Treats for elderly dogs
An elderly dog's ideal treat usually looks different from what worked at two years old — softer on the teeth, lower in calories to match a slower metabolism, and sometimes formulated with joint support built in. None of this means treats stop mattering; it just changes what a good one looks like.
Why texture matters more with age
Older dogs are more likely to have some degree of dental wear, missing teeth or gum sensitivity, which makes hard biscuits and tough chews genuinely uncomfortable even for a dog who still wants to eat them. Softer treats, or ones designed to break apart easily, are usually a more comfortable choice.
This does not mean every senior dog needs to give up chewing altogether — dental chews formulated for older dogs are often designed with a texture that still helps clean teeth without requiring the same bite force as a rawhide-style chew aimed at a younger, stronger jaw.
Calories and weight management
Metabolism typically slows with age, and less active senior dogs need fewer calories overall than they did as adults, which makes it easy for treats to become a bigger share of their daily intake than intended. Lower-calorie treats, or simply smaller portions of a regular treat, help keep weight in a healthy range.
Weight gain in later life puts extra strain on joints that may already be less resilient than they once were, so it is worth being more deliberate about treat size and frequency with an older dog than you might have been at two or three years old.
Joint and mobility support
Some treats are formulated specifically with joint-supporting ingredients built in, offering a way to add a little extra support to an older dog's routine without a separate supplement. These sit alongside, rather than replace, any joint care your vet has specifically recommended.
For dogs already showing signs of stiffness, a treat is never a substitute for a proper conversation with your vet about mobility support — but choosing a treat that does not work against joint health, by avoiding excess weight gain, is a sensible everyday habit.
What we stock
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Pedigree Schmackos Dog Treats Meat Variety
Meat-variety dog treat sticks, 20 per pack, under 30 kcal each, banded by dog weight
£2.75
Pedigree DentaStix Daily Large Dog Dental Treats
Daily Pedigree DentaStix dental chews portioned for large dogs
£2.29
Pedigree Rodeo Dog Treats with Chicken
Pedigree Rodeo chicken twists with weekly limits for dogs over the stated weight
£2.75
Pedigree Schmackos Dog Treats with Fish
Pedigree Schmackos fish-flavour strips with daily dog-size allowances
£2.75
Forthglade Grain Free Soft Bites Fresh Breath Treats 90g
Chicken soft dog treats with parsley and peppermint oil for fresh breath
£2.45
Forthglade Soft Bite Grain Free Joints & Bones Treats
Grain-free salmon dog treats with salmon oil, glucosamine and chondroitin
£2.45
Forthglade Soft Bite Grain Free Good Gut Health Treats
Grain-free chicken dog treats with ginger, chicory root and MOS
£2.45
Forthglade Functional Soft Bite Treats - Plant Based Banana & Honey
Plant-based banana and honey soft dog treats for training rewards
£2.45
Chicken-Wrapped Milk Stick Dog Treats
Chewy dog treats of soft milk sticks wrapped in real chicken or duck for tasty, protein-rich rewarding.
From£12.99
Bakers Bites Chicken Dog Treats
130G BAKERS Bites Chicken Dog Treats: complementary dog food or treat with composition and analysis made clear
£1.99
Bakers Sizzlers Bacon Dog Treats
315G BAKERS Sizzlers Bacon Dog Treats: complementary dog food or treat with composition and analysis made clear
£4.00
Advent & Treats Set
A dog advent calendar, Christmas chicken twisters and a highland cow plush to open on the day.
£14.49
Common questions
- What should I look for in a treat for an older dog?
- Softer texture, lower calories, and ideally a size appropriate to your dog's current weight are the main things to check. Some treats also include joint-supporting ingredients, which can be a useful addition to an older dog's routine.
- Can elderly dogs still have dental chews?
- Many can, though it is worth choosing one designed with an older dog's teeth and jaw strength in mind rather than a tough chew aimed at younger dogs. If your dog has significant dental wear or missing teeth, ask your vet what texture is comfortable for them.
- Do senior dogs need fewer treats?
- Often yes, since metabolism typically slows with age and less active senior dogs need fewer overall calories. Smaller portions or lower-calorie treat options help prevent treats from contributing to unwanted weight gain.
- Are joint-support treats worth giving an older dog?
- They can be a useful everyday addition, but they are not a substitute for veterinary advice if your dog is showing signs of stiffness or reduced mobility. Speak to your vet about a proper joint care plan if you have concerns.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.