Senior Dog Food

Shop wet and dry senior dog food, with recipes for mature and older dogs of different sizes and dietary needs. Every dog ages differently, so check the manufacturer’s life-stage guidance and choose a food suited to their body condition and activity level. If your dog has a diagnosed condition or unexplained health change, ask your vet for advice before changing their food.

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Choosing the right senior dog food

What to consider

Why it matters

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Life stage and dog size

Dogs age at different rates, so check the manufacturer’s life-stage and dog-size guidance

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Complete nutrition

For everyday feeding, look for food labelled as complete; complementary food does not provide all the nutrients a dog needs on its own

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Body condition and activity

Use the feeding guide as a starting point, then monitor your dog’s weight and body condition and adjust portions if needed

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Protein content

Older dogs still need protein to help maintain muscle, so do not assume that a lower-protein food is better for every senior dog

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Wet or dry food

Both can be suitable when labelled as complete; consider your dog’s preference, appetite, storage needs and ability to chew

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Diagnosed health conditions

A dog with kidney, urinary or digestive disease may need a specific diet chosen with their vet

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When should I speak to my vet about my senior dog’s diet?

Speak to your vet if your older dog has unexplained weight loss or gain, eats less than usual, struggles to chew, has persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, drinks or urinates more than usual, or appears to be losing muscle. These changes are not always a normal part of ageing and may need investigation. If your dog has a diagnosed health condition, ask your vet before changing their diet or choosing a veterinary food.

Senior Dog Food FAQs

When should I start feeding my dog senior dog food?

There is no single age at which every dog should move to senior food. Around seven years is a useful general guide, but larger breeds may reach their senior years earlier and smaller breeds later. Check the manufacturer’s life-stage guidance, and ask your vet if you are unsure whether a change is appropriate for your dog.

What is the difference between senior dog food and adult dog food?

Senior foods are formulated for older dogs, but there is no standard recipe that every product follows. Compared with adult food, some have different calorie, fat, fibre or protein levels, while others vary in texture or include additional ingredients. Check the nutrition and life-stage information for the individual product rather than assuming every senior food has the same formulation.

Does senior dog food contain less protein?

Senior dog food does not always contain less protein. Older dogs still need protein to help maintain muscle, and a lower-protein diet is not suitable for every senior dog. If your dog has kidney disease or another diagnosed condition, follow your vet’s dietary advice rather than choosing food based on age alone.

Should I choose wet or dry food for my senior dog?

Both wet and dry senior dog food can be suitable if they are labelled as complete. Wet food contains more moisture and is softer, while dry food can be convenient to portion and store. Choose a format your dog enjoys and can eat comfortably. If they suddenly struggle to chew, drop food or seem painful when eating, speak to your vet.

How do I transition my dog to senior dog food?

Mix a small amount of the new food with your dog’s current food, then gradually increase the new food over around seven to ten days, unless the manufacturer advises otherwise. Some dogs may need a slower change. Contact your vet if your dog develops persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, or refuses to eat.

How much senior dog food should I feed my dog?

Use the feeding guide on the product as a starting point and weigh each portion. The right amount depends on your dog’s ideal weight, activity level, body condition, treats and health. Monitor their weight and body shape, and ask your vet for advice if they are gaining or losing weight unexpectedly.