Senior Dog Food

Senior Dog Nutrition

Providing the right nutrition is increasingly important as dogs age. Senior dogs have different dietary needs than younger ones, and meeting these requirements can significantly improve their health, vitality, and overall quality of life. By understanding the physiological changes that occur with age, pet parents can make informed decisions that support their aging dog’s well-being.

What Happens as Dogs Age?

As dogs grow older, they experience a range of physical and metabolic changes—some subtle, others more pronounced. Your pet may experience:

• Metabolic Changes: A slower metabolism in senior dogs often leads to weight gain. 
• Dental Health Changes: Over time, dogs may develop dental issues like tooth pain, gum disease, or even tooth loss.
• Joint and Mobility Concerns: Aging dogs may start to become less flexible and more prone to stiffness or discomfort over time. 

Nutritional Needs for Senior Dogs: What Does Your Senior Dog Need in Their Diet?

As their bodies change, senior dogs benefit from diets that can support their evolving health needs. Here are key components necessary in senior dog food diets.

High Protein

Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, so it's important to feed your senior dog a high animal protein diet to help preserve their muscle mass. KOHA Senior Dog Food Diets include high-quality animal proteins like chicken, lamb, and turkey to support lean muscle maintenance and strength.

Moderate Fat

While senior dogs often require fewer calories, healthy fats are still essential for skin, coat, and energy support. KOHA Pure Shreds recipes are great options to meet these needs. KOHA Bland Diet also offers easy-to-digest ingredients for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Palatability

Aging dogs may develop a reduced sense of smell and taste, making them more selective eaters. KOHA dog food recipes like Pure Shreds, Limited Ingredient Entrées, Bland Diet and Poké Bowls offer easy-to-chew, nutritionally balanced meals that are also tasty to entice your dog at mealtimes.

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Senior Dogs

Choosing the best food for your senior dog can feel overwhelming, but focusing on a few critical factors can simplify the process and ensure your dog gets the nutrition they need.

Find Foods With High-Quality Ingredients

• Choose recipes that list real animal proteins such as duck, lamb, or turkey as the first ingredient.
• Avoid unnamed "meat by-products" or artificial preservatives and colors.
• Look for clear, recognizable ingredients to minimize the risk of sensitivities or allergies.

KOHA recipes focus on minimal ingredients to both avoid common allergens and ensure your pet receives only high quality foods. We work with several manufacturing partners to deliver you the highest quality products, and we offer transparent production information so you can rest easy knowing you’re feeding your dog the best ingredients.

Look for AAFCO Approval

When selecting a dog food diet, make sure your pet food is approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

The AAFCO statement is a key indicator that a dog food recipe has undergone thorough testing or formulation by a qualified nutritionist to meet ingredient standards for dogs at specific stages of life. Senior dogs require precise levels of protein, fat, fiber, and key vitamins to maintain health as they age.

While the presence of an AAFCO statement doesn’t guarantee the highest quality ingredients, it is a fundamental step in verifying that the food meets a base level of nutritional adequacy. Pet parents should use it as a baseline requirement, then evaluate other factors like ingredient transparency and the brand’s manufacturing standards.

Research Brand Reputation

KOHA's dog food diets are a great option for pet parents who desire transparency and a healthy ingredient list for their senior dogs. KOHA is trusted by pet parents to provide healthy solutions for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs, food allergies, and more.

How to Transition to Senior Dog Food

It’s important to switch your senior dog to a diet suited to their needs, but a sudden change in diet can cause digestive upset like vomiting, diarrhea, or refusal to eat. That's why you should always transition to their new food gradually to not only minimize the risk of stomach upset but also help ensure a smoother and more successful dietary change. 

Here’s a safe guide for transitioning to senior dog food:

1. Days 1–3: Mix 75% of your dog’s current food with 25% of your new senior dog food. 
2. Days 4–6: Mix 50% of the current food with 50% of the new food. 
3. Days 7–9: Mix 25% of the current food with 75% of the new food. 
4. Day 10: Serve 100% of the new senior dog food.

During this transition, keep an eye out for symptoms like loose stools, vomiting, lethargy, or loss in appetite. These could be signs that the transition is moving too quickly, in which case you should slow the pace. Additionally, it’s important to maintain a consistent feeding schedule and avoid offering too many new treats during this period, as it can confuse your dog’s digestive system and limit your ability to determine what the cause of any potential symptoms is.

Choose the Best Dog Food for Senior Dogs

​​KOHA Minimal and Limited Ingredient Diets and Bland Diets are a great option for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs and aging teeth. These recipes include beneficial ingredients and are free of artificial preservatives and junky fillers that can lead to digestive issues.

All KOHA recipes:

• Feature high-quality animal proteins like turkey and pork to support muscle maintenance
• Exclude junky fillers like peas and potatoes that may trigger food sensitivities
• Offer moisture-rich options to promote hydration and ease of chewing
• Include essential nutrients and functional ingredients for joint, digestive, and immune support

These minimal ingredient recipes are excellent solutions to meet your pet's evolving needs. Don’t wait—secure good nutrition for your senior dog today.