Comprehensive Guide to Caring for Your Senior Dog: Diet, Supplements, and Enhancing Their Golden Years

Every dog owner eventually reaches that bittersweet moment: the realization that their beloved companion is entering their golden years. The once boundless energy gives way to slower movements, getting up from a nap becomes a careful process, and sometimes, new, peculiar behaviors emerge. It’s a natural part of life, but it doesn’t mean we can’t enhance their quality of life. This guide, inspired by our journey with our nearly 14-year-old Lab-Swiss Mountain mix, Samson, offers practical advice on navigating the challenges of senior dog care. We’ll share how we’ve adapted to his changing needs, focusing on impactful dietary adjustments and targeted supplements to address age-related issues.

Samson, in dog years, is the equivalent of a remarkable 92 years old, according to our vet! This incredible age helps explain some of his recent changes and underscores the importance of a proactive approach to his well-being. Join us as we explore accessible recipe ideas for “real” dog food, alongside powerful supplements that have made a tangible difference. We’ll also share a few unexpected discoveries we’ve made along the way that have simply made life a little easier.

For those who prefer to listen, you can download the original episode discussing these topics from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio. Alternatively, you can simply listen to it directly from your computer using the player below. This page serves as a comprehensive companion, providing all the links, notes, and photos mentioned in the episode. Note: If you’re reading this in a feed reader, you might need to click through to the original post to access the audio player.

Prefer to read? We’ve got you covered with a full PODCAST TRANSCRIPT! Click here to open the transcript in a new window and read at your leisure.

Some links in this article are affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely use and believe in for our pets.

Navigating Senior Dog Care: Samson’s Journey and Our Insights

Samson, our dear companion, has been a central figure in many of our discussions and blog posts over the years. His journey through life, from a rambunctious pup to a dignified senior, offers a relatable perspective for many dog owners. We initially thought he wasn’t what we wanted in a dog, but he quickly proved to be just about perfect, teaching us patience and unconditional love. Here are some key moments and insights from Samson’s life, documented in previous episodes and articles:

• You can read about Samson’s early days on the blog, discovering how he won us over despite our initial hesitations.
• Remember the infamous “rug incident”? It was a highlight of Podcast Episode 1. We also shared the cleaning solution in this blog post, a testament to the benefits of wood floors and easily washable throw rugs!
• We recounted tales of feeding him a little too much during our adventures in our vintage trailer in Podcast Episode 5.
• A significant turning point for Samson’s health was discussed in Podcast Episode 27, where we detailed how turmeric made a remarkable difference for his hip and back leg issues.

Given the profound positive impact turmeric has had on Samson’s mobility and comfort, we are staunch believers in its power for canine health. For those interested in delving deeper, here is the original article describing how turmeric helped Samson’s hip, along with a video update we created a few years later, showcasing the long-term benefits.

And while it wasn’t a topic for this particular episode, we couldn’t resist sharing another amusing, albeit chaotic, anecdote about our dog’s antics. This one involved my precious indoor seedlings! You can read about this crazy incident and its resolution in “Doggone Seedlings.”

Our holistic vet has provided invaluable guidance on Samson’s diet, particularly highlighting the potential problems associated with feeding dry kibble. The concerns she raised resonated deeply with us and prompted significant changes in our approach to his nutrition. For more information on this topic, we found this article to be an excellent resource, elaborating on the issues our vet discussed.

Optimizing Your Senior Dog’s Diet: Beyond the Kibble

As dogs age, their nutritional needs shift considerably. They may become less active, their digestive systems can weaken, and conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, or cognitive decline can emerge. A thoughtful diet is one of the most powerful tools we have to support their health and slow the progression of age-related issues. Moving beyond conventional dry kibble, which our holistic vet often cautions against due to its processing, low moisture content, and often questionable ingredients, opens up a world of possibilities for improving your senior dog’s well-being.

