Feeding Your Senior Dog
Senior Dog Diet: When & What to Change
When to switch your dog to senior food? Discover key dietary changes for their health and well-being as they age.
1 min readReviewed: Oct 20, 2025
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Senior Dog Diet
When is a Dog Considered "Senior"?
| Size | When |
|---|---|
| Mini (< 22 lbs) | 10–11 years old |
| Small / Medium | 8–9 years old |
| Large (55–99 lbs) | 6–7 years old |
| Giant (> 99 lbs) | 5–6 years old |
What Changes?
- Slower Metabolism
- Muscle Mass Loss
- Slower Digestion
- Joint Problems
- Dental Deterioration
What to Change?
- Switch to a Senior Formula
- Add Wet Food
- Joint-Supporting Ingredients (omega-3, glucosamine, chondroitin)
- Smaller, More Frequent Meals
What Not to Do
- Don't Underfeed Them
- Don't Feed High-Calorie Adult Food
- Don't Eliminate Protein
Free tool — no sign-up
How much food does your dog need per day?
Enter weight and activity level — 10 seconds and you get the daily portion.
References
- 1.Laflamme DP — Nutrition for aging cats and dogs and the importance of body condition. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 35(3):713–742, 2005. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2004.12.011 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.National Research Council (US), Committee on Animal Nutrition — Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006. https://doi.org/10.17226/10668 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) — Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. FEDIAF, 2024. https://europeanpetfood.org/self-regulation/nutritional-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 4.Cline MG, Burns KM, Coe JB, et al. — 2021 AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 57(4):153–178, 2021. https://doi.org/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7232 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist
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