What to Feed Old Dogs for Optimal Health

August 25, 2025

It seems like just yesterday, doesn’t it? Your baby puppy was bouncing around, leaping on furniture, and playing fetch till they burned themself out. But one day, before you knew it, you looked down and noticed some gray in their fur.

Time may pass in the blink of an eye, but your commitment to your dog’s health never wanes. As your pup enters their golden years, it’s normal to wonder what to feed old dogs.

The best way to support aging pups is by tapping into their primal roots, with an ancestral diet rich in raw foods and clean protein. Let’s talk about how to understand your aging canine’s needs and keep a spring in their step for years to come.

Understanding Senior Dog Nutritional Needs

Puppies and young dogs burn lots of energy—meaning they require plenty of fat and calories to fuel their frantic fun. Older dogs, on the other hand, keep a tighter leash on their activity. So, even an ideal puppy chow won’t pack the same benefits for older dogs.

When crafting a diet for your senior canine, keep in mind that old dogs:

Need more protein than pups
Absorb nutrients less efficiently than younger dogs
Run a greater risk of obesity
Face health issues like hip dysplasia and arthritis
Require more support for their immune systems

When planning what to feed an elderly dog, take these changes into account to give them the right nutrients while guarding against obesity.

Signs Your Dog’s Diet Needs Adjusting

As dogs age, their dietary needs shift, and the wrong diet can lead to noticeable changes in their health. Watch for these signs that it’s time to adjust your senior dog care routine:

Weight gain or loss – Sudden weight fluctuations could indicate an imbalance in calorie intake or an underlying health issue.
Lethargy or low energy – If your dog seems more sluggish than usual, they may not be getting enough protein or essential nutrients. Find out more in our guide on how much protein should be in your dog's food.
Digestive issues – Frequent constipation, diarrhea, or bloating can signal that their diet isn’t sitting well with their aging digestive system.
Dull coat and dry skin – A lack of essential fatty acids and vitamins can lead to brittle fur and flaky skin.

If you notice these symptoms, consider fine-tuning their diet to better suit their senior needs.

Selecting the Best Diet for Aging Dogs

To keep an elderly dog young, it helps to get them in touch with their wild roots. After all, before partnering with humans, dogs didn’t eat dry or canned food—they dined on whole foods teeming with nutrition.

These meals made wild dogs lean and hardy—the same qualities that can keep your older buddy fit and strong as they age. In the past, dogs dined on:

Raw meat – As pack hunters, raw meat would have served as the primary protein source for ancient dogs. Excellent modern-day equivalents include raw dog food like chicken, turkey, and rabbit.
Vegetables – Yes, dogs can (and should) eat vegetables. In addition to hunting, ancestral canines were also foragers. Carrots, squash, and pumpkin are all healthy vegetable choices for older dogs. Read on to learn more about the best vegetables for dogs.
Fruit – While dogs don’t need fruit to thrive, it packs helpful nutrients for older dogs and makes for top-notch treats. Think apples, blueberries, or cantaloupe when it’s time for a reward.

By emulating this primal diet—especially with expertly formulated options like Darwin’s Natural Selections—you can help your elderly dog enjoy the protein and nutrients they need without exposing them to excessive fats that can cause obesity.

The vitamins and antioxidants present in fruit and veggies help support cognitive function, which can diminish as dogs age. Since they don’t require as much energy as younger pups, the lack of fat and carbs also won’t impact their day-to-day energy levels.

In general, focus on an organic, high-quality meat diet fortified with fruits and veggies.

Portion Control

As with standard feeding, portion control remains crucial when serving older dogs. Even the low-fat fare found in an ancestral diet can cause trouble if consumed in excess. To determine the appropriate portion size, you’ll want to consider your dog’s:

Weight
Physical activity levels
Food type
Number of daily meals
Metabolism

Ideally, you should feed your dog twice per day: once in the morning and once in the evening. This helps keep energy levels elevated throughout the day and aids digestion (especially important in elderly dogs).

Foods to Avoid for Senior Dogs

Not all foods are safe for older dogs. Some can cause digestive distress, weight gain, or even toxicity. Avoid feeding your senior pup:

Excessively fatty meats – High-fat foods like bacon and sausage can contribute to pancreatitis.
Grapes and raisins – Even small amounts can cause kidney failure.
Onions and garlic – These can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
High-carb fillers – Corn, wheat, and soy provide empty calories and can lead to obesity.

Sticking to a clean, high-quality diet prevents health complications and keeps your dog feeling their best.

How to Transition Your Senior Dog to a New Diet

Switching your dog to a new diet too quickly can cause digestive upset. To ensure a smooth transition, follow these steps:

Start Slow – Mix 25% of the new food with 75% of their current diet for a few days.
Increase Gradually – Every 3–4 days, increase the new food portion while decreasing the old one.
Watch for Reactions – Monitor for signs of digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, or refusal to eat. If symptoms occur, slow the transition.
Stay Consistent – Once fully transitioned, maintain a stable feeding routine to support digestion.

A gradual shift allows your dog’s system to adapt without discomfort, making the new diet a long-term success.

Essential Supplements for Senior Dogs

Due to slowdowns in immune function and metabolism, many elderly dogs need a little extra boost beyond a protein-rich diet. As their bodies change, support them by adding key supplements, such as:

Glucosamine – Just like humans, older dogs often suffer from creaky joints and dog arthritis. Adding glucosamine, a natural compound, to their diet can support joint function and help combat hip dysplasia, as well as other mobility issues.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Alongside being inflammation fighters, omega-3 fatty acids support both cognition and mobility. If you’ve noticed symptoms like limping or a slower walk, adding omega-3 supplements to your dog’s diet can help mitigate these issues.
MCT Oils – As dogs age, their brains become less efficient at converting nutrients into cognitive energy. This can lead to potential declines in memory and situational awareness. But, alternative energy sources like MCT oils can help improve brain function—even in your dog’s golden years.

Managing Special Health Conditions in Senior Dogs

Elderly dogs often struggle with a specific set of health conditions triggered by age. If you care for an older dog, you may notice signs of:

Arthritis
Cognitive decline
Impaired vision
Hearing loss
Incontinence

While challenging, you can effectively manage all these conditions. Beyond providing a nourishing diet, you can also:

Provide fresh food and water at all times
Stimulate their brain with doggy games and puzzles
Maintain familiar surroundings (especially important for dogs with vision loss)
Utilize ramps and heating pads for arthritis and mobility issues
Keep them physically active while allowing for their body’s limitations

Most important of all: shower them with plenty of love and affection. Knowing you’ve got their back will help older dogs navigate their life changes and remain engaged with the world.

Prioritize Senior Dog Nutrition With Darwin’s

Helping elderly dogs stay energized and healthy requires a holistic approach, ranging from social and emotional support to wise supplement choices. But nutrition remains the most important factor. Choosing fresh dog food ensures your senior dog gets the highest-quality ingredients without unnecessary fillers.

At Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, we understand that taking your first leap into ancestral feeding can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make the process simple and straightforward. We even offer pet food delivery for maximum convenience. Plus, if you'd like extra guidance, you can always reach out to our team for a free pet food consultation.

Keep your senior companion sharp and strong as they age. Get started today.

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