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Dry dog food

Senior Dog Food

Looking after them, inside and out.

Older dogs usually need fewer calories as they slow down, but they still need good-quality protein to hold on to muscle. A senior recipe is made for that balance. When to switch depends on the dog: giant breeds age sooner than small ones.

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Our quick picks

In-stock options for different needs, with the practical reason we would choose each one.

  • James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Veg

    Best grain-free senior recipe

    James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Veg

    Why we picked it

    A 10KG bag makes sense once a dog is settled on a food you'll be buying every few weeks, and the glucosamine and chondroitin here are a genuine addition rather than something every senior recipe includes. It's a sensible default for an older dog rather than a specialist product.

    • In stock
    • Tracked delivery: 3–9 working days
  • Burns Adult/Senior Dog Original Lamb and Brown Rice

    Best for sensitive older dogs

    Burns Adult/Senior Dog Original Lamb and Brown Rice

    Why we picked it

    This recipe carries a good amount of calcium and phosphorus, coming from the lamb and lamb fat itself rather than a mineral top-up, and Burns build it as a single-protein option for dogs where chicken or beef is the trigger rather than lamb. I stock it as the lamb choice in the range for exactly that group.

    • In stock
    • Tracked delivery: 3–9 working days
  • Barking Heads All Hound Golden Years Chicken

    Best chicken senior recipe

    Barking Heads All Hound Golden Years Chicken

    Why we picked it

    Golden Years is one of the few Barking Heads recipes named plainly for the life stage it's aimed at rather than a generic word like adult. The smaller bag size here suits an older, smaller dog that's eating less than it used to.

    • In stock
    • Tracked delivery: 3–9 working days

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Little essentials. Lots of love.

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A little guidance

When a dog is “senior”

Dog sizeOften fromWhy
Small and toy breedsAbout 8 to 10 yearsSmall dogs tend to live longest and age later.
Medium breedsAbout 7 to 8 yearsMost senior recipes are written around this point.
Large and giant breedsAbout 5 to 7 yearsBig dogs age sooner, and joints feel it first.

Calories down, protein kept up

A less active dog needs fewer calories, and extra weight puts more strain on ageing joints. Senior recipes are usually lower in energy so the dog can eat a satisfying portion without gaining weight.

Older dogs can lose muscle, so protein still matters. If your dog is losing weight rather than gaining it, see your vet before changing food.

Judge by body shape

You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs under a light covering and see a waist from above. Check every few weeks and adjust portions, using the pack guide for the dog’s ideal weight.

Some active older dogs do well on their adult food for years. A senior label is a guide, not a rule.

Make eating comfortable

Worn or sore teeth can make hard kibble difficult. A dog that chews on one side, drops food or slows down at meals may need a dental check, and softening kibble with a little warm water can help in the meantime.

A raised bowl can suit a stiff neck, and a non-slip mat under the bowl helps a dog that is unsteady on smooth floors.

Change gradually, and keep the vet in the loop

Switch over seven to ten days. Older stomachs are often less tolerant of sudden changes.

If your vet diagnoses a condition such as kidney disease, follow their diet advice over any general senior food. Routine check-ups become more useful as dogs age, because changes in weight, thirst or appetite are easier to act on early.

Everything here is chosen to be genuinely useful in everyday life with your pet — quality-checked, fairly priced and shipped tracked across the UK. For any health concern, your vet is always the best first port of call.

From the Knowledge Hub

Common questions

When should my dog switch to senior food?

Usually around seven for medium dogs, earlier for large and giant breeds and later for small ones. Judge by activity and body shape too.

Do senior dogs need less protein?

Not usually. Healthy older dogs need good protein to keep muscle; your vet may advise less only for a specific condition such as kidney disease.

Is grain-free senior food better?

Not automatically. Choose grain-free when there is a reason to; a well-made recipe with grains suits most dogs.

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