Feeding an older dog well, without the confusion.

Feeding tips for senior dogs in 2026

Nutritional needs shift with age in fairly predictable ways: metabolism slows, so calorie needs often drop, while protein needs to stay high to protect muscle mass. Joint-support additions like omega-3s show up in most quality senior formulas now, though the amount that actually matters varies more than the marketing suggests. The most reliable signal isn't the front of the bag — it's your dog's weight and coat condition over a few months.

Splitting meals into two smaller portions rather than one large one is a simple change that helps many older dogs digest more comfortably, particularly ones who've slowed down on exercise.

Raw dog food: what owners should know before switching

Raw diets have real advocates and real critics, and both sides have a point. Done carefully, a balanced raw diet can suit some older dogs well; done carelessly, it introduces handling risks — for the dog and for the household — that a bag of kibble doesn't. Balance is the key word: raw feeding needs proper ratios of muscle meat, organ, and bone, not just "meat instead of kibble."

If you're considering it, a gradual transition and a conversation with your vet about your dog's specific health picture will save you most of the common mistakes.

Freeze-dried raw food: is it worth it?

Freeze-dried sits in between fresh raw and traditional kibble — most of raw's nutritional profile, without the freezer space or handling risk, at a price that reflects the processing. For owners who like the idea of raw but not the logistics, it's a reasonable middle ground. It's worth comparing cost per feeding, not just cost per bag, since freeze-dried is far more concentrated than kibble.