Diets high in fiber and low in calories are essential for older adults to avoid obesity, a common problem among the elderly. Remember that even healthy meals served in excess can lead to obesity in dogs, which is a serious health issue. While some human foods can be safely introduced into a dog’s diet, they can also provide health benefits like improved breath and allergy immunity. In the case of a sick or upset dog, food poisoning may be a possibility. It’s more common than you might think for pets to be affected. 

Foods You Can Serve to an Elderly Dog

High-quality dog food should be the foundation of your dog’s diet. Before you start feeding your senior dog your favorite foods, read on to find out which ones are safe and which ones will require a trip to the vet. 

Bread

Most dogs enjoy a piece of white or whole-grain bread as a reward. Make sure your dog’s bread does not contain raisins, which may contain a toxic chemical that could harm your pet. A dog’s weight gain can be exacerbated if it consumes too many calories from bread and other meals.

Although bread is generally safe for dogs to eat, the dough itself can be poisonous to some. The yeast in the bread may cause the dough to expand even more inside the dog’s stomach, resulting in bloating and potentially dangerous problems. The yeast’s ethanol production may result in alcohol poisoning.

Looking for Citrus Heights pet hospital? Family Friends Veterinary Hospital provides preventive geriatric care that can help extend your pet’s life and good health as they age.

Green Peas

Certain dog food recipes may contain green peas as an ingredient. Green peas are low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, so they are a good choice for your dog’s diet. If you want to feed your dog peas, opt for fresh or frozen peas rather than canned ones. To make them more dog-toxic, salt is added to canned peas.

Oatmeal

As well as a significant amount of fiber, oatmeal also contains a wide range of essential nutrients. In moderation, oatmeal can be beneficial to a dog’s overall health. This is an excellent carbohydrate alternative for dogs with wheat allergies. Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that contributes to the strength and health of a dog’s skin, is also found in oatmeal, as is Vitamin B, which helps to maintain a healthy coat. Fiber in this form helps dogs maintain normal blood sugar levels and regular bowel movements. Your dog may experience diarrhea and vomiting as a result of high-fiber foods.

Broccoli

Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and is low in calories and high in fiber, all of which contribute to a healthy digestive system. Broccoli is safe for dogs to eat in any form. Before adding spices or other items that may upset your pet’s stomach, such as onions or oils, serve a piece of broccoli to your pet first.

You can eat them either cooked or raw in small amounts in moderation. While broccoli florets are safe for geriatric cats, they contain isothiocyanates, which may cause gastrointestinal distress. You must ensure that your dog gets the right amount of broccoli. Nausea, gas, bloating, and diarrhea might occur if the florets contain too much isothiocyanate. A lot of broccoli can worsen your dog’s gastrointestinal problems, leading to serious health issues or even death. Seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your pet has overindulged in the green vegetable.

Foods that an Elderly Dog Can Eat

With age, dogs’ appetites tend to decline. Factors may be to blame for this. For example, some dogs suffer from gastrointestinal issues, while others lose their appetite due to cancer.

Veterinarians can help you determine if any underlying health issues are causing your dog’s refusal to eat. If your dog has lost interest in eating dry food, try adding warm water or chicken soup.

Related: Learn what to expect from veterinary surgery here