Senior dog food — when to switch and what to look for
Dogs age at different rates depending on size and breed. Small dogs are typically considered senior from about age 8; medium from about 7; large and giant breeds from about 6. This guide covers when to think about a senior diet, what changes in an older dog's nutrition, and which formulas suit each case — with concrete UK options we currently stock.
When is a dog "senior"?
| Breed size | Senior from |
|---|---|
| Small (<10 kg) | Age 8–10 |
| Medium (10–25 kg) | Age 7 |
| Large (25–40 kg) | Age 6 |
| Giant (>40 kg) | Age 5+ |
What changes in a dog's body as it gets older?
- Metabolism slows — daily calorie needs drop by 10–20%.
- Joint wear — cartilage and connective tissue change.
- Kidney efficiency — lower phosphorus, higher-quality protein helps.
What does senior dog food actually do?
A good senior formula balances four things:
- Lower calorie density — fills the bowl without adding weight.
- Higher-quality protein at slightly lower overall amounts.
- Added joint-support ingredients — glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3.
- Antioxidants — vitamin E, lutein, sometimes selenium.
Which senior dog food brands do we recommend?
- Skinner's Light & Senior — one of the most popular senior foods in the UK.
- Wagg Active Goodness — well-suited to older dogs still getting regular exercise.
- Harringtons Turkey & Veg — natural recipe, no artificial additives.
- Burns Hypoallergenic Chicken & Rice — lower-energy recipe popular with weight-prone seniors.
What are the most common mistakes with senior dog food?
- Switching too early.
- Keeping the same portions as adult food.
- Skipping the wet option for dogs with dental issues.
- Adding calories with treats.
When should you combine senior food with a joint supplement?
If your dog is slowing down, joint-support food alone often isn't enough. Senior food plus a joint supplement tends to work better. See our joint care guide for ingredients and routines.
Not sure where your dog sits on the age curve? Get in touch with breed and current weight and we'll point you to a formula.