Collection: Dog food for older dogs

As the dog gets older, its needs change. Not dramatically from one day to the next, but quietly and steadily. The same dog, just with a different pace, a different metabolism and often a little more “I don’t care about all that” energy. This is where dog food for older dogs makes sense, because senior dogs typically need gentler digestion, better support for joints and muscles and an energy level that matches a calmer everyday life.

Senior food is not about making your dog old. It's about keeping him healthy for as long as possible. It's classic common sense: adjust the food as the body changes.

At FjeldgaardShop.dk, we select food with a focus on the well-being of older dogs, clear ingredients and quality you can count on. And yes, we have an eye for animal welfare and more responsible choices, because that's how we believe it's done properly.

At Fjeldgaard Shop you will find a large and carefully selected range of dog food for older dogs , ensuring that your old dog gets exactly the nutrition it needs. We know that older dogs have different needs depending on age, size, activity level and any health challenges. That is why we offer both classic dry food , wet food , supplementary food , and special food for both big dogs and small dogs .

It varies by size and breed. A small dog may be “senior” later than a large dog. But you don’t need a certificate to switch. Look for the classic signs:

• The dog gets tired faster on the walk
  
• It is easier to gain or lose muscle mass
  
• It seems stiffer, especially after rest.
  
• The stomach becomes more sensitive
  
• Appetite fluctuates or becomes more picky
  
• The coat changes or the skin becomes drier
  

If you can nod to several of them, it's a good time to look into senior food.

There are many foods with “senior” on the bag. But good dog food for older dogs typically has some common features that actually make a difference in everyday life.

Energy and weight control without the dog feeling cheated

Many senior dogs move less, and so their energy needs to go down or their satiety needs to go up. Otherwise, the pounds creep up. Good senior food often has a balanced energy density and a composition that provides satiety without you having to halve the portion.

Protein that keeps muscles healthy

Older dogs can lose muscle mass, especially if they become less active. That’s why protein is important. Not just “quantity,” but quality. The goal is to support muscle maintenance without putting unnecessary strain on it.

Gentle on the stomach and digestion

Sensitive stomachs are quite common in seniors, so it makes sense to have a recipe that is easy to digest and with ingredients that are typically well-tolerated.

Support for joints and mobility

Many senior dogs need a little extra care around joints and movement. Food cannot replace the vet, but the right nutrition can support everyday life, especially when it comes to keeping the dog comfortable.

Taste and texture to suit an older dog

Some senior dogs become picky eaters. Others have dental challenges. Here it is smart to choose food that is adapted, or combine with wet food or topping in a controlled amount.

If you want to choose quickly and wisely, use this method. It's straightforward and saves you from "guess buying".

1) Choose by size and activity level

A small senior dog and a large senior dog are two different cases. Large dogs often put more strain on their joints, small dogs can be picky and live longer. Match the food to your dog's real everyday life, not the ambition of more long walks.

2) Choose by body shape and weight

Look at the waist and ribs. A senior dog can have some “padding,” but it shouldn’t be round. If the weight is on the rise, choose a senior food that focuses on weight control and satiety.

3) Choose by sensitivity

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, is itchy, or reacts to certain ingredients, look for a recipe with a clear protein source and an ingredient list that you can understand. The simpler the better.

4) Choose according to your teeth and appetite

If your dog chews poorly, eats slowly or seems uninterested, a different texture may help. Some people do best on smaller kibble, others benefit from having the food softened with water or combined with wet food.

It's tempting to feed “the way you always have.” But senior dogs change, and so the routine often needs to be adjusted.

• Aim high at the beginning for a period of time, even if you hate it.
  
• Adjust after 2 to 3 weeks, not after 2 days
  
• Treats count, especially if you exercise, exercise, or indulge a lot
  
• Keep an eye on bowel movements, energy and body shape as your KPI
  

If your dog is gaining weight, the first step is almost always to look at the amount. Not to change 12 products.

