What to feed an old dog that won't eat?

Behind the refusal of an old dog to eat, there are often more complicated reasons than simply being picky. Loose teeth, joint pain, chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism, these common geriatric diseases can make eating a painful burden. A study shows that more than 60% of elderly dogs have oral problems to varying degrees. The pain caused by red and swollen gums and tartar will make them instinctively avoid chewing hard dog food. ​

In the face of this situation, the first step is not to blindly change the food, but to seek the help of a professional veterinarian. During regular physical examinations, veterinarians will accurately locate the root cause of refusal to eat through blood biochemistry, urine analysis and other testing methods. For elderly dogs with kidney disease, a low-phosphorus and low-protein diet can reduce the burden on the kidneys; dogs with hypothyroidism need to supplement levothyroxine tablets with nutritional conditioning. These targeted medical interventions can fundamentally improve appetite far more than changing food. ​

At the level of dietary adjustment, palatability is the key to opening the taste buds of old dogs. Soak dry dog ​​food in warm water or low-sodium chicken soup to soften it, which can reduce the difficulty of chewing and release the aroma that attracts people. When making fresh food at home, you can steam chicken breast, pumpkin, and carrots and mash them into a puree. This delicate texture is more suitable for elderly dogs with fragile teeth. It should be noted that homemade diets must follow the ratio recommendations of pet nutritionists to ensure the balance of calcium-phosphorus ratio, vitamins and minerals, and avoid new health problems caused by nutritional imbalance.

The taste and smell of elderly dogs will decline with age, and the sensitivity of smell may even decrease by more than 60%. At this time, warm food is more attractive than room temperature food because heat can stimulate the volatilization of aroma. Try to sprinkle a small amount of salt-free broth on the surface of the food, or add a small spoonful of pure pumpkin puree. These natural attractants can awaken the dormant appetite of old dogs. But be wary of excessive use of high-salt and high-fat human food. High-salt and high-fat foods such as ham and cheese may increase the burden on the kidneys and heart. ​

For elderly dogs with difficulty swallowing, paste liquid food is a safer choice. The prescription cans provided by the pet hospital are specially formulated to ensure nutritional density and be as smooth as toothpaste. Some owners will use a syringe to slowly push the liquid food into the mouth. This method requires special care to avoid food entering the trachea and causing choking. You can also try to pour the liquid food on the palm of your hand and let the old dog lick it actively. This natural way of eating can reduce resistance. ​

The impact of the eating environment on the appetite of elderly dogs cannot be ignored. Raising the food bowl to chest height can reduce the pressure on the cervical and lumbar vertebrae, which is especially important for dogs with arthritis. Choose a quiet and warm corner to place the food bowl to avoid interference from other pets or noisy environments. Some old dogs like to eat small meals frequently. The daily food intake can be divided into 4-6 feedings to allow the stomach to digest and absorb in a relaxed state. ​

In the extreme case of long-term refusal to eat, the veterinarian may recommend the use of a nasogastric tube or an esophageal feeding tube. These seemingly invasive methods are actually the last line of defense to ensure nutritional supply. During feeding tube feeding, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's instructions to prepare the nutrient solution, and regularly check the oral cavity and the skin around the feeding tube to prevent infection. Fortunately, many elderly dogs can gradually accept eating independently again after recovering their strength. ​

In this game with aging, the owner's patience is more precious than any medicine. Gently massage the gums of the old dog with your fingertips, and gently wipe the corners of the mouth after eating. These subtle movements are conveying silent care. When the familiar tail wagging sound sounded again one morning, when the food bowl was empty, all the efforts turned into warm touch in the corners of the eyes. The appetite of elderly dogs may not be comparable to that of their prime years, but as long as they maintain a stable eating state and enjoy the warmth brought by every bite of food, it is the best gift given by the years.