Food guide
What to feed senior dogs
Older dogs vary a lot. Some need fewer calories, some struggle to keep weight on. A senior label is a marketing category, so body condition and vet advice matter more than the name on the bag.
Work out how much to feedWhat to look for
- A complete and balanced diet, with portions adjusted to keep an ideal body condition and muscle.
- Regular weight checks, since unexplained loss or gain is worth a vet visit.
- Food texture that suits the dog's teeth and appetite. Softening dry food or trying a wet food can help.
- Fresh water available at all times.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a lower-protein diet is better. Healthy older dogs often need good-quality protein to keep muscle.
- Weight or appetite changes, drinking much more than usual, or bad breath. Book a vet visit.
Ask your vet first if
- Any diagnosed condition (kidney, heart, diabetes, allergies, pancreatitis, urinary problems): these need a vet-chosen diet, not a generic pick.
- Sudden appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhoea or weight change.
How we will pick specific foods
We aren't publishing product picks yet. Before we list any food, it has to meet each of these, checked against the manufacturer's own label:
- Complete for the life stage. The pack carries an adequacy statement (AAFCO or FEDIAF) for the stage the page is about.
- Named animal protein first. The first ingredient is a named animal protein, with protein and fat percentages listed.
- Maker transparency. The maker publishes recall history and says who formulates the diet, ideally a qualified veterinary nutritionist.
- Real availability and price. Sold in India, with price per 1,000 kcal so packs can be compared fairly.
Criteria are based on WSAVA's public guidance on choosing a pet food. Rankings are our editorial judgement and we don't accept payment to place a food.
Other guides
General information only, not veterinary advice. Feeding needs vary between individual animals.