This guide can be used as a starting point. Always remember to adjust according to your dog's individual needs and the manufacturer's recommendations.

The most common problem with changing food is the pace. Change gradually over 5 to 7 days:

• Day 1 to 2: mostly old, a little new
  
• Day 3 to 4: approximately half, half
  
• Days 5 to 7: mostly new, a little old
  

If your stomach grumbles, take a step back and take a few extra days. Keep it boring. That's how you win in the long run.

Senior dogs may have periods where their appetite or weight changes rapidly. If your dog suddenly:

• stops eating
  
• losing weight for no reason
  
• drinking significantly more than usual
  
• seems lethargic or under the influence
  

then it's not a "food change problem". Then it's a "get it checked" situation. Better one time too much than one time too little.

When choosing dog food for older dogs, it makes sense to look for clear labeling, good ingredients, and producers who take quality seriously. It's the old-school way to ensure safety. At the same time, it's also the future: transparency, responsible production, and better raw material choices are only becoming more important.

In practical terms, this means that you can advantageously prioritize:

• clear ingredient list
  
• proper quality control and traceability
  
• a food that matches the dog's needs, so you avoid overfeeding and waste

You're here because you want to make a safe choice that suits your dog's age and needs. We make it easy to find dog food for older dogs that matches life stage, weight management, sensitive stomachs and the need for everyday support. The focus is on quality and products that work in practice, not just on paper.

As a large dog ages, their body changes in a fairly predictable way. More stress on their joints, a greater risk of gaining weight, and often a more delicate digestive system. It's not dramatic, it's just biology. That's why dog ​​food for older large breed dogs makes sense because it should support comfort, mobility, and steady energy without making the dog heavier.

Large senior dogs typically benefit from a recipe that is cleverly put together. Not necessarily “low on everything”, but balanced, well thought out and easy to digest. The goal is simple: keep your dog happy, active and comfortable, even when the pace naturally slows down.

Senior food for large dogs should be able to do this

Support joints and mobility

Large dogs carry more weight, and this can be felt with age. A good senior food for large dogs focuses on ingredients and a nutritional profile that suits a daily life with more stiffness and less explosive play.

Weight control without hunger

The classic senior problem is that the dog moves less, but is just as happy to eat. Therefore, the food must provide satiety and stable energy, so you avoid a chubby dog ​​that is still begging as if it has never had anything.

Quality protein for muscle maintenance

Muscles keep the body strong and also support joints. For many senior dogs, it is an advantage to have a reasonable level of good quality protein so that the dog does not lose muscle mass over the months.

Gentle digestion

Senior dogs may be more sensitive to changes in food, fat content, or “messy” recipes. A simple ingredient list and a food that is easy to digest often provide more peace of mind.

How to choose the right one without overanalyzing

1. Look at body shape before anything else
   
   Waist and ribs tell the truth. If your dog is gaining weight, choose a senior food with a focus on satiety and controlled energy.
   
2. Match the food to everyday life, not the weekend dream
   
   If the walk is shorter than before, the energy typically needs to be adjusted. The most classic mistake is to feed as “always” even if the activity level has changed.
   
3. Be realistic with snacks and chews
   
   Treats count. Chews count. Everything counts. If you exercise or indulge a lot, the dry food needs to be reduced, otherwise you'll end up with extra pounds.
   
4. Change slowly
   
   If you are switching to senior food, do it gradually over 5 to 7 days. Large dogs can also get upset from too quick a change, and this can confuse you into thinking the food is the problem.
   

When you should react quickly

If your senior suddenly becomes noticeably more lethargic, loses weight for no reason, drinks a lot more than usual, or changes appetite drastically, it is not a feeding problem until it is checked. Then it is a “take it seriously” situation.

Animal welfare and responsible choices

When choosing dog food for senior dogs, animal welfare is also about stability and quality. Clear ingredients, good traceability, and proper production are not buzzwords. It's the old-school approach to safety, just with a more modern focus on responsibility and transparency.

