The Best Dry Food For A Senior

[pipergirl_84]

Hi, I have a 9 year old Golden Retriever and am trying to do some research into different brands of food that are brought out in ranges for Seniors. I am currently feeding her Supercoat Light and Mature and although she is going well on it, I am a little concerned by the low level of Protein (17%). I realise that the lower levels of protein and fat are as a result of the higher fibre for the 'light' part. I have seen that most other brands, ie Advance, Hills, Eukanuba etc have higher protein levels (about 26%). I have been thinking I might go with Advance Senior or Hills Science diet mature because I am somewhat limited by cost. I would really appreciate any advice anyone can give me becuase it all gets a little overwhelming the more research I do

[huski]

Hi, I have a 9 year old Golden Retriever and am trying to do some research into different brands of food that are brought out in ranges for Seniors. I am currently feeding her Supercoat Light and Mature and although she is going well on it, I am a little concerned by the low level of Protein (17%). I realise that the lower levels of protein and fat are as a result of the higher fibre for the 'light' part. I have seen that most other brands, ie Advance, Hills, Eukanuba etc have higher protein levels (about 26%). I have been thinking I might go with Advance Senior or Hills Science diet mature because I am somewhat limited by cost. I would really appreciate any advice anyone can give me becuase it all gets a little overwhelming the more research I do

Just to throw another spanner in the works, Artemis has a Fresh Mix medium/large breed Senior range - it would be my dried food of choice

http://www.pookinuk.com.au/product-selecte...p?productID=548

If you wanted higher protein you could try giving her some raw meaty bones as well or go the Artemis grain free (not sure how suitable it is for older dogs) which has a much higher protein level.

Edited May 20, 2009 by huski

[pipergirl_84]

Thanks, I will check it out. I feed her some raw meat and a range of bones too but I want to try and keep her muscles in shape

[Trishm]

I feed Eagle Pack senior to my two senior whippets, and they do well on it.

Trish

[KitKat]

Royal Canin Lab food They can eat it until their dotage...low GI, big crunchy kibble and tasty :D

[Golden Rules]

Royal Canin Lab food :D They can eat it until their dotage...low GI, big crunchy kibble and tasty :D

Really?? And not put on weight?

I ask because I have an almost 7 year old Goldie on Bonnie Light at the moment with chicken carcasses - trying to get him down to 30kg (which will be skinny for him but he has HD and both cruciates operated on).

Bonnie Light has always been good for dropping the weight, nothing artificial, and is inexpensive. But if there is a better quality food where I can feed more, I'm interested!!

To pipergirl_84 - if your Goldie is doing well on her current food, it may not be so important to change her food, but supplement with fish oil and joint support powder?

Have you got pics? You know it's complusory to post don't you?!

[KitKat]

You'd feed depending on energy levels/activity levels but i've found RC, in general, easy for putting weight on where needed and once there easy to keep at a good weight. They are a good sized big kibble which also make the dog crunch it rather then hoover - and if going by people eating...chew more = eat less...lol. But yes it is low GI - but as to eating moer...depends it is a compounded food so the dog wouldn't need as much of it in comparison as perhaps Bonnie, but could get more out of what it did get etc. so it would be a matter of finding the right balanced amount...but can certainly be worth looking into

[Staff'n'Toller]

I feed RC Labrador to my Retriever and he is very lean.

It's very well priced considering the ingredients IMO. The dogs love it.

[becks]

I've spoken to the RC rep about senior foods (as I have a 10 year old giant) and their advice was to stick with the normal adult variety, they had an ancient Chi still on normal adult food. I still have my 10 year old on normal adult food and she is a correct weight and fit and well on it - only just retired from the show ring after a RCC at Crufts this year.