Once dogs hit seven years of age and above, they begin to slow down and enjoy life. As a result of this, their nutritional needs begin to change again. With the bigger breeds, this change sets in earlier, at around seven years of age. Dogs of senior age are less active and have a slower metabolism, thus less calories and fat are required. Protein however, is even more important to help maintain general health, especially if it is of high quality, and is easy to digest.

An example of a good diet for your senior dog is one which is low in fat, contains easy to digest carbohydrates for energy, and provides concentrated, high quality protein. Minerals are needed to support aging joints, along with vitamins C and E, and protein. The last two are needed to help fight infections which the dog may succumb to as a result of it's declining immune system.

Senior dogs tend to lose their ability to chew effectively, as well as have their senses of smell and taste fade slightly. Thus, a smaller size of kibble is recommended to help your dog get more out of their meals, and more meat in their diet helps their appetite.

Because of the above, a specially formulated senior dog food is recommended for your dog. These man-made senior dog foods are specially formulated to cater to the changes in nutritional requirement and eating habits. Thus, your dog will get to enjoy his mealtimes to the maximum without compromising on the essentials.

As with any other changes to the diet, you should start by mixing in the new formula with their regular diet. Slowly increase the proportions over a period of 7 – 10 days, until the new formula is all you're feeding your dog.

Feeding
You'll need to feed your senior dog 1-2 times a day, some may prefer small, more frequent portions though, especially if you serve canned food. You need to be careful not to overfeed, as senior dogs are less active and more prone to weight issues.

Food should be served at room temperature to make sure your dog can taste and smell it properly. This method of feeding is particularly important for senior dogs, as their sense of smell fades. If canned food is being served, warm up an opened can before serving, especially if it's been placed in the refridgerator. This may take up to two hours if it's fresh from the cooler. As an alternative, try microwaving wet food which is fresh from the can, for a short time. Always remember to avoid serving food at extremes of temperature.

Store dry, complete foods in a dry, clean environment. An airtight container or resealable packaging will keep it tasty over time by sealing in the aroma.

Your senior dog should be fed in a quiet location free from interruptions and well away from your own eating place. Feeding your dog on an easily cleaned surface (eg: a tiled floor or mat) is recommended. Some bigger breeds of dog are susceptible to arthritis in their old age, and so may find it too hard to lean down. A bowl placed at head height will help them overcome this problem.

Always make sure to ban children from disturbing your dog when he is eating, or their disturbances may provoke an aggressive response from an old dog which may take them for a 'predator', trying to steal their food.

How much should I feed?
You can follow the feeding guide on the back of the pack, but remember that this guide is only meant to provide you with a rough idea. Every individual dog is unique, and the most important thing is to provide enough to maintain your dog in a lean, healthy condition. A bowl of fresh drinking water should always be provided.

Weight Concerns
As dogs age, they are more susceptible to weight gain. Obesity is a common disorder which affects all dogs and requires careful monitoring. Overweight dogs often develop diabetes, hearty and respiratory ailments and arthritis. To combat this, senior foods contain lower calorie levels. If your senior dog is still gaining weight, you may wish to consider trying a specially formulated ' light' product, which is lower in fat but still contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals. This makes for a healthy, balanced diet despite reduced calorie intake.