Dog treats for senior dogs
A senior dog's treats need to work a bit harder than a younger dog's, mainly because ageing teeth, a slower metabolism and, in some dogs, joint stiffness all change what actually suits them. Softer textures, smaller portions, and treats aimed at supporting joints or dental health are usually the more sensible choice as a dog gets older.
Why an older dog's needs change
Senior dogs are typically less active than they were as adults, which means the same treat that once burned off easily can contribute more readily to weight gain if the amount is not adjusted downwards. Extra weight is a genuine concern for an older dog, since it puts more strain on joints that may already be feeling their age.
Dental wear and, in some dogs, missing or sensitive teeth also make harder treats and chews less comfortable than they once were. A softer treat, or a smaller, easier-to-manage size, is often simply kinder for an older mouth.
What to look for
A lower-calorie treat, given in smaller amounts than you might have used for a younger, more active dog, helps keep weight in check without cutting out treat time altogether. Softer chews and treats designed to be easy on the teeth and gums suit many senior dogs better than hard biscuits or tough chews.
Some treats are formulated with joint-supporting ingredients, which can be a reasonable extra for an older dog already showing some stiffness, though a treat alone is not a substitute for a vet's advice if your dog is genuinely struggling with mobility. Dental treats aimed at reducing plaque build-up are also worth considering, since dental health tends to need more active support as a dog ages.
Fitting treats into an older dog's day
Splitting a smaller number of treats across the day, rather than a big handful at once, tends to suit a senior dog's slower digestion and lower overall calorie needs better. Using treats for gentle mental stimulation, such as a slow feeder or a simple sniffing game, keeps an older dog engaged without demanding the physical activity a younger dog might need to earn the same reward.
If your dog has a known health condition, a prescribed diet, or specific dietary restrictions from a vet, always check that any treat fits within those guidelines rather than assuming a treat marketed for seniors is automatically suitable for every individual dog's needs.
What we stock
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
£82.35
James Wellbeloved Senior Breed Dry Dog Food Turkey Rice
Turkey and rice kibble for senior small-breed dogs, sized for smaller mouths
From£11.69
Bakers 7+ Senior Dog Superfood Chicken with Vegetables
A complete dry food for dogs aged 7 and over, with meaty chunks and wholegrains
£39.15
James Wellbeloved Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Rice
Hypoallergenic senior dog food with turkey as the single named animal protein
£69.75
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Lamb Veg
Grain-free lamb kibble for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
From£12.75
Burns Adult/Senior Dog Original Lamb and Brown Rice
Single-source lamb and brown rice, formulated for adult and senior dogs with sensitivities
£35.99
Harringtons Senior Dog Chicken
Complete senior chicken dry dog food with 7.5% fat in 1.7kg and 12kg bags
From£6.49
Burns Senior Chicken Rice
Chicken and brown rice with glucosamine and chondroitin, for senior dogs slowing down
From£14.99
Forthglade Complete Senior Lamb Grain Free — 18 x 395g Trays
Sold as a case: 18 x 395g trays. A 60% lamb complete wet dog food for seniors, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£35.89
Taylors Adult & Senior Working Dog Grain Free Chicken
Grain-free complete food for working dogs, chicken-based, in a 12kg sack
£39.99
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Burns Sensitive Grain Free Adult Senior Dog Duck Potato
Grain-free duck and potato recipe with a single novel protein, sized for a first trial
From£15.49
Common questions
- Do senior dogs need special treats?
- Not strictly, but softer, lower-calorie treats generally suit an older dog's slower metabolism and any dental sensitivity better than the treats you might choose for an active younger dog. It is more about adjusting what you give than needing something entirely different.
- How many treats should a senior dog have?
- Fewer than you might give a younger, more active dog, since older dogs typically need fewer calories overall. As a general rule, treats of any kind should stay a small part of the day's total food, and this matters even more once activity levels drop.
- Are dental treats good for older dogs?
- They can be a helpful addition alongside regular tooth brushing, since dental health often needs more active support as a dog ages. They work best as part of a routine rather than a one-off, and do not replace proper dental care.
- My senior dog has lost some teeth, what treats can they still have?
- Softer treats, or ones designed to be easy on a compromised mouth, are usually a better fit than hard biscuits or tough chews. If your dog is struggling to eat comfortably, it is worth asking your vet what textures and treats suit their specific mouth.
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.