Dog Food for Senior Dogs: A Guide For Your Dog’s Golden Years

For dog owners, the reality that our pets live such short lives means that we do everything we can to make our time together count. To ensure that their later years are as comfortable, healthy, and happy as possible, we need to make healthier decisions when choosing the best dog food for senior dogs.

If you have an older dog or a dog nearing their senior years, you might be wondering what you can do to boost your old dog's quality of life. Providing complete and balanced nutrition is the best place to start. Nourishing from the inside out is one of the most effective ways to give aging dogs more vitality and in some cases more time.

This article will help you understand the unique dietary needs of senior dogs so that you can make the best feeding decisions for them.

Why Do Senior Dogs Need Different Food

As dogs age, their dietary needs can shift a little. From caloric intake to digestibility, your senior dog's diet should help to reduce signs of aging and support better overall health. 

Food plays a significant role in canine health, so choosing a healthy diet can be your first and most powerful tool for slowing the effects of aging.

Not every old dog will need a senior-specific dog food, but they are a simple option for those who are noticing signs of aging and prefer an uncomplicated option for supporting your senior dog's health.

Formulas targeting the needs of senior dogs can be found in most food formats, like kibble, canned foods, and even raw. These are all crafted with modified nutrients and carefully selected ingredients to boost immunity, control weight, build muscle, and nourish skin and coat health.

If you are not sure if your dog needs either senior dog food or a modified diet, then make sure to familiarize yourself with the physical and mental symptoms of dog aging.

7 Common Signs of Aging in Dogs

While every dog is different and can present unique symptoms of aging to varying degrees, there are some common age-related signs that you should be on the lookout for when choosing an appropriate senior dog diet.

In the early stages of senior dogs, the signs may be subtle, but as your dog gets older appearance, energy, and mobility may all start to be affected by the sands of time. Here are the most common signs that your dog is start to feel like a senior dog:

1. Decreasing Activity Levels

Staying active is one of the best ways to prevent health problems related to age. If you notice a difference in your pet's energy levels, stamina, or desire to play, you may need to consider making some adjustments to their diet.

A decrease in activity levels could indicate pain from arthritis or other hip dysplasia and joint-related issues, but it could also just be a natural part of aging. Feeding a food that is not suited to their activity levels could lead to unwanted weight gain.

2. Mobility Issues

Obvious mobility issues need to be taken seriously, and choosing an appropriate senior dog food can be the first step in combatting age-related deterioration. 

Of course, making lifestyle changes is another important piece of the puzzle, but goes hand in hand with getting your dog the right calories from the right ingredients to support muscle, provide energy, and improve digestion.

3. Weight Fluctuations

Changes in body weight can be an indicator of age too. If your dog is gaining weight due to inactivity, you may need to encourage your dog to be more active in small spurts as well as making adjustments to their feeding guidelines or changing to a diet that is better suited to a slowing old pooch.

Weight loss issues should also be taken seriously. Older dogs that loose their interested in food can start to deplete their muscle mass. Long term, this can contribute to further mobility issues and reduced activity. Even slower senior dogs still need ample calories from healthy animal proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Special recipe senior dry dog food designed for older dogs contains wholesome ingredients that are easy to digest and ensure that your aging pooch can get all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

5. Digestion Issues

As dogs age, their gut flora changes, and they often have trouble repopulating healthy bacteria and digestive enzymes. The fact is that ageing leads to a decrease in organ function, and many organs play vital roles in the digestive health system.

The food that they have been fed for years may start to cause inconsistent stool quality, as well as gas. This could indicate that a diet change is required or that a digestive health supplement should be added to their routine.

Diets made from natural and highly digestible ingredients are best for any dog but are especially important for senior canines.

6. Skin and Coat Health

Older dogs tend to show more skin and coat health issues than younger dogs. Regular grooming and even daily petting can help to identify the following skin lesions, fatty lumps, hair loss and other signs that your senior dog needs a diet change.

These signs could be related to diet and can often be managed with the appropriate balance of high-quality nutrients from real food ingredients.

7. Loss of Appetite

When your dog isn't finishing their meals like they used to, or they are skipping meals entirely, it could be due to their age. As they start to slow down, you may find that they just aren't as hungry.

Some dogs are good at controlling their fewer calories, especially if you are free-feeding. Still, a loss of appetite could be a symptom of another age-related issue, like pain.

Pain and discomfort from digestion issues can deter your dog from eating with the typical gusto that they used to. Proper eating routines are extremely important, so if your pet is consistently skipping meals or is having trouble eating, a vet visit is warranted.

Understanding Senior Dog Food: Key Difference& Nutritional Needs

Aging dogs have unique dietary requirements, and choosing the right food is essential to ensure their golden years are comfortable and healthy. You may wonder, "What is the difference between senior dog food and regular dog food?"

While both types aim to provide balanced nutrition, senior dog food is specifically tailored to address the challenges of aging, such as mobility issues, weight management, and cognitive decline.

Let’s explore these distinctions and how to choose the best options for your senior canine.

What is the Difference Between Senior Dog Food and Regular?

