Ensuring your senior dog receives optimal nutrition is paramount for maintaining their health, vitality, and overall quality of life in their golden years. Diamond Naturals Senior Dog Chicken, Egg & Oatmeal Formula is specifically designed to meet the evolving dietary needs of older dogs. This formula provides a balanced blend of high-quality ingredients to support joint health, promote healthy digestion, and provide sustained energy, making it an excellent choice for pet parents looking to nourish their aging companions.
Understanding the Nutritional Breakdown
Diamond Naturals Senior Dog Chicken, Egg & Oatmeal Formula is crafted with a focus on ingredients that benefit senior dogs. The primary protein source is chicken, followed by chicken meal and egg product, which are rich in essential amino acids crucial for maintaining muscle mass in older dogs. Whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, and white rice provide easily digestible carbohydrates for sustained energy.
The formula boasts a guaranteed analysis that highlights its nutritional content:
- Crude Protein: 25.0% Minimum, essential for muscle maintenance.
- Crude Fat: 11.0% Minimum, providing energy and aiding in nutrient absorption.
- Crude Fiber: 3.0% Maximum, supporting digestive health.
- Moisture: 10.0% Maximum, ensuring the food is not too dry.
- Calcium: 1.1% Minimum and Phosphorus: 0.8% Minimum, vital for bone health.
- Key Nutrients: Zinc (150 mg/kg Minimum), Selenium (0.35 mg/kg Minimum), Vitamin A (10,000 IU/kg Minimum), and Vitamin E (150 IU/kg Minimum) contribute to overall well-being, immune function, and skin/coat health.
- Specialized Additives: Taurine (0.12% Minimum) and L-Carnitine (500 mg/kg Minimum) are included to support heart health, a common concern in senior dogs.
- Omega Fatty Acids: The formula contains Omega-6 Fatty Acids (2.2% Minimum) and Omega-3 Fatty Acids (0.3% Minimum) to promote a healthy skin and coat.
- Joint Support: Glucosamine (650 mg/kg Minimum) and Chondroitin Sulfate (240 mg/kg Minimum) are added to support healthy joints and cartilage, which can become a challenge for aging dogs.
- Probiotics: A blend of live and viable microorganisms, including Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium, and Bifidobacterium animalis, is included at not less than 80,000,000 CFU/lb to promote a healthy digestive system and a robust immune response.
This formula has a calculated metabolizable energy of 3,400 kcal/kg (347 kcal/cup).
Feeding Guidelines for Your Senior Dog
Determining the correct feeding amount is crucial for maintaining your senior dog’s ideal body condition. The following guide provides a starting point for daily feeding, based on your dog’s current weight:
| Current Weight (lbs.) | Standard Measuring Cups Per Day |
|---|---|
| 10 | 1 |
| 20 | 1⅔ |
| 30 | 2¼ |
| 40 | 2¾ |
| 60 | 3¾ |
| 80 | 4¾ |
| 100 | 5⅔ |
For adult dogs exceeding 100 pounds, it is recommended to add approximately ⅓ cup of food for every additional 10 pounds of body weight. It is important to remember that these are general guidelines. Factors such as age, activity level, metabolism, and any treats or additional food given can influence your dog’s specific dietary needs. Therefore, consulting with your veterinarian is highly recommended to determine your dog’s ideal body weight and to adjust feeding amounts accordingly.
Transitioning and Water Availability
When introducing any new food to your dog’s diet, it’s best to do so gradually to avoid digestive upset. Mix a small amount of the new food with their current food, increasing the proportion of the new food over a period of 7-10 days.
Always ensure that your dog has access to plenty of fresh, clean water. Hydration is especially important for senior dogs to support kidney function and overall health.
Commitment to Quality
Diamond Naturals Senior Dog Chicken, Egg & Oatmeal Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance. This means the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs. The manufacturing facility also produces foods with other ingredients, and care is taken to avoid cross-contamination, but owners of dogs with severe sensitivities should be aware of this.
This formula is available in various sizes, including 6oz, 6lb, 18lb, and 35lb bags, catering to different household needs. By choosing Diamond Naturals Senior Dog Chicken, Egg & Oatmeal Formula, you are providing your beloved senior dog with a nutritious meal designed to support their health and well-being throughout their later years.
