Senior Dog Feeding: Do Older Dogs Need Fewer Calories?

It is natural to assume an older dog needs less food. Some do, because they move less. Others lose muscle and need to be watched so they do not get too thin.

Start from the calculator, then adjust

AAHA does not list a separate senior factor. In my calculator, seniors use the adult table, capped at 1.4 times RER, because many older dogs need less. A 20 kg senior has an RER of 662 kcal, so the cap gives about 927 kcal a day.

Watch the body

• Weigh every two weeks.
• Feel the ribs and the muscle over the spine and hips.
• Look for slow weight gain from reduced exercise.
• Look for weight loss, which deserves a vet visit.

Common changes in older dogs

• Less exercise and a lower calorie need.
• Dental problems that make hard kibble uncomfortable.
• Joint stiffness that makes extra weight harder to carry.
• Appetite changes that can signal illness.

Work with your vet

Seniors benefit from check-ups about twice a year. Ask whether a senior formula, a softer food, or a joint plan makes sense, and do not change the diet for a sick dog without advice.

Muscle matters

Older dogs can lose muscle even when their weight looks stable. Run your hands over the spine, hips, and thighs. If you can feel bones more than before, even with an unchanged scale number, mention it to your vet. Keeping muscle helps mobility, and a vet can advise on protein and exercise.

Making meals easy to enjoy

• Warm food a little to bring out the smell.
• Soften dry food with warm water if chewing is hard.
• Use raised bowls if bending is uncomfortable, if your vet agrees.
• Keep meal times steady.

Do not change everything at once

Move slowly with new foods and new portions, one change at a time. That way you can tell what helped and what did not, and you give a sensitive older stomach time to adjust.

Questions people ask

These numbers are estimates and are not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before you change your dog's diet, especially if your dog has a health condition. Questions or corrections? Contact me.