Before getting into what to feed your small senior dog, we should clarify what we mean by a small senior dog. Small dog breeds tend to be those that weigh no more than around 12-15kg as adults. Exactly when a dog is considered senior depends a little on their size. Small dogs, in general, live longer than their larger and giant canine counterparts. So while a Labrador, for example, might be considered senior at age seven, a small dog like a Jack Russell terrier probably wouldn’t be considered senior until nine to ten years of age.

If you want to know all about feeding small dogs in general and how they differ from larger breeds, you can read all about it here. In summary, small breeds:

• Have faster metabolisms, so they need more calories per kilo of body weight.

• Mature faster than large breeds, so they need a slightly different mineral balance.

• Have smaller mouths, so they need smaller kibble.

• May be more easily stressed than larger breeds, so they may benefit from a food with anxiety-lowering natural ingredients.

• Live longer, so they benefit from extra antioxidants to help fight wear and tear and cell ageing.

Why do senior dogs need to be fed differently from adults?

As dogs age, just like us humans, things start to change. They gradually become less active, body systems may start to function less efficiently, and degenerative problems such as arthritis may begin, reducing their mobility. One of the reasons that dogs are living longer and longer nowadays is excellent nutrition, and switching to a senior food when the time is right will help keep all the optimum benefits of great nutrition going throughout your dog’s life. Senior dog foods tend to have these benefits for older dogs:

• Reduced calories. Older dogs, because they are less active and may have mobility issues, tend to put on weight. Being overweight is never good, but with joint issues it’s even worse, so keeping your dog slim is really important. Senior foods will still help your dog feel full but with fewer calories. The opposite can also be true, however, as dental problems and other health issues can cause pain and a lack of motivation to eat. Also, with very advanced age, dogs tend to naturally start to lose muscle mass and therefore weight. It’s important to retain a healthy weight and muscle mass, so speak to your vet about advanced nutrition to support your senior dog.