Senior dogs may need a little extra love, care, and a good, nutritious diet. Their diet should support aging, be high in antioxidants and protein, and be easy to digest.

Dogs have different nutritional needs as they age. They may require food that doesn’t strain their digestive system and doesn’t cause weight gain, with a focus on fiber and protein. Some senior dogs with dental disease or missing teeth may benefit from softer food for ease of chewing.

Speak with your vet about the best foods for your senior dog, including researching the various ingredients, the reputations of different brands, whether it’s formulated for aging dogs, and costs.

Disclaimer: This article discusses pet medications. Never use human medications for pets or pet medications for humans; dosages, strengths, and ingredients may differ and can cause serious harm. Always use medications under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian or doctor.

As your beloved companion ages, they may have different nutritional needs. Food they once loved may no longer be appropriate for them, and you may need to switch things up.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) states there are different types of dog foods that may be appropriate for feeding a senior dog, with different benefits, including:

  • wet food
  • dry food
  • speciality diets including:
    • lower calorie and higher fiber
    • added nutrients for joint support
    • raw diets
    • diets for weight management

Protein is essential for senior dogs, as many experience loss of lean body mass as they age and may have difficulty walking. They may also gain fat and lose lean body mass as they age, leading to overall weight loss.

Wet food has a higher water content than dry food, which can help senior dogs avoid dehydration. Wet foods may have lower calorie density per cup due to water content.

A 2025 study states that you can also add water to dry food for extra hydration, such as adding three times the weight of the kibble.

A 2026 study also states that adequate water intake is imperative for aging dogs, as total water content declines with age. This also helps the kidneys maintain typical function, which can help avoid dehydration and conserve electrolytes.

A 2025 study states that dry food contains more nutrients, such as magnesium, but this may be due to a higher water content.

However, wet food may be better for senior dogs with dental issues and is softer on their digestive systems.

Speciality diets for senior dogs can include a variety of foods, such as:

  • Raw food: You may choose to feed your dog a raw diet consisting of raw meat, fish, or eggs. While purported benefits include shinier coat, better energy and behavior, and a reduction in inflammation, something that is essential for senior dogs prone to medical conditions, some downsides include a lack of nutritional balance, and an increase in bacteria being introduced to the pet and the household.
  • Grain-free: Some people may opt for grain-free food, but others might feel conflicted about feeding their dogs grain-free food. Some research states that cardiomyopathy can occur in dogs eating grain-free food, which prompted the FDA to issue a 2018 warning label advising against it. A 2025 study found that grain-free diets are not better for dogs than grain-based diets. The focus should be on a nutritionally balanced diet, not on eliminating certain foods or following marketing trends.
  • Weight management: Senior dogs may have joint or muscle issues or reduced activity levels. Because of this, you may want to be more mindful of how much your dog eats to avoid them gaining too much weight, and, if their appetite changes, losing too much weight. Speak with your vet about the best diet for your senior dog, particularly if you have concerns about weight gain or loss, or what to feed them as they age.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns against feeding raw foods and notes that senior pets may be at higher risk of bacterial infections due to a declining immune system.

Raw foods are the most commonly recalled foods, and it is always important to consult the FDA pet food recall website before buying raw dog food.

Look for certification from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), as this shows that the food is nutritionally balanced and complete.

Omega-3 fatty acids, or polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), play several different roles in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids can be a natural way to reduce inflammation in senior dogs, helping with conditions such as canine arthritis. It can also help with:

  • decreasing pain
  • reducing the amount of inflammatory medication necessary
  • daily activities

Speak with your vet about how and when to give your senior dog omega-3 fatty acids, as your dog can ingest them in different forms, such as feeding them fish, adding oil to food, or using capsules or supplements.

Dogs specifically need certain omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which can help reduce levels of inflammatory markers.

Sources include:

The recommended dose of EPA and DHA is 75-100 mg/kg/day as a minimum for dogs with osteoarthritis.

The AKC states that it is important to consider common health issues senior dogs may encounter and base food choices accordingly. Some common conditions in older dogs include:

  • obesity
  • gastrointestinal issues
  • osteoarthritis
  • heart disease
  • kidney disease
  • inflammation

Many foods can specifically help address these issues, such as choosing low sodium foods for heart and kidney health. Kidney disease requires a low-phosphorus diet, and many brands offer low-phosphorus foods. However, you should always speak to your vet to discuss the best diet options before changing your pet’s diet.

The AKC states that being directly in touch with brands and companies about where and what goes into their dog foods can help support nutritional needs.

You will need to switch your dog’s food gradually, as abrupt changes in food type or the addition of new ingredients can upset their stomach.

Transition gradually over 7 to 10 days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old food. Monitor for any signs of allergies, upset stomach, discomfort, changes in stool, or behavioural changes.

You should also monitor for weight gain or loss, as well as changes in body condition.

Feeding your senior dog should support aging and be easy on their digestive system.

Always speak to your vet before changing or supplementing your dog’s food.