Recommended Food for a 14-Year-Old Toy Poodle

Size and Diet

• The three recognized sizes of poodle are the toy, 10 inches or less measured at the shoulders; the miniature, standing at 15 inches; and the standard, more than 15 inches. Each has its respective nutrition needs based upon age. The toy, however, has the unique needs of a small dog. It is important to understand the connection between toy poodles, aging and nutrition because 14-year old toy poodles cannot handle remedial therapy like younger, larger dogs. For example, a 14-year-old toy without properly maintained teeth may need a dental procedure to avoid a life-threatening infection. Elderly dogs do not fare well under anesthesia, so it Is better to maintain good dental health than repair years of neglect.

Kibble Size Matters

• Toy poodles are more prone to dental problems than larger poodles, according to Dr. Daniel Carmichael, a New York veterinary dental specialist and in-house dental expert at Hartz Pet Products. Carmichael said this is because toys have very small mouths which contributes to overcrowding. Thus, food gets trapped between the teeth, leading to plaque and tartar buildup. This, in turn, can cause tooth loss and infection.

  The veterinary and nutrition scientists at Hills' Prescription Diet foods recommend hard kibble, which helps keep plaque under control. They have created T/D, a formula made with antioxidants and calcium that supports dental health. It is available in a "small bite" size perfect for toy poodles. Science Diet, Hartz and Greenies have all created products designed to help clean teeth when used on a regular basis.

  Those concerned about their toy poodle's teeth and gums should check with their veterinarian who may recommend a dental procedure and special diet, with foods high in calcium and a routine of tooth brushing and scaling.

Geriatric Diet Concerns

• With the average life span of a toy poodle 12 to 15 years, a 14-year-old is considered geriatric. It can have genetic problems like slipped stifle (joint disease), heart disease, digestive disorders, allergies, eye problems like cataracts and retinal atrophy, diabetes and epilepsy.

  Commercial dog food producers now offer products that help toy poodles with specific health issues. For example, Hills W/D aids in stabilizing glucose levels in diabetic dogs. Their I/D aids in digestive disorders because it contains mixed fibers and proteins, while H/D supports heart health. There are also products for eyes, skin and bladder issues.

  Science Diet Mature Health is recommended for older dogs because it helps maintain strong bones and joints as well as kidney and heart health. Fourteen-year old toy poodles can benefit from formulas containing essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

Homemade Nutrition

• One pitfall with commercially-prepared dog foods is their content. They are derived from what is sometimes called the "Four-D" meats: dead, dying, diseased or disabled. Such animals cannot be put into the human food chain, but are cleared as pet food ingredients. Since many dog owners are concerned about those meats, as well as all the fillers, preservatives and additives, they are turning to homemade and natural foods.

  The "bones and raw food diet" (called BARF) is one of the special dog diets gaining in popularity among dog owners. Dogs on this diet eat animal bones and raw meat. On the other end of the spectrum is the vegetarian diet. People who themselves follow a vegetarian or vegan diet may want to put their dogs on the same regimen. Since dogs are not obligate carnivores, this diet may work well for 14-year old toy poodles with skin and digestive disorders.

Supplements

• Dog food supplements are available for toy poodles with arthritis or allergies. Similar to the vitamins people take for everything from low-energy to weight control, dog food supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin help the 14-year-old toy poodle with joint pain and stiffness. Supplements high in Vitamin E assist with skin and coat problems.