Best Foods for Senior Dogs: 7 Kitchen Foods That May Help
What Should You Feed a Senior Dog?
If your older dog is having trouble moving, seeing, hearing, chewing, or acting like themselves, food can make a real difference.
Senior dogs commonly deal with arthritis, blindness, deafness, dental disease, and cognitive dysfunction. I saw many of these changes in Tula as she aged.
The good news is that you likely already have helpful foods in your kitchen.
Some of my favorite senior dog foods include:
- Olive oil
- Sardines
- Banana
- Kale
- Eggs
- Coconut oil
- Turmeric
These foods are inexpensive, easy to find, and may help support mobility, eye health, hearing, dental disease, and brain function.
And if you want something easier, Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Advanced Plus Health Formula includes ingredients for arthritis, dental disease, cognitive function, immune support, probiotics, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and eye health.
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Advanced Plus Health Formula
Why Do Senior Dogs Need Extra Nutritional Support?
Older dogs often develop several changes at once.
You may notice:
- Difficulty moving
- Stiffness
- Trouble getting up
- Hearing changes
- Vision changes
- Bad breath
- Dental disease
- Acting differently
- Confusion
- Lower energy
- Muscle loss
Tula was 13, and she had many of these senior dog issues.
This is normal aging, but that does not mean we ignore it.
Your dog’s body needs more targeted support as they get older. The right foods can help provide anti-inflammatory nutrients, healthy fats, antioxidants, protein, carotenoids, potassium, and brain-supportive compounds.
1. Olive Oil for Senior Dog Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the biggest problems I see in older dogs.
If your senior dog is stiff, slower getting up, or having mobility issues, one thing I would consider is adding omega-3 fatty acids.
A simple, inexpensive option is olive oil.
Olive oil is a source of healthy fats and may help dogs with mobility issues.
Olive Oil Dose for Dogs
Give:
- 1 teaspoon per 20 lbs of body weight daily
- Drizzle it over your dog’s food
Best For
Olive oil may be helpful for senior dogs with:
- Arthritis
- Stiffness
- Mobility issues
- Cognitive support when used as part of a brain-supportive diet
Start slow, especially if your dog is not used to added oils.
No one wants “senior dog diarrhea” added to the family calendar.
2. Sardines for Arthritis, Protein, and Muscle Mass
Sardines are one of my favorite inexpensive senior dog foods.
They provide:
- Essential fatty acids
- Animal protein
- Natural anti-inflammatory support
As dogs age, they often lose muscle mass. Adding quality animal protein can help support muscle, strength, and mobility.
Sardines give you two big benefits in one small fish:
- Anti-inflammatory fats
- Quality protein
Tula really liked sardines, which made this one easy.
Sardine Dose for Dogs
Give:
- 1 sardine per 20 lbs of body weight daily
Best For
Sardines may help senior dogs with:
- Arthritis
- Muscle loss
- Mobility issues
- Inflammation
- Need for added quality protein
3. Banana for Senior Dog Hearing Support
If your dog is starting to lose hearing, safety comes first.
Make sure your dog is safe outside.
Keep your dog on a leash around cars, and consider teaching hand signals, such as holding your hand up for “stop.”
Nutrition may also help.
An important nutrient for hearing is potassium. Potassium helps nerve conduction in the inner ear.
Banana is a good source of potassium. It is easy to find, inexpensive, and safe as a treat for most dogs.
Banana Dose for Dogs
Give:
- 1/4 banana per 20 lbs daily
- Try for 30 days
- Then assess if it helps your dog
Best For
Banana may be useful for senior dogs with:
- Early hearing changes
- Need for potassium support
- Dogs learning hand-signal training
4. Kale for Senior Dog Eye Health
Age-related changes in the lens of the eye, sometimes called senile cataracts, are common in older dogs.
Tula had this age-related change in her right eye.
With cataracts, inflammatory cells can make the lens cloudy. This means light does not pass through to the back of the eye as well.
Two important carotenoids for eye health are:
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
Kale is one of the kitchen foods that contains high amounts of these eye-supportive carotenoids.
