---
title: "How to feed a senior dog? Diet changes with age"
description: "When does a dog become a senior and what should change in its bowl: calories, protein quality, joint support and an older dog's appetite."
canonical: "https://velipet.com/advice/feeding-a-senior-dog"
lang: "en"
publishedAt: "2026-10-14"
updatedAt: "2026-10-14"
category: "zywienie"
---

An older dog rarely changes overnight. Usually it is a series of small signs: a slightly slower walk, a little less enthusiasm at the bowl, a slightly different shape. A senior's diet should keep up with these changes, rather than stay the same for the dog's whole life.

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**In short:** an older dog usually needs fewer calories, but still good quality protein to maintain its muscles. It is worth looking after digestibility, joint support and palatability, because a senior's appetite can be fickle. Wet food often suits older dogs better than dry food.
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## When does a dog become a senior

It depends mainly on the size of the dog. Small breeds are usually considered seniors at around 8 to 10 years, large breeds earlier, at around 6 to 7 years, and giant breeds as early as around 5 to 6 years. The signs matter more than the date of birth, though: your dog moves more slowly and sleeps more, while its appetite and shape change. This is a good time to take your dog for vet check-ups more often, usually every 6 to 12 months. Many changes caught early are easy to take into account in the diet.

We break down the moment to switch to senior food in [our guide to puppy, adult and senior food](/advice/puppy-adult-senior-food-when-to-switch).

## What a senior needs

- **Fewer calories**, because an older dog is usually less active. Very old dogs can be the exception, though: they more often struggle to keep weight on than with being overweight.
- **Good quality protein**, to maintain muscle mass. In a healthy senior there is no reason to restrict it, and any changes, for example with kidney disease, are recommended by your vet.
- **Omega-3 fatty acids**, which support the joints, skin and coat.
- **Highly digestible food**, because digestion can slow down with age compared with a younger dog.

## Appetite and teeth

Older dogs often eat less willingly, and they may also have dental problems. Wet food with a strong aroma and a soft texture helps here, simply because it is easier for them to eat. If your dog's appetite drops suddenly or it is clearly losing weight, though, contact your vet.

It also helps to feed your dog at set times, so it is easier to watch its appetite and spot any changes, following the rules in [our guide to how often to feed a dog](/advice/how-often-to-feed-a-dog).

## Weight and condition

In a senior, watch the weight in both directions. Being overweight strains the joints and the heart, but too low a weight and loss of muscle are harmful too. Regular weighing and a simple rib test, described in [our guide to overweight dogs](/advice/overweight-dog-weight-loss), help keep your dog in shape throughout this stage of life.

## Where Veli fits into a senior's diet

Veli is a tasty wet food with clean ingredients, in 200 g, 400 g and 800 g cans, with salmon oil as a source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA and EntoPro™, our proprietary bio-protein that supports the gut. It has a soft texture, so it is easy to eat even for a dog with sensitive teeth. A food like this can be a good choice for an older dog. Always change the diet gradually, over about a week, watching how your dog responds.

Want a food matched to your dog's age? [Build your bundle](https://velipet.com/build-your-box) and we will work out the portion from your dog's weight, age and lifestyle.

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