Senior dog nutrition basics
Food is the foundation of your older dog’s routine. The good news is that the basics are simple. The tricky part is that every dog is different, so your vet’s advice matters.
Does an older dog need a different food?
Not always. Some healthy older dogs do well on their usual complete adult food. Others do better on a food made for seniors or for their particular needs. The right choice depends on weight, health, teeth, appetite and activity.
Complete foods are designed to cover a dog’s nutrient needs when fed in the right amount. Check the label, and look for a statement that the food is “complete” for the life stage.
Calories: often fewer, but not always
Many older dogs move less, so they need fewer calories. If you keep feeding the same portions, weight can creep up. Extra weight is a common concern in older dogs, because it adds strain to joints and makes everyday movement harder.
But some older dogs lose weight and muscle and need more. Both patterns happen. That is why weighing your dog regularly is more useful than following a rule.
Protein: quality matters
Older dogs commonly benefit from good quality protein to help maintain muscle. This is a widely discussed point in veterinary nutrition. Whether your dog needs more or less protein depends on their health, especially kidney health, so this is one to ask your vet about rather than guess.
Fibre, fats and digestion
- Fibre can help fullness and digestion. Some senior foods include more of it.
- Fat is calorie-dense, so portions need watching. Some fats are also a normal and useful part of the diet.
- Digestion can become more sensitive. Sudden food changes can upset the stomach, so switch gradually over a week or so.
Teeth, texture and appetite
Dental problems are common in older dogs and can make chewing painful. If your dog drops food, chews on one side or has bad breath, a vet check is worthwhile. Softer food, or kibble softened with warm water, may help for a while. See our post on dental care.
A drop in appetite is not something to put down to age without checking. Ask your vet if it lasts more than a day or two.
Water
Older dogs need fresh water at all times. Watch for changes. A dog who suddenly drinks much more or much less than usual should be seen by a vet. Wet food adds some water to the diet, and some dogs like a little warm water or a bone-free broth poured over their meal. Check any extras for salt, onion and garlic, which are not safe for dogs.
Rewards count
Rewards add up. A handful of biscuits can be a meaningful part of a small dog’s daily energy. Use part of the daily food allowance as rewards, or choose low-calorie options such as small pieces of carrot, if your dog likes them. Avoid grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol and other foods that are toxic to dogs.
Feeding routine
- Measure portions with scales, not a scoop that drifts.
- Feed two smaller meals rather than one large one, if that suits your dog.
- Keep the schedule regular.
- Use a raised bowl or non-slip mat if bending is hard.
Where supplements fit
Food comes first. Some owners also add a daily supplement as part of a routine. A supplement is not a replacement for a complete diet and is not a medicine. It cannot promise any outcome, and the ingredients in most dog supplements have been studied mainly in people or lab animals. If your dog takes medication or has a condition, ask your vet before adding anything.
Check the label, too. If you add a supplement, count it in your dog’s overall intake, and avoid doubling up on the same ingredients from several products.
Check in regularly
Review your dog’s diet every few months:
- Weigh your dog and check body shape.
- Look at coat, stool, energy and appetite.
- Ask your vet if the food still fits.
- Adjust portions slowly, rather than in big jumps.
Small, steady changes are easier to judge than big ones. A well-fed older dog is usually lean, interested in meals, and comfortable after eating. If any of that changes, your vet is the right next step.
For more on this life stage, read our senior dog guide.
What to do next
If you are thinking about adding a daily routine for your dog’s everyday health and energy, here is how to see what PAWER is and what it is not. It is a complementary feed for dogs, not a medicine, and your vet comes first if your dog takes medication or has a condition.
General information for pet owners. Not veterinary advice.