Senior Foods for Dogs

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As your dog ages he may benefit from a senior diet. While not much is known about the nutrition of older dogs, we know:

• First, older dogs are more sedentary and require fewer calories (i.e., lower fat)
• Second, older dogs may benefit from a diet lower in phosphorus
• Third, a moderate level of fiber in the diet helps prevent constipation and maintain gastro-intestinal health
• Fourth, the food should be very palatable to encourage adequate food intake

Again, because different sized dogs age at different rates there is no one age to begin feeding your dog a senior diet.

Generally seven years is a good rule of thumb, with giant breeds starting earlier (around five years) and small and toy breeds starting later (around eight or nine years).
 

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