Signs Your Dog Is Ready for Senior Food
As dogs age, their bodies change in ways that are easy to miss day to day. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to think about a meal plan built for their senior years.
-
Stiff joints and slower walks
-
Weight gain or muscle loss
-
Smaller appetite
-
Duller coat and flaky skin
-
Sleeping more, less spark
What Changes in Older Dogs, and Why Their Food Should Too
Getting older changes almost everything about how a dog's body works, from muscle and joints to digestion and energy levels. Fresh, tailored nutrition can help support your dog through these changes, not just mask them.
-
A slower metabolism & shifting weight
As dogs age, their metabolism slows down. Without adjusting portions and ingredients, senior dogs can gain weight quickly or lose muscle tone, even on the same amount of food.
-
Muscle loss that needs quality protein
Older dogs naturally lose muscle mass over time. Without enough quality protein in their diet, this decline speeds up, leaving them weaker and less able to stay active.
-
Worn joints & stiffness
Years of wear on hips, knees and joints can leave older dogs stiff and slower to get moving. The right nutrients can help ease discomfort and support mobility.
-
Weaker digestion, immunity & hydration
Digestion, immunity and hydration all become less efficient with age. Senior dogs often need gentler, more nutrient dense meals to get the same benefit from their food.
Why Gently Cooked Food Suits Senior Dogs
5 Hounds meals are gently cooked at 75 degrees, not blasted at high heat like many other foods, so more of the natural nutrients your senior dog needs stay intact.
Our meals are gently cooked, never dry or hard, making them easier for senior dogs to chew and swallow, especially those with worn teeth or sore gums.
Every recipe uses human grade protein to help protect lean muscle mass, supporting strength and mobility as your dog moves through their senior years.
Omega 3 fatty acids are included to support joint comfort, skin health and a glossy coat, helping your senior dog feel more like themselves.
Our meals are naturally moisture rich and include synbiotic support, helping keep digestion, hydration and gut health on track as your dog ages.
No lock in contracts, cancel any time
Vet-Formulated for Senior Dogs by Dr Will
"As dogs age, I see how much the right nutrition can change their quality of life. Fresh, gently cooked meals with real protein and omega 3s help support joints, muscle and energy, so senior dogs can keep enjoying their walks, their zoomies and their years ahead."
Dr Will Maginness, Veterinarian and Founder, 5 Hounds
How Your Senior Dog's Meal Plan Works
Getting your senior dog onto a fresh meal plan takes just a few simple steps.
-
Step 1: Take the 2-minute meal plan quiz
Answer a few quick questions about your dog's age, weight, activity level and any health concerns.
-
Step 2: Get portions matched to their age and weight
We calculate exact portions matched to your senior dog's age, weight and energy needs.
-
Step 3: Fresh meals delivered to your door
Your dog's fresh meals arrive frozen at your door, ready to thaw, portion and serve.
No lock in contracts, cancel any time
How to Switch Your Senior Dog to Fresh Food
Switching an older dog to fresh food is easy when you take it slowly. Here is how to make the change without upsetting their stomach.
Days 1 to 2
25% New Food
Mix 25% fresh food with your dog's current food, watching how they settle over these first couple of days.
Days 3 to 4
Half and half
Move to a half and half mix of fresh and current food, giving their gut time to adjust gradually.
Days 5 to 6
75% new food
Increase to mostly fresh food, with just a quarter of their old diet remaining in the bowl.
Day 7 and beyond
Fully Fresh
Your senior dog is now fully transitioned onto fresh, gently cooked meals built for their age and needs.
Real Results From Senior Dogs on Fresh Food
Thousands of dog parents have already made the switch, including senior dogs who needed it most.
Absolute Game Changer for my Senior Pup!
I couldn't be happier with 5 Hounds. My dog is 10 years old and has been on a raw diet almost her entire life, so finding a food that meets high standards and keeps her interested isn't easy - especially because she's a bit fussy eater.Switching to 5 Hounds has been an absolute game changer:1) She's shedding extra weight in a steady way.2) Her fur is noticeably shinier and soft.3) She completely devours her bowl.
Good gut health, stable weight & overall vitality
I switched over to the 5 Hounds several months ago as a recommendation from another Cavalier owner. This has helped my senior boy Rupert maintain good gut health, stable weight & overall vitality which is a bonus for his years.I also foster the same breed & can see a big difference in the health if a new dog after a month of being fed a 5 Hounds diet which is very rewarding.
Yummo
Commenced 5 hounds a couple of months ago. My dog loves the meals, and is thriving on them. He is a dog in his senior years with a few protein allergies, 5 Hounds array of meals is excellent for this. The delivery interstate and notifications are excellent, food arrives promptly and frozen.
A new joyful bounce in their day
Bindi and Jimmy absolutely love their 5 Hounds meals, both are seniors, and there is now a new joyful bounce in their day. Thank you Dr Will and the wonderful 5 Gounds team for making a difference.
Senior Dog Food FAQs
What age is a dog considered a senior?
What age is a dog considered a senior?
Most dogs are considered senior from around 7 years old, though this varies by size and breed. Larger breeds tend to age faster and may be considered senior from as young as 5 or 6, while smaller breeds often are not classed as senior until 8 or 9. Your vet can help pinpoint the right stage for your dog.
When should I switch my dog to senior dog food?
When should I switch my dog to senior dog food?
It is worth switching as soon as you notice signs of ageing, such as slower walks, stiffness, weight changes or a duller coat, rather than waiting until problems become serious. Every dog ages differently, so speaking with your vet about your dog's individual needs and current health is a good starting point, particularly if they already have existing health concerns to manage.
What is the best food for senior dogs?
What is the best food for senior dogs?
The best food for senior dogs is fresh, gently cooked and rich in quality protein, with added support for joints, digestion and skin. Fresh meals are generally easier to digest than heavily processed kibble and retain more of their natural nutrients, which matters more as your dog's body becomes less efficient at absorbing what it needs with age.
Do older dogs need more or less protein?
Do older dogs need more or less protein?
Older dogs generally need just as much, if not more, quality protein than younger dogs to help protect against age related muscle loss. What matters most is the quality of that protein, not just the quantity. Lean, human grade sources support muscle maintenance without adding unnecessary strain on ageing kidneys or digestion, which can otherwise become sensitive over time.
Can fresh food help a senior dog with stiff joints?
Can fresh food help a senior dog with stiff joints?
Fresh food alone will not cure joint issues, but the right ingredients can make a genuine difference to your dog's comfort. Omega 3 fatty acids and quality protein support joint comfort and help maintain the muscle strength surrounding each joint, which can help stiff, older dogs move more comfortably and confidently through their day.
Is fresh food easier for older dogs to chew and digest?
Is fresh food easier for older dogs to chew and digest?
Yes. Gently cooked meals are naturally softer than dry kibble, making them easier to chew for dogs with worn teeth or sore gums. Fresh food is also generally gentler on digestion, which can be a real benefit for senior dogs whose digestive systems are not as efficient as they once were, helping them get more from every meal.
Give Your Old Mate a Fresh Start
Give your old mate the fresh, gently cooked nutrition they deserve for every stage of their senior years.
Fresh delivery, no lock-in, cancel any time.
