Feeding your senior dog
Feeding your dog in their golden years doesn’t need to be complicated, which is why every Stella & Chewy’s recipe (apart from our puppy diets) is crafted to keep dogs of all ages thriving.
No special “senior” label required: Just choose complete and balanced dog food with high-quality animal protein. Look for nutrients that support joint health (like New Zealand Green-lipped mussels in our Superblends kibble) and easy digestibility (such as pumpkin in our Bountiful Bone Broth), if needed.
What’s the healthiest food for senior dogs?
Older dogs face many of the same age-related experiences we do: joint pain, slower metabolisms, loss of lean muscle mass, sensitive stomachs and the occasional “senior moment.”
The right nutrients help address these common challenges to help senior dogs maintain overall health:
- Joint comfort & mobility: Animal protein builds muscle to support joints, ground bones and bone broth supply natural glucosamine, while cartilage delivers chondroitin. Stella’s Solution’s Hip & Joint Support is designed to help reduce joint pain and reduce inflammation with freeze-dried raw animal protein, ground bones and cartilage, plus turmeric and New Zealand green‑lipped mussels for extra relief.
- Maintaining a healthy weight & lean muscle: Protein‑rich dog foods satisfy appetite while supporting a healthy body composition, and are naturally rich in L-carnitine to help build lean muscle mass. Our freeze-dried raw recipes are 85-95% muscle meat, organs and bone, and our kibbles and wet foods have animal protein as the first ingredient.
- Digestive & skin health: Every recipe is fortified with probiotics and omega‑3s to build your pup’s long-term tummy health, as well as support healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Picky eating & reduced sense of smell: When food is less appetizing, hydration can help. Our slowly simmered wet foods have a tempting aroma, and bone broth adds a boost of flavor to kibble or freeze-dried raw recipes.
- Cognitive support: Naturally occurring DHA/EPA fatty acids in raw ingredients support brain health. Our freeze-dried raw Meal Mixers make it easy to boost every bowl with extra omega‑3s, plus they can be fed as a complete and balanced meal or healthy treat.
Every Stella & Chewy’s recipe is crafted for all life stages, so you can pick the texture and flavor your dog loves best!
Feeding small vs. large breed senior dogs
While Chihuahuas and Great Danes age on different timelines, their nutritional needs as seniors are the same. Stella & Chewy’s recipes check every box for dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes! We also offer Lil’ Bites Savory Stews, specially formulated for small breed dogs.
Soft food for senior dogs with bad teeth
Tender mouths deserve tender mouthfuls:
All of our wet dog foods come in a variety of flavors and are ready to serve as a complete and balanced meal or tasty topper.
You can also soften up your dog’s favorite freeze-dried raw or kibble recipe to create a meal that’s gentler on their teeth and gums. Simply add a splash of Bountiful Bone Broth or warm water to our freeze‑dried raw patties, morsels or kibble.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet about the best food options as your dog enters their golden years. Our pet parent support team is also here to help!
