The 7-year mark (large breeds) or 10 (small) changes feeding in four concrete ways — calories, protein philosophy, screening, and joint support — none of which mean “senior formula” automatically.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Calories | Down 10–20% as activity and metabolism slow |
| Protein | Up or steady (24%+) — sarcopenia fights back |
| Screening | Annual bloodwork from 7: SDMA, creatinine, phosphorus catch early CKD |
| Joints | EPA/DHA and glucosamine earn their place; weight stays lean |
| Cognitive | MCT-containing senior diets show promise in canine dementia |
The four actual changes
Calorie needs drop as activity slows — but protein must not: aging guts absorb protein less efficiently, so healthy seniors need 24%+ to hold muscle. Screening becomes the intervention: annual bloodwork catches kidney disease while diet still changes outcomes (our kidney file). Joint nutrients move from prevention to management.
Choosing the formula
Good senior formulas lower calorie density, raise omega-3s, and add glucosamine — our senior formula FAQ dissects labels. The dog dictates the timing: a still-running 8-year-old Lab is an adult; a stiffening 7-year-old is a senior. The BCS card monthly keeps the lower calories honest.
FAQ
When is my dog a senior?
Large breeds ~7 years, small breeds ~10. Physiological age beats calendar age — watch activity, weight, and bloodwork.
Do seniors need less protein?
No — healthy seniors need adequate protein for muscle. Restriction follows a kidney diagnosis, not a birthday.
Related reading: Senior FAQ · Kidney file · Feeding tools · Age library