Mini FAQ

• When is a large dog a senior : Often earlier than small dogs, typically when you see stiffness, lower energy, or weight changes.
  
• Should senior food be “light” : Not always. Many people need satiety and good nutrition more than extremely low energy.
  
• Can I combine with wet food : Yes, but keep an eye on the amount.

As your dog ages, the classic challenge is quite simple: they often move a little less, but their appetite is still on point. The result? The pounds creep back in, and suddenly you have a senior dog that is both heavier and stiffer. It’s not just “cuddles,” it affects joints, fitness, and quality of life.

That's why dog ​​food for older dogs with weight control makes sense. Not because your dog needs to go on a strict diet, but because they need to have a daily routine where they can be light on their feet, have energy and still feel full and satisfied.

At FjeldgaardShop.dk, we look for senior food that does the job properly: gentle, tasty and with ingredients you can understand. Animal welfare is also about the body not carrying around extra weight it didn't ask for.

Why do senior dogs gain weight more easily?

It happens again and again, and it's almost always a combination of:

• lower activity level and lower metabolism
  
• same portion size as “when it was young”
  
• more treats, chews and snacks in everyday life
  
• less muscle mass, which otherwise helps burn energy
  

It's old school truth: weight is mostly about quantity and routine. Food can help, but you're the one in control.

What characterizes good senior food for weight control?

There is a big difference between “light” and “smart.” The best dog food for older dogs with weight control typically comes down to three things:

1) Satiety without drowning the dog in calories

A good senior food should help keep your dog full, so you don't end up with a dog that's constantly looking for food. This often means a composition that fills the stomach more and gives a more stable feeling of satiety.

2) Good quality protein for muscle maintenance

Older dogs can lose muscle mass, especially if they become less active. And when muscle disappears, metabolism also decreases. That's why it makes sense that senior weight management food still has a reasonable amount of quality protein, so the dog stays strong and more "fit" in the body.

3) Gentle digestion and stable meals

Many seniors experience mild stomach upset when faced with major changes. A good food is stable, easy to digest and works without you having to constantly change it.

How to choose the right food for a senior dog who is gaining weight

If you want to be effective, do it like this:

Step 1: Look at the body, not just the weight

You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard, and there may be a waistline when viewed from above. If everything is “soft and round,” it’s time to tighten up.

Step 2: Set a realistic goal

The goal is not “slim as a young dog.” The goal is a comfortable body, better mobility, and more energy.

Step 3: Choose senior food with satiety as the keyword

You want a food that makes it easier to keep portions down without your dog feeling cheated. This is where the right recipes win.

Step 4: Cut down on “liquid calories”

Treats, chews, toppings, and leftovers are the biggest hidden culprits. If you want to make an impact, you count them. Period.

Portion control that actually works

Here's what works in practice, and what people have been doing for decades because it works:

• measure up for 2 to 3 weeks so you know what you are actually giving
  
• divide the meals into 2 portions per day so that the dog does not become extremely hungry
  
• use small treats for training, not large snacks
  
• give greens as extra filling if your dog tolerates it and enjoys it
  

You don't have to do it perfectly. You just have to do it consistently.

Activation and exercise, without overdoing it

When a senior dog needs to lose weight, exercise is important, but it must be done wisely:

• several short walks rather than one long one
  
• calm, stable activity rather than rough play
  
• activation with sniffing can cause fatigue without straining joints
  

It's actually a pretty cool combo: less stress on the body, but more mental stimulation.

Change food without causing stomach upset

Change slowly over 5 to 7 days:

• day 1 to 2: mostly old food, a little new
  
• day 3 to 4: approximately half, half
  
• days 5 to 7: mostly new food, a little old
  

And keep snacks stable during the same period. Otherwise, you don't know what affects the stomach.

