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As your dog matures, his body functions change. He might have decreased immune-system function, deterioration of skin and coat quality, and more frequent intestinal problems. So it makes sense that what a mature dog eats might also need to change.
Throughout a dog's life, a process called peroxidation occurs. This is a normal process the body uses to destroy cells that outlive their usefulness and to kill germs and parasites, but this process also can destroy or damage healthy cells. As a dog ages, the damage caused by peroxidation accumulates and, in turn, increases the risk of certain problems such as infections.
Antioxidants are naturally occurring components in the body (but also can be acquired through diet). They help maintain overall health by neutralizing the peroxidation process of cellular molecules.
Research sponsored by IAMS™ found that dogs fed a diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E had improved immune responses and vaccine recognition. This might be especially important for mature/senior dogs, because IAMS research has found that, as dogs age, immune responses can decrease.
Eating a complete and balanced diet with omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in vitamin-rich fish oils, also helps rejuvenate dry skin and develop a healthy, lustrous coat.
Aging dogs might have higher numbers of unfavorable bacteria and lower numbers of beneficial bacteria in their intestines, which can result in clinical signs of gastrointestinal problems (such as diarrhea). A diet with a moderately fermentable fiber source such as beet pulp can help maintain intestinal health. Beet pulp provides energy for the cells lining the intestine and promotes proper stool formation.
Different dogs show signs of aging at different times, and much of this variation is associated with size. Larger dogs generally appear mature/senior sooner than smaller dogs. The table below can show you when your dog should start a mature diet with a food such as IAMS ProActive Health™ Mature Adult.
Dog Weight and Transition to Mature/Senior Foods
| Weight Range | Age to Begin Transition |
|---|---|
| More than 90 lbs | 5 years |
| 51 to 90 lbs | 6 years |
| 21 to 50 lbs | 7 years |
| Up to 20 lbs | 7 years |
Beet pulp is an important source of fiber that is good for helping your dog maintain intestinal health and can enhance his ability to absorb ingredients. Beet pulp is the material that remains after sugar is extracted from sugar beets.
There are two types of fiber: Nonfermentable and fermentable. Nonfermentable fiber remains undigested as it passes through a dog's intestines, providing bulk to move wastes out. Cellulose is an example of a nonfermentable fiber.
In contrast, fermentable fiber is broken down in the intestines into short-chain fatty acids that provide energy for cells that line the intestine.
Moderately fermentable fiber does both: It provides bulk to move waste and supplies energy to cells lining the intestine. Beet pulp is a moderately fermentable fiber. IAMS™ products contain a patented, moderately fermentable fiber, beet pulp, to keep your dog's digestive system healthy.
Beet pulp contains no toxins and is not harmful. It is a very safe fiber source. Beet pulp does not affect coat color. There is nothing in beet pulp that can affect coat pigment—the inside is light in color, and the dark outside peel is not used in our foods.
By definition, beet pulp is the material left over after the sugar is removed from sugar beets. Therefore, beet pulp contains no sugar.
There is no evidence that beet pulp causes bloat. Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV) is related to a stomach defect that delays the stomach’s emptying. It is believed that bloat is not related to diet or ingredients, such as beet pulp. However, the cause of bloat remains unknown.
IAMS has conducted extensive research on many types of fiber. The results of this research point to the fact that beet pulp maintains intestinal health and works with other nutrients to provide optimal nutrition in all of our products, including IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Adult MiniChunks. No other food manufacturer can match our formulas. Only IAMS holds a patent for moderately fermentable beet pulp.
