When does an adult dog officially become a senior dog – and should you switch to senior food at this point? As with most things, the answer depends on your dog’s individual circumstances.
As dogs age, many things change – including their energy levels, calorie requirements and general health. Every dog’s diet should be planned to suit their unique needs and choosing the right food for their life stage can help them live a longer, healthier life.
When is a dog a senior?
Dogs are usually considered senior when they’re seven or eight, although this will vary to some degree depending on their size and breed. Large breeds such as Great Danes can start to show signs of ageing from five years onwards, while smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas tend to age much more slowly. Even dogs of the same breed can age differently, so it’s always best to talk to your vet about when to switch your dog to senior food.
What’s the difference between senior and maintenance dog food?
While the core nutrients in these two types of dog food are similar, the quality of the ingredients often varies.
As dogs age, their metabolism starts to slow down and they often become less active. Senior dog food tends to contain more digestible sources of protein as well as fewer calories and less fat per ration.
Food for senior dogs often also contain supplements designed to support specific needs. These include omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and green-lipped mussel extract to help ease arthritis or vitamins to promote better cognition and memory.
Should I switch to senior dog food?
Your vet is best placed to advise you if your dog would benefit from food designed for senior dogs. If your dog is active, healthy and has a good body condition score, their food may not need changing just yet.
If they have specific health conditions such as kidney disease, senior dog food with an adjusted level and quality of protein levels might be recommended. If they’re overweight, a lower-calorie, senior formulation may help them lose weight. For dental issues, senior food sometimes contains smaller pieces of meat or kibble, which can be easier to chew or can help reduce plaque.
How to choose the right senior food for your dog
Dogs need 37 essential nutrients to keep them healthy. Nutritional guidelines are set by European industry experts such as the European Pet Food Industry Federation. As new research into canine nutrition is completed, these guidelines are reviewed and updated.
When looking for new dog food, ask your vet for advice. They’ll probably be happy to recommend a formulation to suit your dog’s specific requirements. Look for options that are ‘complete’ as these contain all the protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins your dog needs.
How to switch to senior dog food
Once you’ve decided to start feeding your dog senior food, it’s important to introduce their new food slowly. Making this transition too quickly can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
Here’s a recommended schedule for making the switch:
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Days one and two |
10% new food, 90% old food |
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Days three and four |
30% new food, 70% old food |
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Days five and six |
50% new food, 50% old food |
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Days seven and eight |
70% new food, 30% old food |
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Days nine and 10 |
90% new food, 10% old food |
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Day 11 onwards |
100% new food |
How many meals per day should a senior dog eat?
Some dogs might become a little fussier as they age or find eating harder as their teeth wear down. But there are still ways to make mealtimes satisfying and to ensure your dog gets the nutrition they need.
Try feeding your dog smaller meals more often and serving food at room temperature (or slightly warmer) to help your dog smell and taste it better. Older dogs may also benefit from high-quality protein sources such as lamb, turkey or rabbit. Carbohydrates such as rice, potato and sweet potato provide a good, natural energy source.
It’s also important to consider how you serve your dog’s food. Large breed dogs can benefit from having their bowl raised a little higher, especially as they get older and stiffer. Dogs who eat slowly may prefer a quiet place where they can chew their food in peace.
With a little care, you can make sure your dog’s diet helps them stay happy and healthy for as long as possible.