Senior Dog Food: What to Feed Your Dog as They Age

Your dog’s needs change as they get older. Energy shifts, muscle can be harder to maintain, and some dogs get pickier about what is in the bowl.

The good news: feeding a senior dog well is less about a special “senior” label and more about real, high-quality food fed in the right amount. Explore our complete and balanced dog food.

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When Is a Dog Considered a Senior?

Most dogs are considered seniors around age 7. Large and giant breeds age faster and may be seniors by 5 or 6, while small breeds often reach senior status a little later. Your veterinarian can help you decide when, and if, your dog’s diet should change.

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Do Senior Dogs Need Senior Dog Food?

Not necessarily. AAFCO doesn’t have a separate nutrient profile for senior dogs. “Senior” foods are formulated for adult maintenance, and recipes vary widely from brand to brand.

What matters more is the food itself. A complete and balanced food made for adult maintenance or all life stages can be a great fit for an older dog, as long as it meets their individual needs.

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What Senior Dogs Need From Their Food

• High-quality protein. Healthy older dogs need good protein to help maintain muscle as they age. Dogs with kidney disease or other conditions may need a diet directed by their veterinarian.
• The right calories. Many seniors are less active and gain weight easily, while some lose weight. Adjust portions to keep your dog at a healthy body condition.
• Moisture. Moisture-rich food supports hydration, especially for older dogs who don’t drink as much.
• Great taste. Appetite can dip with age. Aromatic, meat-rich food can help keep mealtime appealing.
• An easy texture. Soft food is easier for dogs with dental issues.

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Why Fresh Food Works Well for Senior Dogs

Fresh food checks a lot of senior boxes at once. It is meat-rich, naturally high in moisture, soft, and flavorful.

• Lightly Cooked recipes are gently sous-vide cooked and served soft, an easy option for dogs who prefer cooked food.
• Frozen raw recipes are complete and balanced for all life stages (excluding growth of large breed dogs), with 78–88% meat, organ, and bone.
• Freeze-dried raw can be rehydrated with warm water or bone broth for a softer, more aromatic meal.

Not sure which format fits? Compare them in lightly cooked vs. raw vs. freeze-dried.

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Tips for Feeding an Older Dog

• Weigh in regularly. Check your dog’s weight and body condition every few weeks and adjust portions.
• Add moisture. A splash of bone broth adds flavor and hydration.
• Keep treats small. Single-ingredient treats can be broken into small pieces so they don’t add up.
• Transition slowly. Older dogs can be more sensitive to change. See how to transition to fresh food safely.
• Keep up with vet visits. Many vets recommend checkups every six months for senior dogs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the healthiest food for senior dogs?

A complete and balanced diet made with high-quality animal protein, the right calories for your dog, and plenty of moisture. Fresh, meat-rich food is a great fit for many healthy senior dogs. Dogs with health conditions should follow their veterinarian’s advice.

When should I switch my dog to senior food?

Most dogs are considered seniors around age 7, and large breeds often earlier. There is no AAFCO senior standard, so focus on a quality food that fits your dog’s needs rather than the label.

Do senior dogs need less protein?

Healthy senior dogs generally benefit from high-quality protein to help maintain muscle. Dogs with certain conditions, like kidney disease, may need a specific diet from their veterinarian.

Can senior dogs eat raw food?

Yes. Many healthy senior dogs do well on a complete and balanced raw diet. Transition gradually, and talk to your veterinarian if your dog has a health condition.

Can senior dogs eat puppy food?

Puppy food is made for growth and is usually higher in calories than an older dog needs. Unless your vet recommends it, choose a food for adult maintenance or all life stages.