Senior dogs have special nutritional needs and you may need to make small changes to their usual diet.  As dogs become older they are prone to age-related diseases just like humans. By providing your senior dog with the right nutrition in his twilight years, you can help alleviate many symptoms and even slow down the aging process.



It can be difficult to know exactly when your dog should be classed as a ‘senior’. Dogs age at different rates and many remain alert, active and healthy well into their old age. Generally though, smaller breeds such as Terriers and Corgis age at a slower rate than larger breeds like Rottweilers or Labradors. As a guide, your dog could start to show signs of aging anywhere between the ages of seven and twelve years.

If your dog is still as active as normal, there’s probably no need to alter their diet for the time being. However, if they have begun to slow down, perhaps not running around so much, or they are spending more time lying down and sleeping, then you’ll need to reduce the amount of food you provide. Many dogs gain some weight during their advancing years, so take care not to allow them to become overweight as this can severely impair their mobility and put more strain on their heart and joints.

Older dogs often succumb to age related diseases, just as humans do. For instance, they can suffer from arthritis, diabetes, heart or kidney problems. And as dogs become older their ability to digest food becomes less efficient which often leads to constipation. Therefore, your senior dog's diet needs to take these changes into account.

Many commercial brands of pet food are tailored to meet the changing dietary requirements and slower digestive systems of senior dogs. They are fortified with extra antioxidants to help boost their immune systems as well as having added nutrients to keep their skin and coats healthy. Additionally, you can provide more fiber in their diet by adding foods such as wheat bran, green beans or pumpkin to their regular meals.

It's common for dogs of advancing years to suffer from teeth and gum problems. Eating dry food requires a lot of crunching and can be difficult if their gums hurt. If your dog is finding it hard to chew, get his teeth checked by a vet and in the meantime provide them with softer foods so they don't lose out on vital nutrition.

If your older dog is suffering from an age-related illness and is not eating properly, they could be lacking in essential nutrients. In this case it is quite feasible to supplement their diet with vitamins. For instance, older dogs suffering from arthritis would benefit from a daily dose of glucosamine-chondroitin being added to their diet to help alleviate symptoms. However, only give your dog supplements specifically recommended for dogs.

Any significant change to their eating habits such as becoming hungrier but not gaining weight or if they seem more thirsty than normal, could signify diabetes. If they have diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than a couple of days there may be underlying health problems which should be investigated by your vet. And if an illness is found, your vet will need to discuss with you how this could affect your dog's dietary requirements.

All dogs become senior citizens one day but that doesn’t mean they have to suffer through ill health. Though they are undergoing many physical changes, as long as you provide a well-balanced diet and don’t allow them to become overweight, you can help prevent or slow down many age-related diseases. By making sure his nutritional needs are met, you can help your senior dog enjoy a comfortable old age.