A dog’s nutritional needs change as they grow older.
This means that, just like puppies, senior pets need a specially formulated diet.
What they need more or less of will depend on their health, breed and activity levels.
However, there are many products out there to help your older dog live a long and healthy life.
Key nutrients for older dogs
There are a number of key nutrients and nutritional needs to consider when it comes to older dogs.
These include:
- Calorie intake:
If your dog is less active, they need fewer calories.
Maintaining the same amount of calories as when they were younger means that your
dog is more likely to become overweight. - High quality protein:
When dogs age, they find protein more difficult to digest, meaning higher quality protein is paramount. - Fatty acids to support skin, coat and joints.
- Nutrients like glucosamine to assist joint health.
Depending on your dog’s teeth, it may also be useful to consider the texture of their food. Many senior pet foods are designed to be easier to eat.
If your dog has had recent dental issues, it may also be useful to switch to a wetter, softer diet than traditional kibble so they can eat hassle-free.
The best food for senior dogs
There is not a ‘one size fits all’ product when it comes to senior food.
Instead, it is vital you pick the right food based on your elderly dog’s specific needs and any health conditions they may have.
Even if you have two senior dogs, they may not necessarily want the same food as each other!
We offer a wide range of senior food products, helping you find the perfect one for your best friend.
A few examples of what we offer include:
Royal Canin Mini Ageing 12+ Dry Dog Food, made specifically to support healthy ageing in elderly small dogs.
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult 7+ Small/Mini Light Dry Dog Food : This food is designed to help maintain healthy weight while promoting healthy skin and coat.
We also offer a range of supplements, such as these chewable YuMOVE Joint Care Max Strength Senior Dog Tasty Bites, designed to help joint health.
If you are unsure what to choose for your dog, talk to your vet or our friendly expert Animed team to find out their tailored recommendations.
Recommended supplements
FAQs
Do I need to buy senior dog food or can I use normal dog food?
It is not recommended to feed your senior dog normal dog food. This is because senior food has been designed to help with healthy ageing, providing the specific nutrients they need at this later stage of life.
Giving your dog senior food can also help prevent health conditions, like joint issues, from developing, keeping your pet happy and healthy for longer.
Is there anything that senior dogs can’t eat?
As with all dogs, there are certain foods which are toxic to dogs. These include raisins, grapes, onions, artificial sweeteners and chocolate, among others.
When should a dog start eating senior food?
Larger dogs are considered senior from the age of 6-7 years old, whereas smaller dogs don’t hit senior age until around 10-12 years old. At this age your dog should be progressed onto senior food. However, breed and overall health condition will impact this age.
If you’re unsure, talk to your vet at your dog’s regular check-up. They will be able to provide you with the advice you need on when your dog should start eating senior food, and any recommendations they may have.
Always remember to change your dog’s food gradually. Changing it too quickly can result in stomach upsets. The general rule of thumb is to slowly introduce the new food into the old over 7-10 days.
Wrapping up
Every dog is unique and that’s why we love them!
It is also why each dog will have their own individual needs as they age.
If you’re looking for products for your senior dog, from the common to the more obscure, check out our product pages to find our collection of vet-backed products.
