Feeding an older dog can feel confusing—but it doesn’t have to be! In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll walk you through what to feed your senior dog to help them feel their best. From protein needs to soft food options and digestion tips, we cover everything pet parents in Hong Kong need to know.
As your dog ages, their body changes—and so should their diet. Older dogs may have trouble chewing, less energy, or sensitive stomachs, so it’s important to adjust what goes into their bowl. From choosing softer textures to avoiding heavy fillers, we’re sharing helpful tips for feeding your senior pup with love. If you're in Hong Kong, Petsona’s personalized dehydrated dog food makes feeding time simple and stress-free. Easy to store, gentle on the tummy, and 100% tailored to your dog’s needs.
You don’t need a degree in veterinary nutrition to feed your aging dog well! The key is to focus on quality ingredients, softer textures, and a little extra support for joints and digestion. Every dog is different—some may love warm broths, others might need smaller portions more often.
Hard kibble can be challenging for aging dogs, especially if they’re missing teeth or have jaw weakness. Rehydrated meals using dehydrated or freeze-dried formulations are ideal, as they are easier to chew and often more aromatic—helpful for dogs with reduced smell or appetite. Studies show that palatability and texture significantly affect food intake in senior dogs (Laflamme, 2012).
Contrary to outdated beliefs, senior dogs require at least the same—if not greater—protein intake than younger adults to maintain lean mass and immune function. A minimum of 2.62 g protein/kg body weight/day is recommended by NRC (2006), assuming highly digestible protein sources. However, many senior dogs benefit from higher intakes—typically 3.0 to 4.5 g/kg BW/day—to support lean body mass, immune function, and recovery from illness (Laflamme, 2012; Case et al., 2011). Protein should come from highly digestible sources such as meat, fish, or eggs.
While it’s important to avoid poorly digestible ingredients or artificial additives, not all by-products or fibre sources are undesirable. For example, organ meats and fermentable fibres (e.g., beet pulp, inulin) can support gut health and nutrient intake when used appropriately (Fahey et al., 2005).
Older dogs often benefit from functional ingredients that support aging physiology:
Older dogs often need a little extra help—think probiotics for gut health, omega oils for joints, or pumpkin for digestion. You can also add bone broth or warm water to their meals to make them more appetizing and hydrating.
Older dogs typically have lower energy requirements due to decreased activity and lean body mass. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and associated comorbidities, while underfeeding risks muscle wasting. Monitoring body condition score (BCS) and muscle condition score (MCS) is critical in this life stage (Laflamme, 1997).
A senior dog’s caloric needs should be estimated using metabolic body weight: Resting Energy Requirement (RER) = 70 × (Body Weight in kg)^0.75, with Maintenance Energy Requirements (MER) typically ranging from 1.1 to 1.4 × RER depending on age, activity, and health. Individual needs should be assessed using regular body condition scoring and veterinary guidance (NRC, 2006; Laflamme, 2012).
Dogs with specific health conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), pancreatitis, or protein-losing enteropathies, may require veterinary-prescribed diets with tailored nutrient profiles. Always consult your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before making dietary changes if your dog has a diagnosed medical condition.
Feeding a senior dog doesn’t need to be complicated—but it does need to be intentional. Choose soft, digestible meals with high-quality protein, appropriate energy content, and scientifically supported functional additions. Whether you’re in Hong Kong or elsewhere, Petsona’s personalized dehydrated meals are designed with aging dogs in mind—nutrient-dense, easy to prepare, and adapted for comfort, digestion, and vitality in later life.
Always ensure that any diet, commercial or home-prepared, meets AAFCO or FEDIAF adult maintenance profiles unless directed otherwise by a veterinary nutritionist.
Most dogs are considered senior by age 7, though this varies by size and breed. Look for signs like reduced energy, muscle loss, or joint stiffness. Consult your vet to evaluate your dog’s individual needs and determine if dietary adjustments are warranted (Laflamme, 2012).
Ideally, no. Senior dogs have different physiological needs—especially for protein quality, energy density, and functional nutrient support. A diet formulated or adjusted for older dogs ensures more targeted nutritional support (NRC, 2006).
Soft or moist textures are ideal, particularly for dogs with dental issues or lower appetite. Dehydrated meals that can be rehydrated offer a practical and gentle solution that supports hydration and palatability (Laflamme, 2012).
Smaller meals 2–3 times per day may aid digestion and reduce GI upset. Adjust portion size based on body condition, activity, and medical conditions (Case et al., 2011).
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