How do I feed my older, inactive dog?
To know the best way to move forward nutritionally for your older, inactive dog, it is important to first work with your veterinarian to determine the potential cause of their inactivity. There could be a medical reason why your dog is slowing down.
For instance, some dogs may have lower stamina due to an underlying metabolic illness like an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) — a straightforward disease to treat with ongoing medication.
Other dogs are less active due to pain from osteoarthritis (OA). Approximately 20% of all dogs, and 80%–90% of aging dogs, suffer from painful OA. It is easy for dog owners to mistakenly presume that the signs of OA are simply signs that their dog is “getting old.”
- Dogs tend to be stoic about pain. They will mask their pain as they try to do everything they have always done. They do not tend to whine or cry out in pain as we may expect.
- OA is a disease that progresses over time, so clinical signs will develop gradually. Losing the ability to be active, losing stamina, losing interest in family activities — all are potential signs of pain, but they can be difficult to see when they come on slowly.
Other conditions that may be responsible for decreased activity in older dogs include increased body weight, congestive heart failure, Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism), Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism), laryngeal paralysis, and chronic respiratory disease. Once your veterinarian has assessed your dog’s health, they can help you determine the best nutritional strategy.
How can I prevent my dog from gaining weight if they aren’t active?
More than 60% of dogs in North America are overweight or obese, so it’s important to have a balance between activity and calorie intake. The first step in preventing weight gain is to ask your veterinarian for guidance about a few things:
- What nutrient formulation is most appropriate for my dog's age and medical condition/status?
- How much should my dog be fed at eat meal?
- How many times a day should my dog be fed?
- What treats can I offer and when?
- How can I increase my dog’s activity?
Once you have chosen a diet and calculated a reasonable portion based on the food’s caloric density and your dog’s specific calorie requirements, the best way to prevent unwanted weight gain is to combine portion control with regular weight checks. These checks provide accountability and help prevent unplanned weight gain and/or weight loss. The more frequently a dog’s weight is checked, the quicker you will notice subtle changes in weight and your veterinary team can adjust your dog’s feeding plan before they gain excessive weight.
Portion control is important. If your dog is less active, they burn fewer Calories throughout the day, making their energy intake requirements less. Appropriate portions help ensure your dog maintains an ideal body weight or doesn’t continue to gain more weight. Depending on your dog’s body condition score, they may require a prescription weight-loss diet for several months to help them reach a more ideal body condition.
You can also help by incorporating some daily movement (or exercise) that is suitable for your dog. Interactive toys can be used to encourage movement around the home, as well as mental stimulation. Automatic feeders and food-dispensing toys are designed to ration out the desired amount of food and to provide meals or snacks at different times during the day. Some veterinary clinics offer physical rehabilitation services, and some of those exercises can be done at home, too.
It is important to seek guidance from your veterinary team to formulate the most appropriate nutrition and exercise plan for your dog. Simply feeding them less of their current food may lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Should I choose foods marked “light,” “lower calorie,” or “weight control?”
Unfortunately, dog food marketing is filled with statements that sometimes over-promise on the goal of weight management. The nutrient information provided on the label is only a small piece of the puzzle when determining whether a diet is appropriate for your dog. Your veterinarian can help you sort through the hype as you choose a formulation that best fits your dog’s needs.
“Light,” “lower calorie,” and “weight control” diets are best for inactive dogs who are prone to obesity and currently have an ideal body condition score. These diets are also appropriate for dogs who have already successfully completed a weight loss plan and need to maintain their ideal weight. Regardless of the diet you feed, portion control is essential.
Which snacks or treats can I give to help keep my dog lean?
Talk to your veterinarian about the most appropriate snacks for your dog. This is an opportunity for them to provide input and guidance based on the nutrient analysis of the treats you are considering and provide you with the right amount of treats to offer your dog.
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Choosing treats that are lower in calories per treat can allow you to offer more treats throughout the day, versus one or two high-calorie treats. Offering numerous low-calorie treats can be especially helpful for highly food-motivated dogs that beg at various times of the day or night.
Alternatively, you can use your dog’s kibble as a treat by setting aside some of their daily allotment of food. This approach allows for multiple treats throughout the day, without any additional calories. Another treat option is water-based vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, or zucchini. Most dogs like frozen vegetables right out of the freeze because they are crunchy and cold. Another good snack option to try is air-popped popcorn with no butter or salt.