Kale Dose for Dogs
Give:
- 1/4 cup steamed kale per 20 lbs daily
- Try for 60 days before assessing results
Best For
Kale may help senior dogs with:
- Age-related eye changes
- Cataract support
- Eye health
- Cognitive support through flavonoids
- Brain inflammation support
Steaming the kale makes it easier to digest.
5. Eggs for Senior Dog Eye Health
Egg yolks are another source of lutein and zeaxanthin.
These carotenoids are important for eye health.
Eggs are also an easy food to add for many dogs, and most dogs are very much in favor of this idea.
Egg Dose for Dogs
Give:
- 1 cooked egg per 40 lbs daily
- Try for 60 days before assessing results
Best For
Eggs may help senior dogs with:
- Eye health
- Age-related lens changes
- Cataract support
- Need for extra whole-food nutrients
Use cooked eggs, not raw, based on the pasted recommendation.
6. Coconut Oil for Dental Disease
Bad breath and dental disease are very common in senior dogs.
Coconut oil can be used topically on the gums.
It has antibacterial properties and has been studied and documented as beneficial for dental disease, especially gingivitis.
Less bacterial inflammation may mean less plaque and less tartar.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Dog Teeth and Gums
Use coconut oil topically:
- Rub it onto the gums
- Focus on the area where the teeth meet the gumline
- Use twice daily
- Continue for 30 days
Best For
Coconut oil may help senior dogs with:
- Bad breath
- Gingivitis
- Gum inflammation
- Plaque
- Tartar support
- Dental disease
7. Coconut Oil for Cognitive Dysfunction
Cognitive dysfunction is the dog version of “doggy Alzheimer’s.”
It happens as the brain ages.
You may notice your senior dog:
- Acting confused
- Seeming less aware
- Changing behavior
- Pacing
- Acting differently than normal
Coconut oil contains MCT oil.
MCT oil has been studied and shown to be beneficial for brain function because it provides an alternate energy source for the brain.
Instead of relying only on sugar or glucose, the brain can use ketones as energy.
When that happens, there may be less brain inflammation.
In some animals, this may improve brain function and even reverse some signs.
Coconut Oil Dose for Cognitive Support
Give:
- 1 teaspoon per 20 lbs daily
Best For
Coconut oil may help senior dogs with:
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Brain aging
- Behavior changes linked to aging
- Brain inflammation support
- Dental disease when used topically
8. Turmeric for Arthritis and Cognitive Dysfunction
Turmeric contains curcumin.
Curcumin, especially 95% curcumin, has been well documented as beneficial for dogs with arthritis and cognitive dysfunction.
It is a natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relief option.
For a simple kitchen version, small amounts of turmeric can be sprinkled onto your dog’s food.
Turmeric Dose for Dogs
Give:
- 1/4 teaspoon per 20 lbs daily
- Sprinkle it onto your dog’s food
Best For
Turmeric may help senior dogs with:
- Arthritis
- Inflammation
- Pain support
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Brain inflammation support
Senior Dog Kitchen Food Dosage Table
| Food | Dose | How Long to Try | Main Benefit |
| Olive oil | 1 teaspoon per 20 lbs daily | Ongoing if tolerated | Arthritis, mobility, healthy fats |
| Sardines | 1 sardine per 20 lbs daily | Ongoing if tolerated | Arthritis, protein, muscle support |
| Banana | 1/4 banana per 20 lbs daily | 30 days | Hearing support |
| Steamed kale | 1/4 cup per 20 lbs daily | 60 days | Eye health, brain inflammation support |
| Cooked egg | 1 egg per 40 lbs daily | 60 days | Eye health |
| Coconut oil on gums | Rub onto gums twice daily | 30 days | Dental disease, gingivitis |
| Coconut oil in food | 1 teaspoon per 20 lbs daily | Ongoing if tolerated | Cognitive dysfunction |
| Turmeric | 1/4 teaspoon per 20 lbs daily | Ongoing if tolerated | Arthritis and cognitive support |
What Should You Start With First?
Start with the most important problem affecting your dog.
