Best Feeding Schedule for Senior Dogs
Dogs enter their senior years at different ages — small breeds around 10-12, medium breeds around 8-10, and large breeds as early as 6-7. Whenever your dog crosses that threshold, their nutritional needs shift, and their feeding schedule may need adjusting too.
Senior dog feeding schedule
| Dog Size | Senior Age | Meals/Day | Calorie Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 20 lbs) | 10-12 years | 2-3 | Reduce 10-20% from adult levels |
| Medium (20-50 lbs) | 8-10 years | 2-3 | Reduce 15-25% |
| Large (50-90 lbs) | 6-8 years | 2-3 | Reduce 20-30% |
| Giant (90+ lbs) | 5-7 years | 3 | Reduce 20-30% |
Why seniors often need more frequent meals
Many senior dogs benefit from moving from 2 to 3 smaller meals daily. Here's why:
- Digestive efficiency declines — smaller meals are easier to process
- Blood sugar stability — more frequent meals maintain steadier energy
- Reduced bloat risk — smaller portions put less pressure on aging digestive systems
- Medication timing — many seniors are on meds that need to be given with food
Key nutritional changes for senior dogs
Senior dog food isn't just adult food with fewer calories. Good senior formulas adjust multiple nutrients:
- Higher protein (25-30%) — counterintuitive, but seniors need more protein to maintain muscle mass. The old advice to reduce protein was wrong; modern research shows protein supports aging muscles.
- Lower fat (8-12%) — reduced activity means fewer fat calories needed
- Added joint support — glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids
- More fiber — helps with the constipation many senior dogs experience
- Antioxidants — vitamins E and C support cognitive function
Watch for appetite changes
A senior dog that suddenly eats less (or more) needs a vet visit. Decreased appetite can signal dental pain, kidney disease, or cancer. Increased appetite can indicate diabetes, Cushing's disease, or cognitive decline. Don't dismiss appetite changes as "just getting old."
Warming food and adding moisture
If your senior is eating less, try warming their food slightly (10 seconds in the microwave) to release more aroma. Many seniors have diminished sense of smell. Adding warm water or low-sodium broth to dry food makes it more appealing and adds hydration, which aging kidneys appreciate.
Get personalized feeding amounts → Feeding Calculator