Puppy food v adult food

[Dozyrozey]

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Hello forum members. I've just joined and already have a matter which I'd appreciate advice on!

My elderly lurcher (12-13 years old) has always been a bit choosy about her food. She has both canned food and dry kibble in 2 separate dishes. Recently, she had only been eating the kibble, leaving the wet food until much later in the day. So last week I changed her canned food from adult to puppy (same brand) and she happily eats it straight away. When comparing the Analytical Constituents of the two, I can see that the puppy food is very slightly higher in calories, protein and fat content. She has the typical slender saluki-lurcher build and I will be monitoring for any unwelcome gain in weight. My question is, do you think she could be at risk of any 'hidden' side effects, e.g pancreatitis, from the change in diet? Does anyone here have experience of feeding puppy food to an older dog?

Apologies that I can't include a photo of my lovely girl - I don't have a camera or smartphone!

 

[JudyN]

A saluki x lurcher, but no pictures? Shame on you!

I'm not a nutritionist at all, but but my lurcher dropped weight when he got older and I gave him 'working dog' food, which is a little higher in calories and protein (and possibly fat, I can't remember), as I felt he needed the extra oomph. It did seem to help keep the weight on him. When I had a senior cat the vet suggested giving him kitten food for similar reasons.

So my feeling is, the puppy food would be fine for your dog. And as she gets older, in my opinion giving her food she really enjoys is of value in itself. It might be worth running it past your vet though.

 

[Rafa]

I agree with the above.

It isn't unusual for old/elderly dogs to become more choosy about food. I would absolutely give her what she enjoys.

 

[Dozyrozey]

Thank you JudyN and Rafa. You have reassured me that I have made the right decision, although will double-check with the vet at our next visit. At least the puppy food provides a balanced diet, if I only gave the spoilt madam the food she preferred, her diet would consist solely of cooked chicken, cheese and peanut butter!

 

[Dibbythedog]

I adopted a JRT dog Judy ( nice name !) and she would only eat cat food. She lived until she was 18.

 

[JudyN]

I adopted a JRT dog Judy ( nice name !)

I couldn't agree more!

 

[excuseme]

I always keep my oldies lean. It is very sad to watch heavy and overweight dogs of any age especially the old ones finding exercise / walkies difficult!
Our dogs should eat when food is given, and not left out to nibble at in between feeding times. I agree that our dogs should enjoy their food and our oldies should enjoy their food as much as any other! If she enjoys the puppy food It will do her no harm.

Our lot vary from 7.5 years, 11, to 13 years, they are all fed once a day and the two older ones actually get less (to keep their weight down). they are all spaniels and typically love food!!

Could I suggest that you look at the "Millies Wolfheart" website for some fantastic British made dog food ( our lot love it but their main diet is RAW ). dry and tinned.
The Millies never upsets their tummies and poo's are nice and firm. Their "Forerunner" and "Alert" are quiet adequate for most dogs including our oldies, ours just love it!!
The same mixes for both old and young.

The prices you see include delivery, so no more to add at the checkout.

.

 

[lorilu]

I adopted a JRT dog Judy ( nice name !) and she would only eat cat food. She lived until she was 18.

Generally speaking cat food is okay for dogs. The reverse, cats eating dog food, is not okay, because dog food is missing or too low in some nutrients that cats need to get from their food, they can't manufacture it. (Taurine for example). Dog food can also sometimes be too low in protein for cats.