If your dog’s biggest issue is arthritis, I would begin with:
- Olive oil
- Sardines
- Turmeric
If your dog’s biggest issue is eye health, I would focus on:
- Kale
- Eggs
If your dog’s biggest issue is dental disease, I would start with:
- Coconut oil rubbed onto the gums
If your dog’s biggest issue is cognitive dysfunction, I would consider:
- Coconut oil
- Sardines
- Olive oil
- Kale
- Turmeric
Do not add everything at once.
Start slow.
Add one food at a time, in a small amount, and make sure there is no digestive upset.
What I Am Using for Tula
Tula’s primary problems now are her eyesight and dental disease.
So I am adding:
- Additional eggs
- Coconut oil
She also liked sardines, which makes them a good healthy treat option.
I also have an older picture of Tula and our neighbor’s dog Pippy eating from our kitchen table.
I am not sure if that says more about senior dogs or the senior person who let them do it.
Either way, they seemed pleased with the arrangement.
What About a Complete Senior Dog Supplement?
If you want an easier option, consider Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Advanced Plus Health Formula.
This supplement is designed for aging dogs and includes ingredients for:
- Joint support
- Immune support
- 95% curcumin
- Increased probiotics
- Antioxidants
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Cognitive health
- Eye health
- Dental disease support
- Arthritis support
I have yet to see a dog supplement anywhere that includes all the ingredients in our supplement at levels meant to actually be beneficial.
Quick Guide: Best Kitchen Foods for Senior Dogs
| Senior Dog Concern | Kitchen Food | Suggested Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arthritis and mobility | Olive oil | 1 teaspoon per 20 lbs daily |
| Arthritis, muscle loss, inflammation | Sardines | 1 sardine per 20 lbs daily |
| Hearing support | Banana | 1/4 banana per 20 lbs daily for 30 days |
| Eye health | Steamed kale | 1/4 cup per 20 lbs daily for 60 days |
| Eye health | Cooked egg | 1 cooked egg per 40 lbs daily for 60 days |
| Dental disease | Coconut oil | Rub on gums twice daily for 30 days |
| Cognitive dysfunction | Coconut oil | 1 teaspoon per 20 lbs daily |
| Arthritis and cognitive dysfunction | Turmeric | 1/4 teaspoon per 20 lbs daily |
Step-by-Step Senior Dog Food Plan
Step 1: Pick the Main Problem
Ask yourself what is affecting your dog most:
- Arthritis?
- Eyes?
- Hearing?
- Teeth?
- Brain changes?
Step 2: Choose the Food That Matches the Problem
Use the chart above to choose the best food.
Step 3: Start Small
Give a small amount first.
Do not start all seven foods on the same day.
Your dog’s gut may file a complaint.
Step 4: Watch for Digestive Upset
Monitor for:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Reduced appetite
- Loose stool
Step 5: Give It Enough Time
Some foods need time.
Banana for hearing support: try for 30 days.
Kale and eggs for eye health: try for 60 days.
Step 6: Consider a Complete Supplement
If you want an easier all-in-one option, consider Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Advanced Plus Health Formula.
Final Thoughts
Senior dogs need targeted support.
Mobility issues, vision changes, hearing loss, dental disease, and cognitive dysfunction are common, but there are simple foods that may help.
Olive oil and sardines may help mobility and inflammation.
Banana provides potassium for hearing support.
Kale and eggs provide lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health.
Coconut oil can support the gums and brain.
Turmeric offers natural anti-inflammatory support.
Start slow. Match the food to the problem. Watch your dog’s response.
And remember, sometimes the best senior dog support is already sitting in your kitchen.
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P.S. If you are feeding your dog treats, consider using healthy treats that also provide benefits.
Tula really liked sardines.
And if your senior dog is anything like Tula, they may be very willing to accept “treatment” when it smells like fish.
P.P.S. The easiest way to begin helping your senior dog is with a complete supplement that includes nutrients for joint support, immune support, 95% curcumin, increased probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids for cognitive and eye health.
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Advanced Plus Health Formula includes ingredients for arthritis, dental disease, cognitive function, immune support, probiotics, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and eye health.
If you have yet to try it, I encourage you to do so here:
