Choosing the right food for aging dogs

As your furry friend enters their senior years, their dietary needs start to change. Finding the right senior dog diet is essential to keep them healthy and happy. From adjusting portion sizes to adding nutrient-rich ingredients, there’s a lot to consider when feeding senior dogs in their golden years.

Key takeaways:

• Senior dogs benefit from a diet tailored to their changing energy and nutritional needs.
• High-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and glucosamine and chondroitin are great for older dogs.
• Always check with your vet before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.

When is a dog considered senior?

Dogs are generally considered senior between the ages of seven and ten, but this can vary depending on breed and size. Larger breeds, like Great Danes, may be considered senior dogs as early as six years old, while smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas, may not reach that stage until around age ten.

Understanding when your dog becomes a senior is important because it signals that it’s time to adjust their diet and overall care routine to meet their energy requirements.

What is a senior dog diet?

As dogs age, their energy requirements decrease, but their need for specific nutrients - like high-quality protein and joint-supporting ingredients - increases. A senior dog diet focuses on maintaining a healthy body weight, muscle mass, and supporting their joints, heart, and kidneys.

Dry food for aging dogs

Dry food is a convenient option for many pet parents, and there are plenty of specially formulated senior dog foods available. Look for dry food that contains easily digestible proteins, fewer calories to prevent weight gain, and added supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Ensure that the kibble isn’t too hard for your dog to chew, especially if they have dental issues. If you decide to only feed your dog dry biscuits, just remember that they will also need to drink more water to meet their daily fluid requirement. If in doubt, your vet can recommend the best food for aging dogs based on their needs.

Wet food for aging dogs

Wet food is often a good choice for senior dogs, especially those with dental problems or who need extra hydration. Many senior wet food formulas include added vitamins and minerals to support your aging dog’s health. Make sure the brand you choose has a balanced nutritional profile and watch portion sizes to prevent overfeeding.

Homemade food for senior dogs

For a more personalized approach, homemade dog food for senior dogs can be a great choice. Homemade senior dog food recipes often include fresh ingredients like lean meats, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids. Lightly cooked chicken or ground beef paired with vegetables like carrots or spinach can provide a nutritious and easily digestible meal.

As pet parent and nutritionist Karen Schuppert recently explained on our Community Forum:
"Much of conventional pet food is highly processed, so it’s always a good idea to read labels and understand the quality of ingredients. Dogs like variety too. Over the years, we’ve fed ours raw food, dehydrated mixtures, and freeze-dried, always adding lightly cooked, fresh ingredients."

While some pet parents may explore raw diets, it’s important to ensure you know what to feed old dogs safely. Make sure you know what dogs can and can’t eat before any diet switches, and always consult your vet before switching to a homemade diet to avoid nutrient imbalances. 

Is senior dog food necessary?

Switching to a senior dog food is recommended by most veterinary experts, as it complements your aging dog’s needs. 

Senior dog foods are specially designed to meet the unique needs of older dogs, offering a balanced ratio of calories, protein, and nutrients. These foods often have less fat to prevent weight gain and include supplements like omega-3 fatty acids for joint and heart health. Proper nutrition can also lower the risk of your elderly pooch developing certain health conditions, such as kidney disease and heart disease.

If you’re unsure whether to switch to senior dog food, consult your vet. Some senior dogs may do well on regular adult dog food for a while, but if you notice issues like weight gain or mobility problems, it may be time to switch to a senior diet. Equally, older dogs are more likely to develop diseases affecting organs such as the liver or kidneys, leading to a requirement for special diets or dietary supplements. This is why a discussion with your vet is always advisable, to ensure your dog’s unique dietary needs can be met.

How much should a senior dog eat?

Portion control is essential when feeding a senior dog. As dogs age, they often become less active, which means they require fewer calories to avoid weight gain. Monitor your dog’s weight and adjust portion sizes based on their energy levels and overall health.

Ensure your senior dog gets enough high-quality protein to maintain muscle mass, while avoiding excess calories that could lead to obesity. If your senior dog is experiencing weight loss, consider supplementing their diet with nutrient-dense foods like lean meats, eggs, or fish.

This being said, it is always advisable to check with your vet first. This is because every dog is unique and will have slightly different requirements depending on their breed, activity level and current health status.  

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

As your dog ages, a proper senior dog diet plays a crucial role in keeping them healthy and happy. With the help of a loving in-home dog sitter, your furry friend can enjoy their favorite meals and maintain their routine while you’re away. And if you’re ever unsure about what’s best for your senior dog, don’t hesitate to consult your vet for personalized advice.