Buy senior dog food

An ageing dog deserves nutrition that grows with his body. Senior dog food is specifically developed for dogs that are leaving their younger years behind and entering a stage of life where the metabolism slows down, joints become more sensitive and organs can use a little extra support. At Fidello you'll find a comprehensive range of senior dog food in the form of cold pressed kibble, extruded kibble, wet food, raw meat and softer foods — for every size of dog, every set of teeth and every budget.

Whether you have a small senior chihuahua, a faithful labrador of ten or a quiet bernese mountain dog in his later years: here you'll find the right older dog nutrition from well-known premium brands such as Prins, Carnilove, Fokker, Renske, Naturis, Lily's Kitchen, Bf Petfood and many others.

When is a dog considered senior?

The question "when does my dog become a senior" is harder to answer than many people think. Dogs don't all age at the same rate. The size and breed of your dog largely determine when he or she will benefit from special senior food.

• Giant breeds (great dane, mastiff, saint bernard) — from approximately 5 years old
• Large breeds (labrador, golden retriever, shepherd) — from approximately 6 to 7 years old
• Medium breeds (border collie, beagle, cocker spaniel) — from approximately 7 to 8 years old
• Small breeds (jack russell, pug, dachshund) — from approximately 8 to 9 years old
• Toy breeds (chihuahua, yorkshire terrier, maltese) — from approximately 9 to 10 years old

In addition to age, there are also behavioural signals that point to the senior stage: calmer behaviour, sleeping longer, getting up more stiffly, eating more slowly or more greedily, weight gain or loss, a duller coat, greying around the muzzle and reduced stamina during walks. In doubt? A vet can determine through a simple senior check-up whether switching to adapted food is advisable.

What should good senior dog food contain?

High-quality senior nutrition is more than "just dog food with a different label". The composition is fundamentally different from adult or puppy food. What you'll typically find:

• Slightly fewer calories per gram — because older dogs are less active, this helps prevent obesity
• High-quality, easily digestible proteins — the old idea that senior dogs should get less protein has been disproven; plenty of quality protein actually helps maintain muscle mass
• Glucosamine and chondroitin to support cartilage and joints
• Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) from fish oil or salmon oil for skin, coat, brain and anti-inflammatory effect
• Antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium for immunity and cell protection
• Prebiotics and easily digestible fibres for a healthy gut flora
• Adapted phosphorus and sodium levels to ease the load on kidneys and heart
• Smaller or softer kibbles for dogs with a less powerful set of teeth

Senior dog food for different sizes

A 9-year-old saint bernard has very different nutritional needs from a 9-year-old chihuahua. That's why more and more manufacturers make a distinction:

• Senior mini / small breed — for dogs up to about 10 kg, with small kibbles and higher energy density
• Senior medium — for dogs between 10 and 25 kg, with balanced composition
• Senior maxi / large breed — for dogs above 25 kg, with extra joint support and adapted protein/fat content

For very small senior dogs, you can also find suitable nutrition at food for very small breeds under 4 kg and food for small breeds 5 to 10 kg.

Benefits of senior dog food

• Adapted to the slower metabolism of older dogs
• Supports supple joints and mobility thanks to glucosamine, chondroitin and omega 3
• Helps maintain a healthy weight — obesity is a common problem in seniors
• Easily digestible proteins and fats — less strain on organs
• Enriched with antioxidants for immunity and cognitive function
• Kibbles that are easier to chew for dogs with sensitive teeth
• Supports skin, coat and brain function
• Promotes a healthy gut flora

How do you switch to senior dog food?

An abrupt food change can cause diarrhoea, vomiting or food refusal. Build up the transition gradually over a period of 7 to 14 days. A simple schedule:

• Day 1–3: 75% old food + 25% new senior food
• Day 4–6: 50% old + 50% new
• Day 7–9: 25% old + 75% new
• Day 10+: 100% senior food

Does your dog have a sensitive digestion? Take it more slowly — two to three weeks is then better. During the transition, don't give any extra snacks or fresh meat, so it stays clear where any complaints are coming from.

Combining senior dog food with supplements

Many owners supplement senior dog food with targeted supplements for dogs. Frequently chosen additions:

• Salmon oil for dogs — for skin, coat and joints
• Glucosamine and chondroitin — for cartilage and mobility
• Green-lipped mussel — natural anti-inflammatory
• Curcuma / turmeric — for joint complaints
• Antioxidant complex — for immunity and brain function

In doubt, consult a vet, as some supplements can interact with medication.

Dry food or wet food for your older dog?

Many senior dogs benefit from a combination of dry kibble and wet food. Wet food contains far more moisture (about 75–80% versus 8–10% in dry food), which helps dogs that don't drink much on their own. Wet food is also often tastier and softer — handy with dental problems. Dry food has the advantage that it can help counter tartar build-up and lasts longer once opened. A mixed diet combines the best of both worlds.

Common age-related ailments and the role of nutrition

Joint problems and arthritis — choose food with glucosamine, chondroitin, omega 3 and MSM. Combine with regular gentle exercise.

Obesity — switch to a light senior food or a diet dog food. Always weigh the food rather than scooping.

Dental problems — choose softer kibbles, wet food or briefly soak dry kibble in lukewarm water. Invest in dental care.

Reduced kidney function — choose food with adapted (lower) phosphorus and protein content. With a diagnosed kidney problem, prescription diet food is appropriate.

Heart problems — watch the sodium content. Many senior foods are already lower in sodium than adult food.

Cognitive decline — antioxidants, omega 3 (DHA) and MCT fats can support brain function.

Frequently asked questions about senior dog food

Can I give senior dog food to a 6-year-old dog?
For large and giant breeds, that may be sensible. For small and medium breeds it's usually still too early — those are only really senior from 7 or 8 years onwards. Judge based on condition, behaviour and the vet's advice.

Can I just give adult food in smaller portions instead of senior food?
Giving less food helps against obesity, but not against all senior needs. Special senior nutrition contains more glucosamine, omega 3 and antioxidants in the right proportion — which you'll miss with reduced adult food.

My senior dog eats less than before. What should I do?
Reduced appetite can be caused by dental problems, a reduced sense of smell or an underlying condition. Try offering warmer food, mix dry with wet, or add salmon oil for extra flavour. Does the appetite issue persist? Visit the vet.

How many times a day should I feed a senior dog?
Two to three smaller meals per day is usually better than one large meal — that eases the digestion and keeps blood sugar more stable.

How long do senior kibbles stay fresh?
Unopened until the best-before date on the bag. Once opened, dry food is generally usable for 4 to 6 weeks if properly sealed in a cool, dry place. Wet food keeps for 1 to 2 days in the fridge after opening.

Can a senior dog also eat raw / BARF?
Certainly. Raw feeding can be an excellent choice for seniors, provided it's well balanced and possibly supplemented with joint supplements.

Tips for choosing senior dog food

• Read the label: the higher the percentage of animal protein as the first ingredient, the better
• Avoid excessive grains, artificial additives and by-products
• Choose a brand that suits your dog's size
• Look for the presence of glucosamine, chondroitin and omega 3
• Follow the dosage table on the packaging — adjust with weight changes
• Try a small bag before stocking up
• Consider a combination of dry and wet food

Order senior dog food at Fidello

At Fidello you'll find a wide range of senior dog food from well-known and high-quality brands, for every age, size and need. Browse the complete selection below and order online easily — quickly delivered, so your older dog will always find the best on offer in his bowl. Also check out our prescription diet food, food supplements and salmon oil for dogs as valuable additions.