Last Updated: 04/06/2025
Top 5 Benefits of Switching to a Senior Dog Food
Learn how you can improve your senior dog's health, longevity and quality of life simply by switching them over to a senior dog food
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 15 minutes - medium read
This article is written by Pet Circle Veterinarian Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc in partnership with Black Hawk.
As pets enter their golden years, their needs change in many ways, including their nutritional requirements. Just like humans, older dogs benefit from a diet that supports their ageing bodies, promotes overall health, and helps them maintain a good quality of life.
Age-related changes may have a negative impact on the quality of life of some senior pets. Common conditions seen in older dogs include mobility issues or arthritis, weight gain, sensitive digestion, and cognitive decline.
Diets specifically formulated for mature pets are designed to help support and manage these changes while optimising their health and well-being.
Black Hawk Original Mature Chicken And Rice Dry Dog Food
Black Hawk Original Mature Chicken and Rice Dry dog food is a balanced formula made with Australian chicken, added prebiotics to support diegestive health, antioxidants for a strong immune system and green-lipped mussels to nourish the joints.
These ingredients work together to support the health and vitality of senior dogs aged 7+
Black Hawk Original Mature Lamb And Rice Dry Dog Food
Black Hawk Original Mature Lamb and Rice Dry Dog food is a balanced formula made with grass-fed Ausralian lamb, prebiotic fibre for healthy digestion, antioxidants to support overall health and immunity and added fish oil to support healthy joints and a shiny coat.
These ingredients work together to support the health and vitality of senior dogs aged 7+
So what are the top benefits of switching your dog to a senior food?
1. Supports joint health and mobility
As dogs mature, they can develop joint stiffness and reduced mobility as a result of the natural ageing process. Many senior pets go on to develop arthritis and can suffer from considerable pain and discomfort.
Senior dog foods are often formulated to support joint health, with the addition of special nutrients for healthy cartilage growth, and specific fatty acids with natural anti-inflammatory properties to reduce the discomfort of arthritis.
Black Hawk Original Mature Lamb & Rice dry food has the addition of fish oil which is high in omega 3 fatty acids, Green Lipped Mussel, a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine to support senior pets.
These additions can help improve a senior dog's overall quality of life, encouraging them to stay active and enjoy their favourite activities such as walks, playtime, and social interactions.
2. Helps to maintain optimal weight
As dogs age, their metabolism changes and activity tends to slow, making it easier for them to gain weight. Excess weight can put additional strain on their joints and predispose them to other health issues.
Senior dog foods are formulated with the optimal balance of calories and nutrients (particularly protein) and tailored feeding guides to help them maintain a healthy weight. This important balance supports muscle maintenance, energy levels, and overall well-being, allowing senior dogs to stay fit and active, without compromising on the vital nutrients necessary for their long-term health.
Black Hawk Original Mature Diets are supplemented with L-carnitine, an essential amino acid which helps aid fat metabolism while maintaining and promoting lean muscle mass.
3. Supports digestive health
Senior dogs' digestive systems may not be as efficient as they once were, due to a slower metabolism, physiological changes and overall reduced gastrointestinal efficiency.
Senior dog foods should always contain easily digestible ingredients, a blend of fibre, and pre and probiotics to promote healthy digestion.
Black Hawk Mature Chicken & Rice dry food is made from highly digestible proteins to enable the absorption of essential nutrients effectively. Additionally, chicory root (a natural prebiotic) supports a healthy gut microbiome by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria. Together with live probiotics, these components help total gut health, keeping senior dogs comfortable and happy.
4. Boosts immunity and natural defences
As dogs age their immune systems can weaken, making them more vulnerable to illness and infections.
Senior diets can be enriched with antioxidants like vitamins E and C, which are crucial for supporting a strong immune system. These antioxidants help neutralise free radicals-unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage and accelerate the ageing process. Black Hawk Original Mature Diets contain blueberries and cranberries, a natural and potent source of antioxidants.
By reducing oxidative stress (the free radical damage), senior diets can not only enhance overall immunity but also contribute to healthier ageing, helping senior dogs stay resilient and better equipped to fight off diseases and maintain optimal health.
5. Supports cognitive function
Cognitive decline is common in senior dogs, but the right diet can even help support brain health.
Senior dog foods, such as Black Hawk Mature Original Lamb & Rice contain antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids which have shown some promising effects when it comes to cognitive function.
This is all the more important when facing age-related mental decline. These additions - along with an active, enriching lifestyle - aim to help mature dogs to stay sharp and alert well into their senior years.
Switching to a Senior dog food can give your maturing furry friend the best chance at a long, healthy, and happy life. It's never too late to make the change that supports their ageing needs!
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Mon 13th May 2025
Edited by Dr Olivia Clarke BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian)Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.
