Senior Dog Food

As your dog gets older, their nutritional needs change. Some are obvious: They begin to slow down and may begin to eat less. Some are less obvious: Biological shifts start to occur that alter the way your dog processes food.  

Senior dog foods support these changes. For example, your older dog probably expends less energy than they used to and their metabolism might be slowing down. This means their ability to burn calories slows down, too. 

To address these issues, many senior dog foods have less fat and fewer calories overall than adult dog foods. Senior dog foods also often provide added nutrients to support mature dogs’ health.  

For instance, IAMS™ PROACTIVE HEALTH HEALTHY AGING Adult Dog Food(open in new tab) contains a blend of fiber and prebiotics designed to help support digestion. It also includes antioxidants to support your dog’s immune system. 

Different breeds age at different rates, so no one magic number determines if your dog has earned the title “senior.” Smaller breeds are older when they become seniors — between 6 and 10 years old — whereas bigger breeds are generally considered senior around 7 years old. 

More important than age, however, is your dog’s particular health, both physical and mental. If you notice sudden changes, talk to your vet and address your dog’s needs as early as possible to support their health. 

Look for changes in your dog’s activity level, weight, appetite, and digestion. It’s also important to watch for changes in their sleep patterns and overall behavior. 

Transition slowly when your dog is ready for senior food. Switching suddenly can cause an upset stomach or gastrointestinal distress. Your dog’s digestive system needs time to adjust to the new food. 

Give the transition between five to seven days — or longer if your dog is especially sensitive. Start with a meal consisting mostly of adult food and a bit of senior food, and then every two days decrease the adult food and increase the senior food. 

Pay close attention as your dog makes the transition. If your dog seems to have trouble digesting the new food, you may want to contact your vet. 

Neither wet nor dry dog food is considered “best” for puppies or adults, and the same is true for senior dogs. In fact, unlike in the early stages of a dog’s life, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has not specified specific nutritional guidelines for senior dogs. 

Older dogs typically need fewer calories and fat than their younger counterparts, and their digestive systems can sometimes become more sensitive as they age. Furthermore, senior dogs can sometimes benefit from higher concentrations of specific nutrients in their diets, such as antioxidants like Vitamin E, as well as increased amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids.  

Think about practical issues, too. If your older dog has dental problems, they may have trouble chewing harder foods. Or they may lose their appetite. 

Here are some things to consider about both dry dog food and wet dog food. 

Dry Food 

Many dogs can eat dry food for their entire lives. However, by switching to a senior dog food formula, your older dog can benefit from tailored nutrient profiles that may better support healthy aging.  

Crunchy, dry food helps remove plaque from their teeth. If your dog loves dry food but it’s become a little too hard for them to chew, try adding something to soften it for them such as water/broth or a wet food meal topper. 

Wet Food 

If your dog has difficulty chewing dry kibble, wet food might also be a solution for them. IAMS™ PROACTIVE HEALTH Senior Dog Food with Slow Cooked Chicken and Rice in Sauce(open in new tab) is a great choice. 

No matter which option you choose, With IAMS™ Senior Dog Food, you can support your mature dog as they age!