Typical mistakes that make weight loss impossible

If you want to avoid wasting time, avoid these classics:

• “I only give a little extra,” but it happens several times a day
  
• you constantly change food instead of adjusting the amount
  
• you don't measure up and guess
  
• you compensate with more treats because the dog looks hungry
  
• you forget to adjust when activity levels drop
  

Put it like it is: consistency beats perfection. Every time.

Animal welfare and responsibility when it comes to weight

Being overweight in senior dogs affects joints and movement, and it's not fair to the dog. The most caring thing you can do is to keep it light in weight so it can move more comfortably and have a better quality of life. That's animal welfare in practice.

And responsible choices are also about choosing feed that suits your needs, so you don't overfeed and end up with waste and "buy-shovel-out" solutions.

FAQ about senior food and weight control

Should I choose light or senior?

If your dog is older and gaining weight, a senior weight control food often makes the most sense. It takes into account age and needs, not just calories.

How quickly should a senior dog lose weight?

Slow and steady. Rapid weight loss is not the goal. The goal is a body that functions better.

Can I give topping at the same time?

Yes, but keep it small and make it count. Otherwise, you sabotage your own plan.

What if my dog ​​always seems hungry?

Check amounts, treats and routines. Consider more small meals and a food with better satiety.

Ready to make it easier

Dog food for senior dogs with weight control is about making everyday life simple: a recipe that fills you up, portions that make sense, and routines that last. Then you'll have a senior dog that still has a zest for life, without the body fighting back.

Small dogs often age later than large dogs, but once they hit the senior phase, changes still occur. Appetite can fluctuate, teeth can chafe, and some become pickier. At the same time, small dogs can gain weight surprisingly quickly, because even small extra bites add up.

That's why dog ​​food for older small breed dogs is all about three things: gentle digestion, good taste, and a nutritional profile that suits a smaller body that still needs energy, but not too much.

The most important thing in senior food for small dogs

Small croquettes and good chewability

If the teeth are worn or the gums are sensitive, large, hard kibble can make mealtimes a chore. Senior food for small dogs should be easy to eat and pleasant to chew.

High palatability, because picky periods are a thing

Small dogs can be a bit of a diva, yes. But that's often quite fair. Smell, texture and routine matter a lot. A good senior food takes into account that the appetite for food is not always stable.

Stable energy without the weight running

Small dogs can be lively seniors, but they burn less and less as they get older. You want to have energy and stamina, but still keep your body light and healthy.

Quality protein for muscles and strength

As your dog gets older, muscle maintenance is important. It also helps keep your dog more robust in everyday life, even when they are not as active as before.

How to make it easy for yourself

1. 
   Start with appetite and bowel movements as your indicator
   
   If the dog eats steadily and his stomach is calm, you are already a long way off.
   
2. 
   Keep the portions tight, but not sad
   
   Use a measuring spoon or measure up over a period of time. Small dogs can gain weight from very little extra, especially if given a lot of snacks.
   
3. 
   Teeth first, food later
   
   If your dog is suddenly picky, think teeth. Many “picky eating” problems are actually oral discomfort.
   
4. 
   Use topping wisely if you must
   
   A little bit of topping can help, but keep it at a level where dry food is still the main part. Otherwise, the dog will quickly learn that it can negotiate for a better serving.
   

Switch to senior food without drama

Transition over 5 to 7 days. Small dogs can also react to transitions, and because they weigh less, stomach upset can feel overwhelming during everyday life. Keep it calm and consistent, and cut back on extra snacks during the transition period.

Animal welfare and quality in practice

For seniors, a classic applies: stability is care. When the food is transparent, produced properly and matches the dog's needs, everyday life becomes easier for both dog and owner. That's animal welfare in practice, not on the label.

Mini FAQ

• When is a small dog a senior : Often later than large dogs, but the signs are the same, lower energy, stiffness, more sensitive stomach.
  
• Why do young seniors become picky : Teeth, routines, stress, or too many snacks.
  
• Can I soften the food : Yes, lukewarm water can make the meal more appealing.