{"id":8439,"date":"2020-01-14T10:00:45","date_gmt":"2020-01-14T16:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/?p=8439"},"modified":"2025-12-10T12:01:42","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T18:01:42","slug":"do-senior-dogs-need-senior-dog-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/blog\/culture\/myths\/do-senior-dogs-need-senior-dog-food\/","title":{"rendered":"Debarking Pet Myths: Senior Dogs Don\u2019t Need Senior Dog Food"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to another episode of \u201cDebarking Pet Myths,\u201d our monthly series that addresses common myths, misconceptions and old wives\u2019 tales about dogs and cats.<\/em><\/p>\n

Aging is a gradual process that can go unnoticed by dog owners. But when signs of aging are noted \u2014 touches of gray around the muzzle, cloudiness in the eyes, changes in weight and slowing gait \u2014 you might wonder if your dog needs a different food, like switching from dry to canned food<\/a>. The answer may be \u201cyes,\u201d \u201cno,\u201d or even \u201cmaybe.\u201d We\u2019ll explain what you need to know about senior dogs, their nutrition and senior dog foods so you can make an informed decision with guidance from your veterinarian.<\/p>\n

Aging and dogs<\/h3>\n

The aging process in dogs varies tremendously from one individual to the next, just as it does in people. In fact, there\u2019s more variability among aging dogs than there is in puppy growth rates<\/a>. Aging is influenced by several factors, including a dog\u2019s breed, size, genetics, nutrition and environment.<\/p>\n

Aging isn\u2019t a disease. But it is associated with a number of health conditions that result from the body\u2019s declining ability to repair and protect itself. Just as in people, the aging process in dogs can cause changes in body composition (muscle versus fat), appetite, vision, hearing, skin moisture and elasticity, mobility, immune response and sleep.<\/p>\n

Age-related changes that affect dogs\u2019 nutritional needs also occur. Metabolism naturally slows for many aging dogs, which reduces their energy requirements for resting and maintenance. According to veterinary nutritionists, multiple studies encompassing a variety of breeds estimated an 18 percent to 24 percent decline in maintenance energy requirements for older dogs compared to younger ones. This lower energy requirement is primarily due to lean body tissue (muscle) loss. Activity level also tends to decline as dogs age, which decreases their muscle activity and the amount of energy they expend.<\/p>\n

Senior dog nutrition<\/h3>\n

Optimal nutrition is the cornerstone for healthy aging and can be a powerful tool for maintaining health, preventing disease and managing health conditions. The key is treating each senior and geriatric (very old) dog as an individual. This includes adjusting your dog\u2019s nutrition and feeding program as necessary as he or she continues to age.<\/p>\n

Unlike adult humans, however, adult dogs tend to be considered as a single group, whether the dog is 2, 7, 11 or 14 years old. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) publishes two dog food nutrient profiles for use in formulating dog foods: one for growth and reproduction (which includes lactation) and one for adult maintenance. (Companies have the option of conducting feeding trials with their dog food formulas, including senior dog formulas, too.) In other words, a \u201csenior\u201d dog food could be designed to meet the AAFCO dog food nutrient profile for adult maintenance or for growth and reproduction if the food is intended for all life stages.<\/p>\n

Yet it\u2019s no secret that aging dogs\u2019 nutritional requirements change and are different from those of growing puppies<\/a> and even young adult dogs. This is the reason why you might consider switching your older dog to a senior formula when he or she reaches a certain age.<\/p>\n

Does your senior dog need really need a senior diet?<\/h3>\n

Your dog may be a senior dog, but that doesn\u2019t mean he or she needs to eat a senior food. Many dogs are very healthy even when they reach senior status. If your aging dog is healthy, in good body condition and eating a high-quality complete and balanced diet, you may not need to change foods. Many adult or all-life-stages dog foods are as beneficial \u2014 and potentially more appropriate for a particular senior dog \u2014 \u00a0as some senior dog diets.<\/p>\n

To help determine if your aging dog needs a senior dog food, think about your dog\u2019s health and behavior (see the questions in the accompanying box).<\/p>\n

\"Does<\/p>\n

If your senior dog has been diagnosed with one of the health conditions often seen in older pets \u2014 arthritis, obesity, diabetes, periodontal (dental) disease, cancer, heart disease or kidney disease \u2014 a diet change may be needed to help improve symptoms or slow disease progression. Of course, you\u2019ll want to discuss your observations and concerns with your veterinarian before changing your dog\u2019s food.<\/p>\n

How senior dog food formulas may be different<\/h3>\n

Complete and balanced senior dog foods are formulated with an aging dog\u2019s life stage and nutritional requirements \u2014 as well as the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles \u2014 in mind. Although older dogs have the same nutrient needs as younger dogs, the amount provided per pound of body weight may need to be adjusted. In addition, the way nutrients are provided may also need to be modified. Here are some of the ways a senior dog food might differ from an adult maintenance diet:<\/p>\n