Is there more to the best senior dog food than the name on the packaging? When comparing an adult dog food or an all-life-stage diet to one labelled as the best senior dog food, you may not see a noticeable difference.

The primary differences between senior dog food and regular dog food lie in the formulation. Senior dog food typically includes ingredients and nutrients designed to support aging bodies:

• • Joint Support: Senior dog food often contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which help maintain joint health and mobility.
  • Calorie Adjustment: Senior formulas may have fewer calories to prevent weight gain in less active dogs.
  • Enhanced Digestibility: Ingredients like pea fibre and probiotics support gut health, which can decline with age.
  • Cognitive Health Support: Some senior foods include DHA and antioxidants to aid brain function and slow cognitive decline.
  • Protein Content: While once thought that older dogs needed lower protein, many senior foods now maintain or even increase protein levels to support muscle mass, and instead focus on providing high-quality and easily digestible protein sources.

For example, adult dog food may focus on maintaining general health, while senior dog food targets specific aging concerns like arthritis or digestive sensitivities. These differences make senior formulas a valuable choice for aging dogs.

Nutritional Requirements for Senior Dogs

We often take for granted how similar a senior pet's needs are to a puppy's. The same systems need to be looked after, and change is constant, albeit in the opposite direction.

The fundamental similarities between puppy and best senior foods lie in the food's ability to support the critical systems of their bodies.

When choosing dog food for senior canines, consider the following:

• • Physical Health
  • Lean Muscle Development
  • Cognitive Function
  • Organ Function

Some beneficial ingredients often found in senior dog food include:

1. Protein: Look for high-quality protein sources like chicken, chicken meal, turkey, fish, chicken fat, or lamb. Protein helps maintain muscle mass and supports overall health.
2. Whole Grains: Easily digestible grains like brown rice, oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain brown rice, whole grain corn, whole grain barley, or quinoa can provide energy and fibre for digestion.
3. Vegetables and Fruits: Nutrient-rich vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and fruits like blueberries or apples can provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
4. Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids, typically sourced from fish oil or flaxseed, assist with your dog's joints and promote a healthy coat and skin.
5. Joint Supplements: Ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can help support joint health and mobility in older dogs.
6. Probiotics: Including probiotics in the form of ingredients like yogurt or prebiotic fibres can support digestive health and nutrient absorption.

Remember, the specific needs of elderly dogs can vary, so it's important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best ingredients and diet plan for your individual senior dog. Some dogs may have dental disease, so need wet foods, but others might have a perfect set of teeth so can easily consume hard, dry foods.

Brain Food for Aging Dogs

Healthy brain function will support other systems in the body. As our pets age, deterioration of cognitive function can lead to compromise of many systems in the body.

A healthy, natural diet will provide all of the nutrients that your senior dog's body needs to provide energy to all of its systems, including brain health. Look for foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, like fish oil, and antioxidant-rich ingredients like berries, broccoli or dark leafy greens.

All Life Stage Foods Good for Senior Dogs

All life stage foods are everywhere. It seems many dog food brands are steering towards this fad, but is an all life stage food really suitable for all stages?

Although not specifically crafted for senior dogs, all life stage foods are meant to meet the needs of most dogs across most life stages, but may not be suitable for older dogs that are already experiencing symptoms of aging or those that have more specific dietary needs due to their health.

If you are looking for an easy feeding option, or if you are feeding dogs of different life stages, you may find that all life stage diets can be supplemented with meal toppers, natural supplements, or fresh foods. These modifications can make the diet better suit your old dog's needs.

What is the Healthiest Dog Food for Senior Dogs?

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the right food for your old dog, but if you know what to look for and how to read pet food labels, you should be able to narrow down your options to a few high-quality formulas. When selecting food for senior dogs, prioritize high-quality ingredients that address their unique needs. 

The healthiest senior dog foods include:

1. Protein-Rich Sources: Look for chicken, turkey, fish, or lamb as primary ingredients to maintain muscle mass.
2. Healthy Fats: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, promote joint health and a shiny coat.
3. Antioxidants: Ingredients like blueberries, spinach, and carrots combat oxidative stress and support cognitive health.
4. Joint Supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin are critical for joint health and mobility.
5. Probiotics: These aid digestion and nutrient absorption, which can decline with age.

Some of the best brands for senior dogs include:

• • Orijen Senior Dog Food: High in protein and nutrient-dense, it supports overall health and mobility.
  • Acana Senior Formula: Features multiple protein sources and omega fatty acids for cognitive and joint support.
  • Vetdiet Senior Dog Food: Combines science and natural ingredients for tailored senior nutrition.

How Much Food Should a Senior Dog Eat?

Determining the correct portion size for your senior dog depends on their weight, activity level, and health conditions. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can result in muscle loss or nutritional deficiencies.

It’s crucial to adjust portions based on calorie density and consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations. Senior dogs often benefit from smaller, more frequent meals to aid digestion and maintain energy levels. Measuring food accurately and monitoring your dog’s weight regularly ensures they’re receiving the right amount of nutrition.

When to Switch Dog to Senior Food?