Old Dog Homemade Food Ideas & Essential Supplements

Creating homemade meals or choosing carefully selected raw options can provide superior nutrition, hydration, and digestibility for your aging dog. Here’s what we’ve learned and implemented:

• Balanced Pre-made Raw Dog Food: For convenience and ensured nutritional balance, a high-quality pre-made raw dog food can be an excellent choice. Our vet highly recommends Answers Dog Food. If your dog isn’t keen on raw food, like Samson, you can gently cook it to make it more palatable without completely compromising its nutritional value.
• DIY Homemade Food Essentials: If you opt to prepare your dog’s food from scratch, it’s crucial to add specific supplements to ensure a complete and balanced diet. Homemade food alone, without proper supplementation, can lead to nutrient deficiencies. We base our choices on guidance from our vet and thorough research:
  • Food-Grade Bone Meal with Calcium and Magnesium: Essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, especially important as senior dogs can be more prone to bone density loss. This is the one we use.
  • Cod Liver Oil: A fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are vital for joint health, skin and coat quality, cognitive function, and reducing inflammation. It also provides Vitamins A and D. We opt for these pills to avoid any fishy smell that might deter Samson.
  • Flax Seed Oil: Another excellent plant-based source of Omega-3s, as well as fiber, which can aid digestion and gut health. This flax seed oil is a regular addition to Samson’s meals.
  • Important Note: While these are our recommendations, every dog is unique. We strongly encourage you to conduct your own research and, most importantly, consult with your veterinarian (preferably a holistic one) before making significant changes to your dog’s diet or starting new supplements to ensure it’s appropriate for their specific health needs.
• Bone Broth: Adding nutrient-rich bone broth to your senior dog’s meals offers a multitude of benefits, from supporting joint health with collagen and gelatin to aiding digestion and boosting hydration. We always have plenty in the freezer because it’s incredibly simple to make at home.
• Cooking with Coconut Oil, Turmeric, and Black Pepper: These ingredients are a powerful trio. Coconut oil provides healthy fats for energy and brain health, while turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory. Black pepper significantly increases the bioavailability of turmeric. You can cook food directly in coconut oil with these spices, or make a paste to add to food, though some dogs, like Samson, might become pickier about pastes as they age.
• Boswellia for Inflammation: If your dog, like Samson, becomes resistant to consuming enough turmeric, our vet recommended a natural alternative: Boswellia. This herbal supplement also offers significant anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to manage discomfort associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
• Canned Pumpkin for Digestion: For dogs prone to digestive upset, a tablespoon or two of plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling!) can be a fantastic natural remedy. It’s rich in fiber, which can help with both constipation and diarrhea.

Easy Homemade Dog Meal Ideas

Preparing fresh, wholesome meals for your senior dog doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple, vet-approved meal ideas we’ve successfully incorporated into Samson’s diet, offering variety and essential nutrients:

1. Slow-Cooked Chicken & Veggie Medley: Start with a whole chicken, slow-cooked until tender. Remove the skin and debone, shredding the meat. Mix this lean protein with a variety of cooked vegetables such as green beans, zucchini, carrots, spinach, butternut squash, or sweet potato (all cooked in a little coconut oil). These vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Finish by adding a generous splash of homemade bone broth, 2 tablespoons of bone meal, and a drizzle of flax oil. This provides a balanced meal rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vital supplements.
2. Savory Ground Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry: Brown a couple of pounds of lean ground beef with finely chopped vegetables (carrots, peas, broccoli florets) in coconut oil. Ensure the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Once prepared, incorporate the same essential extras as in the chicken recipe: bone broth, bone meal, and flax oil. This offers a hearty, nutrient-dense option.
3. Lean Venison or Pork Chunks with Greens: For variety, cook chunks of venison, lean beef, or pork in coconut oil until thoroughly cooked. Add a selection of dog-friendly vegetables like kale or collard greens towards the end of cooking, allowing them to wilt slightly. Once again, round out the meal with bone broth, bone meal, and flax oil. This provides different protein sources and a broader range of nutrients.
4. Scrambled Eggs with Wilted Spinach: For a quick and easily digestible meal, scramble a couple of eggs in coconut oil. If your dog tolerates it, add a pinch of black pepper and turmeric for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Just before the eggs are fully set, stir in a cup of fresh spinach and cook until it’s lightly wilted. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, and spinach adds vitamins and antioxidants.

