Best Diet for Senior Dogs: Foods That Fight Arthritis, Blindness, and More

Are you worried about changes you are seeing in your older dog? Difficulty moving, hearing, seeing, bad breath/teeth, and acting differently?

These changes are very common, and I am now seeing much of this in Tula. There are MANY nutrients which can help – and I am going to show you many beneficial foods in your kitchen just for this.

BUT if you want something easy, then you should be considering our supplement, Ultimate Canine ADVANCED PLUS Health Formula, which has an array of ingredients that has helped thousands of aging dogs. Ingredients for arthritis, dental disease, cognitive function and even eye health.

You should see ALL the ways it can help here:

Dr Jones’ COMPLETE Dog Supplement for AGING DOGS

KITCHEN FOODS TO HELP YOUR SENIOR DOG

By Dr. Andrew Jones

As our dogs age, they often face several health issues like arthritis, deafness, dental problems, and cognitive decline. Tula, my own senior dog who is now 13 years old, has been experiencing many of these conditions. Over the years, I have discovered that simple, everyday kitchen foods can help manage these issues effectively and affordably. Here are my top 7 kitchen foods that can make a difference in your senior dog’s health.

1. ARTHRITIS AND OLIVE OIL

Arthritis is a common problem in older dogs. Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in supporting joint health, especially for those with mobility issues. Olive oil is an inexpensive and easily available source of omega-3s. Simply add one teaspoon per 20 pounds of your dog’s body weight daily by drizzling it over their food. This can help reduce inflammation and support your dog’s mobility.

2. SARDINES FOR ARTHRITIS AND MUSCLE SUPPORT

Sardines are another great source of omega-3 fatty acids and provide a high-quality source of animal protein. As dogs age, they lose muscle mass, and adding more protein to their diet can help maintain it. Sardines also have natural anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them ideal for dogs suffering from arthritis. I recommend feeding one sardine per 20 pounds of body weight daily.

3. DEAFNESS AND BANANAS

If your dog is starting to lose their hearing, consider adding bananas to their diet. Bananas are rich in potassium, which is important for nerve conduction in the inner ear. Keeping your senior dog safe is essential—use a leash when around cars and consider teaching them hand signals like “STOP" for better communication. Give ¼ of a banana per 20 pounds of body weight daily for 30 days to assess its effect on your dog’s hearing.

4. BLINDNESS AND CAROTENOIDS: KALE AND EGGS

Age-related changes in the lens, such as cataracts, are common in older dogs. Cataracts lead to inflammation, clouding the lens and reducing vision. To support eye health, two carotenoids—lutein and zeaxanthin—are very beneficial. These are found in abundance in kale and egg yolks. For eye support, give ¼ cup of steamed kale per 20 pounds of body weight daily or one cooked egg per 40 pounds of body weight. Use this for 60 days before evaluating its effects.

5. DENTAL DISEASE AND COCONUT OIL

Dental disease is a common issue for aging dogs, and coconut oil can be a useful aid. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties that can help reduce gingivitis, plaque, and tartar. To use it effectively, rub a small amount of coconut oil onto your dog’s gums, focusing on where the teeth meet the gumline. Apply it twice daily for 30 days to see improvement.

6. COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION: OLIVE OIL, SARDINES, COCONUT OIL, AND TURMERIC

Cognitive dysfunction, also known as “doggy Alzheimer’s," is another age-related problem. Increasing omega-3 fatty acids through olive oil and sardines can reduce inflammation in the brain, while kale provides beneficial flavonoids. Additionally, coconut oil contains MCTs, which provide ketones as an alternate source of energy for the brain, reducing inflammation and improving function. I suggest giving one teaspoon of coconut oil per 20 pounds of body weight daily.

Turmeric is another great addition, as it contains curcumin—a well-documented natural anti-inflammatory and painkiller. Give ¼ teaspoon of turmeric per 20 pounds of body weight daily, sprinkling it onto your dog’s food.

Supporting Your Aging Dog with Kitchen Foods

If you have an aging dog experiencing health issues like arthritis, deafness, dental disease, or cognitive dysfunction, consider using some of these everyday kitchen foods. Start with a small amount, gradually increasing to prevent digestive upset. Tula, for instance, is dealing with vision and dental issues, so I’ve added extra eggs and coconut oil to her diet.

Heal Your Pet At Home!

P.S. If you’re giving your dog treats, consider these healthy options as they can provide additional health benefits. Tula, for example, loves sardines!

P.P.S. The easiest way to start supporting your dog’s health is through a complete supplement that includes nutrients for joint support, immune boosting, curcumin, probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3s for cognitive and eye health. I haven’t found another supplement that offers all of these ingredients in beneficial amounts, but you can find them in my formula here:
Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Canine ADVANCED PLUS Health Formula