As our dogs age, their diet and nutritional needs change, just like ours do. By choosing the right food and providing a good senior dog diet, you can help them stay active, healthy, and happy in their best golden years.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about senior dog diets, including what nutrients they need, what you need to change, and how to choose the best kibble for senior dogs.
By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to care for your aging dog and help them thrive.
1 Why senior dog diet is different than the regular dog diet
You want to learn how to care for your aging dog, but you don’t know where to start. It seems like overnight, they started getting slower, more tired, and needing more sleep. But this is all normal and part of our beautiful life with dogs.
What you can do to help them is learn more about their changed dietary needs! As dogs age, they experience the following:
Metabolism slows down: Senior dogs have slower metabolisms and need fewer calories. Between the ages of 10 and 15, dogs require 25% less calories in their diet (source).
Joint and mobility issues: Aging dogs will need extra glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids to support their aging joints.
Poor digestion: Not all dogs develop this, but some senior dogs start having trouble digesting certain foods they used to love. You may need to include more fiber in their diets.
Cognitive decline: Just like us, dogs experience cognitive decline. That’s why they need omega-3 fatty acids and foods rich in antioxidants.
Dental issues: Your dog may start to prefer soft foods, wet dog food, and home-cooked meals that are easier to chew and swallow.
These are the five most common changes that your dog will experience as they age. However, keep in mind something super positive—most dogs won’t require special senior dog diets! You will need to modify their meals but won’t have to change everything about their favorite foods!
2 Key nutritional needs for senior dogs
So, to sum it up, your dog will have a slower metabolism, dental issues, and joint problems. How can you help them, and what do you need to change to meet their new needs?
It’s quite simple—let me show you! A senior dog diet needs to include the following:
More high-quality protein: Since they need fewer calories, you need to include more protein, as that will delay age-related loss of mass and muscle. Choose highly concentrated proteins like chicken, lean beef, turkey, and fish.
Healthy fats: Omega-6 fats are the dominant fat for dogs, and they need them for energy. Some of the best sources of omega-6 for dogs are chicken fat and sunflower oil. Dogs also need omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil or flaxseed), as omega-3 reduces inflammation.
Fiber: Older dogs need more fiber, as they have a slower metabolism and may have problems with digestion. Good sources of fiber are cooked vegetables and whole grains.
Vitamins and antioxidants: A senior dog diet wouldn’t be complete without vitamins and antioxidants, which play an important part in every process in the body.
Glucosamine and chondroitin: Dogs need more glucosamine and chondroitin as they age, since their joints get weaker and they start experiencing pain.
Low sodium: Older dogs should eat a low-sodium diet, as too much sodium is not good for the heart and kidneys.
Reduced calories: Aging dogs need 25% fewer calories compared to adult dogs, but they still need nutrient-dense foods.
3 Best foods for senior dogs
Some of the best foods for senior dogs combine high protein, omega-3, and calcium.
You need to choose the best dog kibble for aging dogs and figure out which fresh foods work best for your dog.
Best fresh foods for a senior dog diet
Salmon: This is how you boost omega-3s for healthy joints and cognitive health! Salmon is also a good protein source and very easy to share with dogs.
Blueberries: Rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, blueberries are one of the best fruits for senior dogs as they help with digestion and reduce inflammation.
Sweet potatoes: Great for an upset stomach, sweet potatoes are high in fiber, low in calories, and rich in minerals. They provide a great energy boost for senior dogs.
Plain yogurt or kefir: A simple and nutritious source of probiotics, which are important for gut health and digestion.
There are fresh foods you can share, including low-sugar fruits and foods for dogs with an upset stomach! You can check them out here:
There are special foods designed for older dogs and their needs. However, most of these foods don’t have enough omega-3s and don’t include enough protein.
I said most, which doesn’t mean the senior dog food you’re buying lacks all of this. I’m using this research study about senior dog diets and food options for aging dogs (source). The study shows that senior dog kibble is not a perfect solution, but it’s a really good foundation! Here’s why:
Your dog may need a specific diet: Depending on their overall health, your dog may need more calories, fat, or protein. If your older dog is obese, then they’ll need a low-calorie diet. One-size-fits-all senior kibble won’t work for every dog, so you need to customize their diet.
Protein misconceptions: In the study I linked above, researchers analyzed 37 commercial senior dog kibble options and found that they have more protein than regular adult dog kibble. This is great! Years ago, it was commonly believed that aging dogs needed less protein because too much protein could stress their kidneys, but that’s simply not true.
Sodium content in commercial dog food: Not all dogs handle sodium well as they age. Dogs with heart or kidney diseases may need a low-sodium diet, so not all senior dog food will be suitable for them.
Supplements might not be enough: Many senior dog foods include omega-3 and glucosamine, but the amounts are often insufficient for dogs with aching joints, arthritis, or skin issues. If this describes your dog, you’ll need to provide extra supplements or include more fresh foods in their diet.
Wet food vs. kibble
You should try combination feeding and include both kibble and wet dog food for your senior dog. Wet dog food is easier to chew and has more moisture, while kibble is great for teeth (it reduces plaque buildup) and has more calories.
4 Ingredients to avoid in senior dog diets
To make sure you’re getting the highest-quality food for your senior dog, please avoid the following:
Artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors: These have zero nutritional benefits. They’re only added to make the food look appealing and taste better, but some of them can be harmful if dogs eat them exclusively. Pick dog food without these ingredients.
Too much sodium or sugar: Most senior dogs can benefit from a low-sodium diet anyway, so you should avoid extra sodium and added sugar in their food.
Unspecified “meat meal” or by-products: When you see that the protein source in dog food is labeled as “meat meal,” know that you’re getting low-quality protein sources that lack transparency. If it’s meat, it should be labeled as beef, chicken, salmon, or another specific name.
5 Feeding tips for senior dogs
Now that you know what senior dogs need, the best foods for senior dogs, and how to help them as they age, check out these simple feeding rules—or better yet, tips:
Give your senior dog smaller, more frequent meals: This is much easier on their stomach and metabolism. Remember, their metabolism slows down as they age, so they’re better off with smaller meals.
Add moisture: Mix water or wet food with kibble to improve hydration and soften textures.
Introduce new foods gradually: Prevent digestive upset when making dietary changes. Pay special attention to this step when introducing new sources of omega-3 or calcium.
Watch their weight: Use portion control and regular weigh-ins to prevent weight gain. Remember, they need fewer calories now but more nutrient-dense foods.
Monitor their energy levels: Adjust their diet based on activity level and health. You’ll still have plenty of amazing walks and playtimes, so give them a protein and fat boost when you’re really active.
Your senior dog deserves the best care, and their diet is one of the most important ways to support their health as they age.
Remember the golden rules of the senior dog diet are:
more high-quality protein
more omega-3 fatty acids
antioxidants
healthy fiber to help with digestion
joint-supporting nutrients (glucosamine and chondroitin)
Talk to your vet about your dog and their diet as they get older as your vet may point to some specific needs. Then you can start making changes to their diet.
What foods or diets have worked well for your senior dog? Share your tips in the comments!
Don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll always have these senior dog diet tips handy!
Love, life, and fur forever!
This post showed you The Ultimate Guide to Senior Dog Diet.