As you can see, these meal ideas are not only nutritionally superior but also quite “doable” for busy pet parents. The key is to embrace variety, ensuring your dog receives a wide spectrum of nutrients, and always observing how they respond to different ingredients. Cooking for your senior dog can be a rewarding way to deepen your bond and provide them with the best possible care during their precious golden years.

Beyond Diet: Holistic Care for Senior Pups

While diet and supplements play a monumental role in senior dog care, a truly holistic approach encompasses their overall environment and lifestyle. Making thoughtful adjustments can significantly improve their comfort, safety, and happiness as they age.

• Comfort and Accessibility: As mobility declines, consider adding orthopedic dog beds for joint support. Ramps can be invaluable for accessing furniture, cars, or even stairs, reducing strain on their aging bodies. Non-slip rugs or mats on slippery floors can prevent falls and build confidence.
• Gentle Exercise: Regular, gentle exercise is still crucial for maintaining muscle mass, joint flexibility, and mental well-being. Short, frequent walks at a comfortable pace are often better than long, strenuous ones. Swimming can be an excellent low-impact option.
• Mental Stimulation: Keep their minds active with puzzle toys, scent games, or short, positive training sessions. This helps combat cognitive decline and keeps them engaged with their environment.
• Regular Veterinary Check-ups: More frequent vet visits (often every 6 months for seniors) are essential for early detection of potential health issues. Regular blood work and physical exams can catch problems before they become advanced, allowing for more effective intervention.

Discoveries and Home Improvements (That Make Life Easier!)

Life with pets is full of challenges and triumphs, and sometimes, the solutions to everyday problems come from unexpected places. While caring for Samson occupies a significant portion of our thoughts, we also encounter other practical solutions that simplify our lives and, by extension, allow us to dedicate more time and energy to our furry friend. Here are a couple of recent “finds” that have genuinely impressed us:

Brian’s Breakthrough: The DK-1 Gopher Trap – Our ongoing battle with gophers in the yard has been a saga of trial and error. We’ve tried countless methods with limited success, until Brian discovered the DK-1 Gopher Trap. This is the one that has finally delivered consistent, effective results, saving our garden and sanity!

Since we recorded the original podcast episode, Brian has been so successful that he created not one, but two videos detailing our gopher conquest. Click Here to watch all the different strategies we employed to get rid of the persistent gophers, and then Click Here to see a detailed guide on how to properly prepare and set the highly effective trap shown above. It’s a masterclass in pest control!

Jami’s Kitchen Upgrade: A Stylish and Functional Faucet – Sometimes, a simple home improvement can make a world of difference in daily efficiency and aesthetic pleasure. My latest find is a new kitchen faucet: the Single Handle High Arch Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet. Doesn’t it look fantastic? We were genuinely surprised by what a great deal it was, offering excellent quality and an incredibly easy installation process. (We actually skipped using the bottom plate during our installation since our sink didn’t have extra holes to cover, resulting in an even cleaner look.) It’s a small change that brings a lot of joy to our kitchen! This kind of simple upgrade contributes to a more efficient home, allowing more time for what truly matters – like caring for our senior dog.

Connect with Us & Further Resources

Thank you for taking the time to read about our experiences and insights on senior dog care. We hope this guide has provided valuable information and inspiration for you and your beloved canine companion. If you enjoyed this content or our podcast, you can significantly help us by sharing it with friends, subscribing to our podcast on iTunes, and leaving us a review – your support helps other pet owners discover our resources too.

Do you have a question about senior dog care, a tip to share, or an idea for a future podcast episode? We’d love to hear from you! You can call (541) 658-0215 to leave a voicemail, and we might discuss your thoughts on air in a future episode!

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