Senior Dog Food Guide: What to Feed Your Aging Dog for Optimal Health
As our four legged companions age, many start showing signs of confusion, disorientation, and memory loss, symptoms similar to human dementia.12 This condition is called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) or colloquially “doggie dementia,” and can be distressing for both owners and dogs. Fortunately, nutrition can play a role in helping to manage these symptoms, and that's where PRO PLAN Veterinary Diet NC Neurocare™ comes in.
Understanding ‘Dementia’ in Senior Dogs
Senior dogs can experience cognitive decline that affects their daily life. You might notice your once lively pet has started to:
- Wander aimlessly or become disoriented in familiar spaces
- Sleep more during the day and become restless at night
- Forget routines, such as where to go to relieve themselves
- Show anxiety or changes attitude during social interactions
These changes, while normal in aging, can be alarming and may make your dog’s life less enjoyable. Research shows that cognitive dysfunction increases significantly as dogs grow older, with many seniors affected by this condition.3
How Nutrition Can Help Senior Dogs
PRO PLAN Veterinary Diets has recently launched Canine NC Neurocare™. This diet is specifically formulated with Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) and other unique nutrients, clinically proven to help support brain function and support dogs with age- related cognitive decline.
Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) from botanical oil:
MCTs are a shorter form of energy that is easily digested and converted by the liver into ketones. Ketones serve as an alternative fuel source for the brain, this is to compensate for the decreased glucose metabolism in older dogs brains.
A Unique Blend of Nutrients:
This diet includes key ingredients like arginine, EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids), antioxidants, and B-vitamins.
- Arginine supports healthy blood flow and brain function.
- EPA and DHA help maintain the structure and function of brain cells while reducing inflammation.
- Antioxidants and B-vitamins work together to reduce oxidative stress and support overall energy metabolism in the brain.
Better Quality of Life for your Senior Dog
In studies, dogs that were fed a diet enriched with MCT oil and these supportive nutrients showed marked improvements in their behaviour and cognitive functions within 90 days. They became less anxious, more aware of their surroundings, and had more regular sleep patterns. This means that with the right nutrition, senior dogs suffering from cognitive decline can enjoy a better quality of life.4
Why Nutrition Matters in Your Senior Dogs Years
For pet owners, watching your loyal friend struggle with cognitive decline can be heartbreaking. By switching to a diet that is designed to help support cognitive function, like PRO PLAN Veterinary Diet NC Neurocare™, you’re not just feeding them a complete and balanced diet, you’re helping them stay mentally sharp in their golden years.
Best Diet for Senior Dogs
If your senior dog is showing signs of cognitive dysfunction speak with your veterinarian and consider a nutritional approach to help support brain health. PRO PLAN Veterinary Diet NC Neurocare™ is scientifically formulated with a unique blend of nutrients (arginine, EPA + DHA, antioxidants and B vitamins) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and vegetable oil to help support the cognitive health of dogs.
For more information on how this specialised formula can help your dog stay alert and active, talk to your veterinarian or vist VetProductsDirect to learn more about PRO PLAN® Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare™
1.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013
2.Neilson, J.C., Hart ,B.L., Cliff, K.D., et al. (2001). Prevalence of behavioral changes associated with age-related cognitive impairments in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001;18:1987-91
3.Salvin, H.E., McGreevy, P.D., Sachdev, P.S. & Valenzuela, M.J. (2010). Under diagnosis of canine cognitive dysfunction: a cross-sectional survey of older companion dogs. Vet J. 2010; 184: 277–81
4.1 Pan, Y., Landsberg, G., Mougeot, I., Kelly, S., Xu, H., Bhatnagar, S., Migram, N.W. (2017). “Efficacy of a therapeutic diet in dogs with signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS): a prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study.” Abstract N10: 2017 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) forum.
