Are there advantages to feeding a senior-formula diet?

Question

For years I bought Kirkland Select (Costco) brand which was an all-life stages food, and that made sense when I was feeding 3 dogs and using over 6 cups per day.

Now I have just one small(ish) dog who eats a scant one cup per day, and don't see the need to buy that huge bag.  I'd like to switch him to an equivalent feed, but should I choose a formula especially for senior dogs?  He's 11 years old (best guess, I don't really know, he's a rescue and I've had him for 9 years) -- and in great health.  Are there any specific advantages to a senior feed as compared to an all-life stages formula?  Any suggestions for a new brand are greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

CDog · Accepted Answer

Senior food has fewer calories, which is often good because older dogs don't exercise as much. Something like Taste of the Wild would be comparable, and it comes in smaller sizes.

? · Answer

I have never subscribed to all these breed-specific or age-specific (other than puppy food of course) diets.   When mine are mature, they go to a good quality adult food, low in protein etc., and just fed less if their weight required it.   It would of course, depend on the individual health of the senior dog who may need a specific diet, for medical reasons.   Otherwise mine have always been fed a decent maintenance diet to the end of their long! lives.

Are there advantages to feeding a senior-formula diet?

2 Answers