As our dogs enter their golden years, we notice the subtle changes. The longer naps, the gentler walks and those moments of stiffness after a snooze. Their bodies and minds need a little extra care and what’s in their bowl can make all the difference.
You may wonder – what can I feed my senior dog?
Here’s how fresh food helps senior dogs thrive, inside and out.
1. Gentle on the tummy & kind to the gut
Senior tummies can be more sensitive… here’s why:
- Slower metabolism and gut movement
Food takes longer to digest. - Fewer digestive enzymes and stomach acid
Harder to break down heavy meals. - Microbial diversity decreases with age
The community of gut bacteria that helps with digestion and immunity changes and can make senior tummies more sensitive.
Fresh food, especially lightly cooked, is gentle and highly bioavailable, giving older dogs:
- Easier digestion.
- Less bloating or upset stomach.
- Stronger immune support through a happy gut, it can slow or reverse unhealthy shifts in the gut microbiome.
A comfortable tummy means more energy and a better mood.
2. Hydrating
Senior dogs are more prone to dehydration because:
- They often drink less water than they need.
- Their kidneys and circulation aren’t as efficient as they once were.
Fresh food is moisture‑rich and that water is locked inside the food’s structure.
When your dog eats it, the water is absorbed slowly, staying in the body longer to:
- Cushion joints.
- Support circulation.
- Help the kidneys and bladder.
- Carry nutrients to where they’re needed.
3. Happy joints and easier movement
With age comes wear and tear on joints, cartilage and ligaments. Stiffness and arthritis can sneak up, but diet can make every step a little lighter.
Fresh food can naturally include:
- Anti-inflammatory nutrients like omega‑3s and prebiotic fibers.
- Antioxidant‑rich vegetables to help combat oxidative stress in joints.
Fresh food can help maintain a healthy weight, one of the most important aspects when it comes to joint health. At Phoenix Bark our packs are perfectly portioned into daily packs, so it helps keep your dog at their ideal weight.
4. Food for the brain and the heart
As dogs age, oxidative stress can impact brain cells, leading to slower learning and “doggy senior moments.”
Fresh meals can be packed with:
- Fresh colourful veggies and berries – incorporating flavonoid-rich foods like berries can enhance cognitive ability, slow memory decline and reduce oxidative stress.
- EPA & DHA omega‑3s – support memory, learning and calm nerves.
- Vitamin‑rich digestible whole foods – keep the heart and immune system strong.
FYI – other healthy additions to your senior dog’s diet for cognitive decline:
Co-enzyme Q10
An antioxidant crucial for a healthy brain, combating free radicals.
Hawthorn
A powerful antioxidant supporting blood circulation to nourish brain cells.
Ginko Biloba
Promotes healthy blood supply to the brain for overall brain support.
Astragalus
Uplifting and energizing.
Fresh food truly can nourish the mind as much as the body, helping seniors stay alert, bright and joyful.
As always, check with your vet before including anything new to your dog’s diet, especially with herbs and supplements.
5. Variety adds vitality
Senior dogs thrive on variety and colour in their meals:
- Rotating proteins broadens nutrition and keeps meals exciting. Rather than eating the exact same meal every day till the end of a large bag for example, offering variety as you can imagine, is the better choice.
- Even small additions of fresh extras like egg, broth or sardines in spring water, can spark appetite and joy!
It’s not about providing food to satisfy hunger, it’s about enrichment and nourishment in a bowl for their mind, body and soul.
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–Photo by Pauline Loroy on Unsplash