibble and canned products) are hard to give up as they are convenient to use and easy to store, but fresh foods and table scraps can provide additional nutrients to address the dietary needs of all dogs, and especially those of geriatric dogs. This is especially true for pets who are dealing with additional stresses that come with an aging body. It’s never too early, nor too late, to start eating well.
Each type of feeding has its merits and challenges, but processed kibbles and even prescription canned foods are not always a solution to medical issues facing elderly pets. Here are some dietary tips to help strengthen your dogs’ digestive processes and increase nutrient diversity, which can help keep your furry friends healthy for life.
Moisten kibble: Kibbles can be dehydrating and abrasive to stomach lining, especially for pets living in hot and dry climates. Many dogs fed dry kibble alone develop digestive upset ranging from mild indigestion/retching (gastric cough) to acid reflux and diarrhea. Dehydration significantly impacts the body’s ability to repair the intestinal tract, which further adds to digestive upset. Running low on body fluid can increase inflammation and lead to dry itchy skin and feet, and poor nourishment of cartilage and connective tissue (tendons and ligaments). Re-hydrating kibble by mixing it with an equal volume of fluid such as water or low-salt broth can help avoid those problems. Add fluid immediately before feeding so the kibble does not get too soggy.
Provide probiotics and enzymes: Probiotics are tiny intestinal microbes that help break down fiber and other complex molecules and supply us with many vitamins and fatty acids. Yogurt and other lacto-fermented foods that have not been pasteurized are good sources of probiotics. Enzyme supplements are often derived from fruits such as papaya and pineapple, and like probiotics they help the body break down complex foods. Both supplements are considered digestive aides as they can help boost your dog’s ability to assimilate nutrients. Improved digestion and absorption minimizes the shunting of nutrients to the colon, an event that can lead to inflammation, gas, soft, mucus-coated, or blood-tinged stools.
Add fruits and vegetables: There are a lot of nutrients in fresh apples and carrots that your dog might have a hard time getting from processed foods. Adding chopped fruit and grated, steamed, or puréed vegetables can provide B vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients. Many types of fiber also act as pre-biotics, nourishing the healthy intestinal microbes. Not every dog likes fruits and veggies; sometimes you may have to add flavor by mixing in small amount of plain yogurt, canned fish, nutritional yeast, or grated cheese. Some dogs with significant digestive weakness can be overloaded by excess fiber, so as with all new additions introduce these foods slowly to prevent upset. Also, some fruits and vegetables can be toxic to dogs, so do your research before selecting produce. (See the sidebar on page 16 for this important information.)
Provide fresh protein and fat: Extreme heat used in processing dry and canned foods can decrease nutrient quality and even create compounds that are irritating to intestinal lining. Fresh protein can be supplied in a form of dairy (plain yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs), cooked meats (canned fish, leftover meat, and gristle), and prepared raw foods. Raw foods come in frozen balanced meals (Primal, Jeffrey’s, Small Batch) or in the form of organ meats (tripe, gizzards) and meaty bones (poultry necks/backs, beef or lamb marrow bones). New protein sources can elicit a powerful inflammatory reaction in canine intestines and should always be introduced gradually and in small amounts.
The nutritional requirements of dogs can vary greatly due to age, breed, activity level, home environment, climate, weather, and medical issues. The simple act of daily feeding can become an important factor in helping your dog maintain a strong body and mind. I think of balanced canine nutrition as a lifestyle habit that centers around feeding a variety of fresh, minimally altered foods, creating balance over long periods of time.
I’m a firm believer that a diverse diet provides my own dogs and my canine patients with necessary nutrients to keep their bodies strong, attain maximum health, and stave off disease… not to mention enjoy maximum pleasure from eating.
Let food be your dog’s medicine!
Dr. Adam Piaseczny received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2000. He and his partner, plus three dogs and three chickens, have made San Francisco their home for the past seven years. Dr. Adam owns and operates Healthy Pets Veterinary Hospital (sfhealthypets.com), a four-doctor integrative practice in West Portal celebrating its third anniversary this month.
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