How to Care for Your Senior Dog
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4 Key Tips to Support Healthy Aging Through Food & Lifestyle
As our pups grow older, their needs change—but our love for them only grows stronger. At Momoda Pets, we believe senior dogs deserve comfort, great nutrition, and lots of tail-wagging joy. 💛
Whether your pup is slowing down or just entering their golden years, here’s everything you need to know about supporting them with the right food and care.
🐶 When Is a Dog Considered a Senior?
On average, dogs enter their senior years around 7 years old, but this varies by breed and size:
- Small dogs (Chihuahua, Yorkie, Maltese): May show signs as early as 5–6 years
- Large dogs: Tend to age more quickly
💡 Try this age-to-human comparison:
- Small/Medium Dogs: (Dog’s age – 3) × 4 + 28
- Large Dogs: (Dog’s age – 1) × 7 + 12
Not sure your dog’s exact age? That’s okay! Just keep an eye out for common signs of aging.
🧓 24 Signs Your Dog Is Getting Older
If your dog shows 3 or more of these signs, it may be time to adjust their routine, environment, and nutrition:
- Walking with head down or unsteady steps
- Vision or hearing decline
- Whiter or gray fur
- Heavy panting or frequent coughing
- Tooth loss (without trauma)
- More clingy or vocal than usual
- Bumping into objects
- Weak hind legs or trouble standing
- Joint stiffness or visible pain
- Stronger body odor
- Shrunken hips or unusual posture
- Digestive changes or soft stool
- Noticeable weight loss or gain
- More potty accidents indoors
- Grumpy or moodier behavior
- Fatigue or dislike for stairs
- Longer naps and deeper sleep
- Doesn’t recognize familiar people
Recognizing these signs is the first step to giving your senior pup the support they need.
🥣 4 Golden Rules for Feeding Senior Dogs
1. More High-Quality Protein, Less Calories
As dogs age, they naturally lose muscle mass—especially in their hind legs.
Support them by adding lean proteins like:
- Chicken, turkey
- Fish and seafood
- Eggs and dairy
💡 Light massage can also help maintain mobility and muscle tone.
But remember—fewer calories are key. Seniors have slower metabolisms, so avoid overfeeding, especially processed snacks or rich treats.
2. Say No to High-Sodium Foods
Avoid human food, salty snacks, and anything heavily processed.
Too much sodium can burden aging organs, especially the liver and kidneys, and may trigger conditions like pancreatitis.
Stick with clean, single-ingredient treats or lightly cooked meals.
3. Add Antioxidants & Vitamins
Support your dog’s immune system, joints, and brain with antioxidant-rich foods like:
🥦 Veggies: Broccoli, spinach, pumpkin, carrots, cabbage, bell peppers
🍇 Fruits: Apples, papaya, strawberries, guava, oranges, pineapple, kiwi
🐟 Proteins: Salmon, sardines
🌿 Extras: Goji berries, mushrooms, seaweed, turmeric, ginger, sesame
💡 Fruits high in vitamin C (like guava and berries) are especially helpful for cell repair and inflammation.
4. Use Gentle, Digestible Ingredients & Cooking Methods
Senior dogs often have weaker teeth and digestion. Make meals easier to chew and absorb by:
- Cutting food into small pieces
- Steaming, boiling, or lightly sautéing with little to no oil
❌ Avoid: Air fryers, deep frying, and heavy baking—they add calories and reduce nutrients.
💛 Final Thoughts
Caring for a senior dog is a beautiful act of love. Whether they’re still zooming around the yard or taking more naps than usual, your support helps them age with comfort and dignity.
At Momoda Pets, we believe every stage of life deserves delicious, healthy food. That’s why our treats and toppers are made with natural, nutrient-rich ingredients that support dogs from puppyhood to their golden years.
✨ Explore our senior-friendly chews and meal toppers today—because healthy aging starts with what’s in the bowl.