Senior dogs have changing nutritional needs that, when properly met, support healthy ageing, maintain mobility, and reduce chronic disease burden in the final life stages.
Senior dog nutrition welfare connects diet directly to quality of life in the years most vulnerable to decline. Protein needs are often higher than previously thought in senior dogs, as muscle wasting (sarcopenia) significantly impairs mobility and welfare. However, in dogs with kidney disease, protein restriction may be appropriate - making regular monitoring essential for individualised nutritional management. Omega-3 supplementation from marine sources provides joint and cognitive benefits with good safety profiles. Weight management through calorie control reduces joint loading in arthritic senior dogs. Nutritional management is a low-cost, accessible welfare intervention that owners can implement daily. Regular body condition scoring guides adjustments to maintain healthy weight through changing senior life stages.