What diet should a senior dog have?

A diet to support ageing should contain antioxidants, high quality protein, reduced levels of phophorus which isn't needed in such quantity and can help to reduce the burden on the kidneys, and extra joint support for those ageing bones and joints. As your dog gets older, it’s a good idea to switch over to a diet that is lower in calories. Changing what they eat Moving from an adult diet to one that is more suited to a senior dog is not as straightforward as it may sound. When changing your dog’s diet, it’s usually best to add a small amount of new food to their current one, and gradually change the ratio of old food to new food over 7-10 days. Always speak to your vet before changing your dog’s diet. The age a dog is considered to be 'senior' also varies by size and life expectancy, small dogs (up to 10kg) would benefit from nutritional 'senior' support from the age of 12, medium dogs (up 11kg up to 25kg) at the age of 10, and larger dogs (26kg and over) at 8. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the quantity of food to give your dog and remember to weigh it out to avoid giving them too much. Manufacturer’s guidelines are, as the name suggests, just a guide, so keep an eye on your dog’s size and adjust the amount if you need to.

Get the Right Dog Food. All the major brands of dog food offer a specialist senior versions of their most popular lines. Specifically formulated to suit your dog’s changing eating habits and nutritional requirements, senior dog food is generally packed with high quality protein, and is designed to be easy to chew and digest. Senior dog food contains a careful balance of the nutrients older dogs need to stay happy and healthy, with a good mix of antioxidants and fatty acids to support their joints and immune systems. Finally, because senior dogs are less active and have slower metabolisms, their food generally has a lower calorie content. If you’re worried about your dog’s weight, call your vet, they’ll be able to recommend a specialist senior diet to suit your dog’s changing lifestyle and metabolism.

There is no true reason to feed a senior diet to our aging dog unless there are noted problems, such as lean body wasting, arthritis or obesity. These conditions all require different approaches to nutrition — so there is no one-size-fits-all for senior dogs — making this something to discuss with your veterinarian. Typically, we like to see slightly higher protein diets; however, many of the senior diets on the market are lower protein. If the dog is losing lean body mass then a diet higher in protein may be necessary. Protein is necessary to build and maintain muscles, and as dogs age, they often stop synthesizing as much protein on their own — increasing the need for it in their diet. Most dogs become less active as they age, which means they have lower energy requirements. Monitor your dog’s body condition and weigh them on a regular basis to be aware of any significant changes. If your dog is still going for long hikes and is otherwise active every day, there is no need to decrease portions. But if your dog is spending more time lounging at home and starting to gain weight, then it is time to decrease portions or switch to a lower-calorie food. Prescription diets can be beneficial for specific needs.

When your dog is considered of senior age, you may need to start feeding them a diet that is higher in fibre, and which contains a suitable amount of protein and fat. Alternatively, you may find that your dog prefers to stay on the same food, just in a smaller quantity. If your dog likes to eat dry food, it can help to control tartar build up and could help to reduce gum disease. You may find that your dog struggles to eat dry food as they age, especially if they have a few missing teeth, so you may need to add a tiny bit of warm water to make it easier to chew. As dogs age, their health and stamina reduces, their metabolism slows down, meaning that they will need to start consuming fewer calories in order to remain healthy. Routine vet exams and blood testing can be a good indication for what diet is best for your senior dog, so always consult your local vet practice if you are ever in doubt what you should be feeding them. All dogs are different, so what works for one dog may not work for yours. It also depends highly on your dog’s health and if they have specific health requirements, such as diabetes or poor nutrient absorption.