When should I switch my dog to a senior diet?
Answered by our veterinary team
The concept of 'senior' varies significantly by breed size. Here's a general guide:
- **Small breeds** (under 10kg): Senior from approximately age 10–12 - **Medium breeds** (10–25kg): Senior from approximately age 8–10 - **Large breeds** (25–45kg): Senior from approximately age 7 - **Giant breeds** (over 45kg): Senior from approximately age 5–6 - giant breeds age faster and have shorter lifespans
**What changes in senior diets?** Senior formulas typically feature lower calorie density (to prevent weight gain as activity levels decline), higher fibre content, added joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin), adjusted protein levels, and often higher antioxidant content to support immune function.
The honest truth
Not every senior dog automatically needs a 'senior' labelled food. The most important factor is your dog's current body condition score and any existing health conditions. An active, lean 9-year-old may do perfectly well on an adult maintenance food. A sedentary, overweight 7-year-old may benefit from switching earlier.
The best approach
Have your vet assess your dog at their annual senior wellness check (or ideally, bi-annual from age 7+) and make a dietary recommendation based on bloodwork results, weight, and health status. Senior dogs are individuals - there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
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