As pet parents, seeing our dogs age is never easy. When our dogs reach their senior years, their nutritional needs change. But, with so many dog foods on the market, choosing the best senior dog food can be confusing.
It’s hard to know which food is the right choice for your senior dog and when to switch to senior dog food.
What makes senior dog foods different?
Just like with people, as dogs age their metabolism, activity levels, and general health changes. Senior dog foods are designed to meet the changing nutritional needs of senior dogs to keep them healthy and promote a longer lifespan.
Senior dog food may include differences such as:
- Higher potassium and lower sodium levels to help keep kidneys healthy
- Increasing protein levels to maintain lean body mass
- Fewer calories and fat to account for a reduction in activity levels and prevent weight gain
- More anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients to help keep joints, skin, eyes, and coat healthy
- Added fish oils, long-chain omega-fatty acids, and other ingredients to promote healthy cognitive function
- Slightly higher fiber and probiotics to promote digestive health
Unfortunately, there are quite a few health conditions that are known to affect older dogs. The nutrients in senior dog food may help reduce the risk of these conditions. They can even help to slow the progression of an existing health issue in some cases.
It’s estimated that arthritis affects 80% of dogs over the age of 8 years old. Senior foods with ingredients like glucosamine hydrochloride and omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce stiffness and improve mobility.
In addition, a recent study found that dogs over the age of 12 are at 3.91 times the risk of dental disease compared with dogs aged two to four years old!
With an increased risk of health problems in senior pets, many pet parents are considering switching their dog’s food to senior food to help support their dog’s health as they age.
How do you know when to switch to senior dog food?
Most dogs are considered senior between the ages of six and nine years old, but this varies depending on your dog’s size. Smaller dogs age more slowly than larger dogs.
Dogs are individuals just like people, so it’s all about figuring out what works for your dog. The decision shouldn’t just be about their age – it should also be based on their lifestyle and health.
Common signs it might be time to consider making the switch to senior pet foods include:
- Decreased activity
- Stiff joints
- Weight gain
- Additional health issues
- Digestive upset such as constipation, flatulence, or diarrhea
- Itchy, dull, or flaky skin and coat
Do all senior dogs need a senior diet?
Not all senior dogs will need senior dog food. If your dog is still healthy, active, and on a balanced adult dog food, there may be no need to change their diet.
The Veterinary Nurse Journal explains that nutritional assessments should be performed for each individual animal to ensure their specific needs are met.
My own dog Makai will be a senior next year. I am considering switching him to a senior dog food diet but I will speak to my vet first and I recommend you do the same.
Choosing the right senior dog food
Unfortunately, not all dog foods are made equal so it’s important to read the nutritional labels on the dog food packaging. If your dog has a health condition, check with your vet about which nutrients they need specifically.
I recommend sticking with the same brand as your dog’s adult food if possible. This can make the switch more gentle on their stomachs. You may also want to look for food specifically made for your dog’s breed or size.
Making the switch
Dog’s stomachs can be very sensitive so when it’s time to change their diet, do so gradually. Reduce your dog’s regular food slightly and add in a little bit of the new food. Continue to do this every day over the next 7 to 10 days, gradually adding more of the new food and less of the old. Slow and steady is the key to success!
Final thoughts
Choosing to change your dog to a senior diet is an important decision. If you feel as though it could be the right time, do plenty of research and take your time to pick the best senior food for your dog. Be sure to check with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s nutrition.
Article sources
Canine Arthritis Management Ltd, (2024), “Arthritis – The Basics”.
Royal Veterinary College, University of London, (2021), “New RVC research gets to the root of dental disease in dogs”.
Georgia Woods-Lee, (2023), “Senior nutritional requirements for cats and dogs”. The Veterinary NurseVol. 14, No. 9.
Wallis LJ, Szabó D, Erdélyi-Belle B, Kubinyi E., (2018) “Demographic Change Across the Lifespan of Pet Dogs and Their Impact on Health Status.” Front Vet Sci. 2018 Aug 23;5:200.
AKC Canine Health Foundation, (2014), “Optimal Nutrition for Senior Dogs Starts with Avoiding Obesity”.
