Senior dogs
How much should I feed my senior dog?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Most senior dogs need roughly 20 percent fewer calories than they did as active adults, since metabolism and activity both naturally decline. A 20 kg senior dog that ate around 900 calories a day as an adult might do better on closer to 720 to 750, split into two meals. The right amount still depends on your individual dog's activity level and body condition, so adjust based on how your dog actually looks and feels rather than a fixed formula.
Why less is usually right
A senior dog moving less and burning fewer calories at rest will gain weight on the same portion that kept it lean a few years earlier. Extra weight on aging joints makes every other senior issue, from stiffness to lower energy, noticeably worse, which is why portion control matters more here than at almost any other life stage, and why small, steady adjustments pay off over time.
A practical starting point
Check the feeding guide on your current food's packaging for your dog's weight, then reduce it by roughly 10 to 20 percent if your dog has become less active than a year or two ago. Weigh your dog monthly and adjust from there rather than guessing indefinitely.
When to involve your vet
If your senior dog is losing weight despite eating normally, or gaining weight despite a reduced portion, these are worth discussing at your next visit rather than solving through further guesswork at home.
It also helps to separate the main meal from everything else your dog eats in a day. Treats, a taste of your dinner, or training rewards all count toward that daily total, and for a smaller senior dog they can quietly make up 10 to 15 percent of total intake without you noticing.
Key takeaways
- Senior dogs typically need about 20 percent fewer calories than they did as younger adults.
- A 20 kg dog might drop from roughly 900 to around 720 to 750 calories a day.
- Adjust portions based on monthly weight checks, not a fixed number forever.
- Unexplained weight loss or gain despite portion changes is worth a vet visit.