Knowing when to switch your dog to senior food depends on their size and breed. Larger breeds age faster than smaller ones, so their dietary needs may change earlier.

• • Small Breeds (under 20 lbs): Transition around 8-10 years of age.
  • Medium Breeds (20-50 lbs): Transition around 7-8 years of age.
  • Large Breeds (over 50 lbs): Transition as early as 6-7 years of age.

However, these are general guidelines. If you notice signs like decreased energy, weight changes, or joint stiffness, it may be time to switch dog food. Gradually introduce the new food over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.

Choosing the Right Type of Dog Food Senior Dogs

Different formats of food may suit dogs' nutritional needs as they age. Each dog food format has it's own benefits and drawbacks, so don't limit yourself to just one style.

The most convenient option for you might not be giving your senior pet everything they need to thrive. The best food format for your senior dog depends on their health and preferences:

• • Dry Kibble: Convenient and budget-friendly. Look for high-quality options with added joint and cognitive support.
  • Wet Food: Easier to chew and digest, especially for dogs with dental issues.
  • Raw Food: Nutrient-dense and minimally processed, ideal for maintaining muscle and overall health.
  • Dehydrated/Fresh Food: Combines convenience with high-quality nutrition and is easy to digest.

Check out Types of Dog Food to learn more about the benefits of each dog food type and how it may help support your dog as they age.

Best Senior Dog Foods

Older dogs need a diet that suits their unique needs, but it's not always easy to know which brand or formula to choose. To help you narrow down the contenders, we put together a list of some of our favourite healthy senior dog food brands in no particular order:

1. Orijen

This protein-rich senior dog food is made with multiple high-quality animal proteins to maintain muscle and support their hips and joints. Orijen Senior Dog Food is made in Canada using regionally sourced ingredients and a mix of fresh and dehydrated ingredients providing amazing flavour and easy-to-digest nutrition.

Though the food is lower in calories and fat than the adult version, Orijen products are designed to be nutrient-dense, allowing for more nutrition in a smaller meal. This is one of our best senior dry dog foods due to it's natural ingredients and high digestibility.

2. go! Solutions

go! Solutions Carnivore Senior Dog Food is the perfect blend of flavour and nutrition for aging dogs. This formula is high in protein, low in carbs, and loaded with essential nutrients from real food ingredients like chicken, turkey meal duck, apples, sweet potatoes, and more.

This diet also includes green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, and chondroitin to support your ageing dog's hip and joint health.

3. Acana

Another of our favourite Canadian partners, Acana Senior Dog Food is focused on promoting lean muscle mass, a strong immune system, and healthy skin and coat. This multi-protein formula is highly palatable to encourage healthy and consistent eating habits.

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids from fish oil help to support cognitive function in older dogs, which can delay or minimize the signs of aging. 

4. Open Farm

What's better than high-quality and nutrient-dense dog food that helps your senior dog thrive? How about one that uses sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients that you can feel good about feeding to your pooch.

Open Farm Senior Dog Food is a protein-rich formula that helps support lean muscle and a healthy weight. Green lipped mussels and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation around the hips and joints to improve and protect mobility.

5. Vetdiet

When it comes to choosing the best senior dog food, you can't go wrong with a Canadian brand that is dedicated to harnessing the power of both nature and science. 

Vetdiet offers a variety of senior dog food products that help you cater to the unique needs of your pooch, including one of the best senior canned dog foods, kibble diets, and large breed or small-breed diets for senior dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should you feed your senior dog?

The appropriate amount of food to feed your senior dog depends on several factors, including their age, weight, activity level, and overall health. As dogs age, their metabolism and activity levels often decrease, which can lead to weight gain if their diet isn't adjusted accordingly.           

Do seniors need low-protein dog food?

Contrary to popular belief, not all senior dogs require reduced protein intake. In fact, some senior dogs may need increased protein to support muscle maintenance and prevent muscle loss associated with aging.

What are the best ingredients for senior dog food?

The best senior dog foods include high-quality sources of protein, easily digestible carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. These ingredients help support the specific nutritional needs of aging dogs.

What should I look for in dog food for my senior dog?

When choosing dog food for senior dogs, look for products specifically formulated for your aging dog’s unique nutritional needs. Choose senior dog foods sourced from high-quality protein that are lower in calories to prevent weight gain and contain joint-supporting ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin.

How often should I feed my senior dog, and how much food should I give?

The feeding frequency and portion size for senior dogs can vary depending on their individual needs, age, health condition, and activity level. Most older dogs need two smaller meals a day instead of one large meal. 

Should I choose wet or dry food for my senior dog?

The choice between wet or dry food for senior dogs depends on their preferences, dental health, and any specific dietary concerns. Wet food can be more palatable and easier to chew for dogs with dental problems, while dry kibble can help promote dental health. A mix of both wet and dry can be a great option.

Are there any dietary considerations or supplements for senior dogs?

Senior dogs may have specific dietary considerations. Some may require reduced-calorie foods to manage weight, while others may benefit from foods with added fibre for digestive health. Certain supplements like joint support (glucosamine, chondroitin), omega-3 fatty acids, or antioxidants can also prove highly beneficial for senior dogs.