Feeding senior pets

veterinaryvoicesuk
15 hours ago
4 min read

Article supported by Purina Petcare 2026

As our pets enter their golden years, their bodies - and their nutritional needs - begin to change. They may move a little slower, seem a bit stiff, or lose muscle tone. Their appetite may shift, and you may notice changes in their weight or body shape. Just like us, ageing brings natural changes that require extra support.

It’s important to discuss any changes you’ve noticed with your veterinary team, rather than assuming that they are part of normal ageing. For example, pain caused by arthritis is a common reason for “slowing down”, and there are things that we can do to help with this.

Read more about canine mobility here: CANINE MOBILITY

Nutrition plays a huge role in keeping our pets healthy, active and comfortable throughout their senior years.

Why Senior Nutrition Matters

What we feed our pets throughout life - and especially as they age - has a significant impact on their health, wellbeing, and even their lifespan.

Cats fed a diet supplemented with antioxidants, prebiotics and omega-3 fatty acids lived, on average, one year longer, with improved coat quality and bloodwork.¹
Dogs kept at a healthy weight live 1.8 years longer, and staying lean can delay osteoarthritis and other age-related diseases.²

We don’t just want our pets to live longer - we want them to thrive: to stay mobile, keep playing, enjoy their food, and feel good.

When Is a Pet Considered Senior?

As a rough guide:

Dogs

Small breeds: senior from 9 years
Medium/large breeds: senior from 7 years
Giant breeds: senior from 5–6 years

Cats

Mature: 7–10 years
Senior: 11–14 years
Geriatric: 15+ years

When Should You Change to a Senior Diet?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The decision should be based on each pet’s size, health, any specific risk factors and instructions given by pet food manufacturers.

Cats

Many benefit from a senior diet from around 7 years.
Cats over 11 often need more calories, as weight loss becomes common in later life.

Dogs

Medium and large breeds usually transition around 7 years.
Small and mini breeds often wait until 9 years due to their longer lifespan.

Common Age-Related Changes in Senior Pets

Metabolism

Older pets often have slower metabolisms due to reduced muscle mass and less efficient digestion.

Digestion

Ageing pets digest fat and protein less efficiently, so diets must supply nutrients in forms that are easier to absorb.

Body Composition

Dogs often gain weight due to reduced activity and a lower metabolic rate.
Cats typically gain weight from age 7–10, then are prone to weight loss from 11+ years.
Muscle loss (sarcopenia) is common in both species, and pets with lower muscle mass may have a shorter lifespan.

Appetite

Reduced smell and taste, plus cognitive decline, can dampen appetite. Changes in appetite-regulating hormones also play a role.³

Key Nutrients for Senior Pets

1. Protein

Senior pets need more, high-quality protein - not less - to maintain muscle mass.Cats especially need increased protein as their ability to digest it declines with age.

2. Energy (Calories)

Senior dogs generally need fewer calories as they become less active.
Senior cats may need more as they enter their later years. Balancing energy intake is crucial to maintain a healthy weight and avoid muscle loss.

3. Fat

Fat provides essential nutrients, energy and aids vitamin absorption. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are especially useful for senior pets, providing easily absorbed energy for the brain and gut.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Support joint health, skin, coat and the body’s anti-inflammatory processes.

5. Antioxidants

Help protect cells from age-related damage and support immunity.

6. Prebiotics & Probiotics

About 70% of the immune system sits in the gut, so maintaining a healthy microbiome is key. Prebiotics feed beneficial gut bacteria; probiotics help support digestion and immunity.

7. Water

Senior pets may be at higher risk of dehydration due to declining organ function, reduced mobility and behavioural changes. See our article on supporting feline hydration here – Help, I Need My Cat to Drink More!

Senior Health Screening

Routine check-ups with a veterinary professional - ideally annually, or more often if advised - are essential. Many age-related diseases start subtly, and early detection can greatly improve quality of life and longevity.

What Is the Best Diet for My Senior Pet?

Senior pets are at higher risk of conditions including arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity and cognitive decline. The ideal diet depends on each pet’s overall health.

For Healthy Senior Pets

The most convenient option to provide a diet that is tailored to meet the needs of older pets is to use a good quality complete and balanced food designed for senior pets.

References

Cupp CJ, et al. Effect of nutritional interventions on longevity of senior cats. Int J Appl Res Vet Med. 2008; 6(2), 69–81.
Kealy RD, Lawler DF, Ballam JM, Mantz SL, Biery DN, Greeley EH, Lust G, Segre M, Smith GK, Stowe HD. Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002 May 1;220(9):1315-20. doi: 10.2460/javma.2002.220.1315. PMID: 11991408.
Balaskó M, Rostás I, Füredi N et al. Age and nutritional state influence the effects of cholecystokinin on energy balance. Exp Gerontol. 2013; 48:1180–1188
Pan Y, Larson B, Araujo JA, Lau W, de Rivera C, Santana R, Gore A, Milgram NW. Dietary supplementation with medium-chain TAG has long-lasting cognition-enhancing effects in aged dogs. Br J Nutr. 2010 Jun;103(12):1746-54. doi: 10.1017/S0007114510000097

Suitable diets in the Purina® PRO PLAN® range include, but are not limited to:

For Dogs: PRO PLAN® Age Defence

Available in Small/Mini and Medium/Large breed formulas.

Helps improve curiosity and responsiveness by supporting cognitive function, visible results possible in 30 days.⁴
Helps promote interaction with family thanks to improved brain function and alternative brain energy source generated from botanical oils
Helps maintain healthy mobility and support joint health thanks to EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, and glucosamine

For Cats: PRO PLAN® Adult 7+ LONGEVIS®

Formulated for cats 7+ years

Extends healthy lifespan thanks to specially formulated LONGEVIS® blend.¹
Contains high level of antioxidants, arginine, omega 3 & 6 fatty acids and prebiotic.

For Pets with Medical Conditions

Your vet may recommend a PRO PLAN® Veterinary Diet.