Nutritional needs change significantly as dogs age. Senior-appropriate nutrition supports joint health, cognitive function, and healthy body weight, all of which are critical welfare factors in older dogs.
Nutritional status directly affects welfare in senior dogs through its influence on body condition, joint health, and cognitive function. Overweight senior dogs experience accelerated joint deterioration, while underweight dogs lack reserves to cope with illness. Appropriate senior nutrition tailored to individual health status is a fundamental welfare responsibility.