Noticing your senior dog slowing down on walks or sleeping more than usual? It’s a natural part of ageing — but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it. In fact, what goes into their bowl could make all the difference. 

The right food for senior dogs can help joint health, boost energy, support digestion and even bring back that healthy coat shine. From antioxidant-rich blueberries to joint-supporting turmeric and gut-friendly mushrooms, real food is a gentle yet powerful way to support your ageing dog’s health — and you don’t need to overhaul everything overnight to see the benefits. 

Let’s explore some key ingredients that can help your older pup feel like themselves again — and how to introduce them safely, one bowl at a time.

Probiotics: support from the inside out 

As dogs mature, their gut microbiome can change, and not always in a good way. A diverse gut microbiome means better digestion and stronger defences against inflammation, chronic disease and gut issues like leaky gut syndrome. Probiotics give those beneficial gut microorganisms a boost — supporting your dog’s digestion, immunity and even mood. 

Try this: Lyka’s Go To Gut Helper is a probiotic supplement to enhance the intestinal health and wellbeing of your dog.  

Prebiotics: real food for good digestion 

Prebiotics are the fuel for your dog’s gut bacteria — dietary fibre that helps reduce inflammation and support long-term health. 

Here are a few prebiotic-rich ingredients to look for: 

Mushrooms 

Not just brain food, mushrooms also support liver, heart, bladder and digestive health. You’ll find button mushrooms in Lyka’s Kangaroo Bowl and Shiitake mushroom powder in the Chicken Bowl. 

These low-fat fungi are packed with antioxidants, protein and vitamin D — all important for your senior dog’s joints, muscles and mobility. 

Wild mushrooms can be extremely toxic. If your dog has eaten one, call your vet straight away. 

Read more: Can dogs eat mushrooms? It depends: find out which kinds are best 
Read more: Shiitake mushroom: an immunity booster for your dog 

Broccoli 

Offering a long list of health benefits, this cruciferous vegetable is full of key nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene. Not forgetting broccoli is a rich source of insoluble fibre to promote a diverse microbiome and smooth digestion.  

You’ll find broccoli in our Beef, Lamb, and Turkey bowls. 

Read more: Can dogs eat broccoli? Yes! Here are the top health benefits 

Carrots 

Rich in insoluble fibre for healthy digestion, and packed with vitamin A and beta-carotene, carrots are a nutritional powerhouse. You can give your pup a raw carrot to chomp on (great for their teeth) or add cooked and unseasoned carrots to their bowl. Some dog parents use this tasty veg as a healthy treat at the dog park. 

We include carrots as an essential ingredient in our Chicken, Beef, Turkey, and Hypoallergenic Pro meals.  

Read more: Carrots: full of crunch and nutritious punch 

Antioxidants: for ageing well 

Oxidative stress happens when there's an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your dog’s body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins and even DNA. While they’re a natural byproduct of normal bodily functions (like metabolism or fighting off illness), too many of them can lead to inflammation and can speed up ageing. 

This is where antioxidants come in. They help neutralise free radicals to keep oxidative stress in check — supporting everything from your dog’s immune system to their brain health and mobility. 

In older dogs, oxidative stress can build up over time, contributing to issues like joint stiffness, cognitive decline, and even chronic disease. That’s why real food ingredients rich in antioxidants can make a big difference. They help protect your dog’s cells and support healthy ageing from the inside out. 

Blueberries 

Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that gives them their deep purple-blue colour. These compounds are potent antioxidants that help protect cells from damage, support brain health and reduce inflammation — especially important for ageing dogs. 

You’ll find blueberries in our Lamb Bowl.  

Read more: Can dogs eat blueberries? Yes! Here are the top benefits 

Kale  

Kale contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, and polyphenols, all of which help mop up excess free radicals in the body. It’s also high in fibre and supports overall immune function — making it an excellent dietary addition for senior pups. 

If you want to add kale to your dog’s diet, make sure it’s cooked. Raw kale contains oxalic acid that can reduce the absorption of minerals like calcium. We add chopped and cooked kale to our Beef and Kangaroo meals.  

Read more: Kale a nutritious superfood for your dog 

Turmeric 

This bright orange spice is celebrated for its active compound curcumin, which has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help support joint health, reduce stiffness, and protect against the cellular damage that builds with age. 

Look for turmeric in our Turkey bowl, chosen for its many health benefits for dogs, including pups in their golden years.  

Read more: Turmeric: a super spice for your dog 

Spinach 

Spinach brings a mix of vitamin E, vitamin C, and lutein, all of which act as antioxidants. It also contains chlorophyll, which supports detoxification and immune health. 

Like kale, spinach should be chopped and cooked to neutralise oxalic acid. These nutritious leafy greens are added to our Chicken, Lamb, and Turkey bowls. 

Read more: Can dogs eat spinach? Yes! Here are the top health benefits 

Omega-3 fatty acids: anti-inflammatory ingredients 

Ageing dogs often face increased inflammation — from achy joints to lowered immunity. Omega-3s, like EPA and DHA, are nature’s remedy, helping reduce inflammation, protect brain function and support joints.  

Look for these omega-3-rich real food ingredients: 

Green-lipped mussels 

Mussels are a tasty, bioavailable source of omega-3s and chondroitin sulfate – ideal for senior dogs with stiff and painful joints.  

You’ll find them in Lyka Joint Supplement and Mussel Munchies treats – made from 100% air-dried New Zealand wild-harvested Green-lipped mussels.  

Sardines 

Fatty fish, like sardines or mackerel, are chock-full of omega-3. You can feed them fresh, tinned or air-dried — just make sure they’re wild-harvested and free from added oil, salt or seasoning. 

Lyka Sardine Snaps are whole air-dried sardines that are great as a snack, treat, or crumbled onto your pup’s food as a delicious topper. They’re also a key ingredient in our Beef bowl.  

Read more: Can dogs eat sardines? Yes! Here are the top health benefits 

Fish oil  

Fish oil is rich in DHA and EPA — omega-3 fatty acids that support brain health, memory, and a resilient immune system in older dogs. It also helps to promote joint mobility – helpful for older dogs with arthritis or stiff joints.  

Lyka adds fish oil to their core meal line-up: Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Kangaroo, and Turkey Bowls. 

Read more: The benefits of adding fish oil to dog food 

Flaxseed oil 

Gentle and effective, this plant-based oil has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its omega-3 content. This ingredient can help with your dog’s overall wellbeing. 
 
Flaxseed oil is added to Lyka Chicken, Beef, Turkey, and Kangaroo bowls. 

Other natural nutritional boosts for your senior dog 

Burdock root – A natural powerhouse packed with antioxidant properties. Found in Lyka Skin Supplement. Studies¹ have shown that this supplement may enhance cell repair and pathways crucial for wound healing.  

Vitamin E – Key for healthy skin, muscles, liver, heart, and immune system. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and helps to protect against cellular damage. Found in every Lyka meal. 

Pomegranate peel extract – A rich source of polyphenols with a serious antioxidant punch. Found in Lyka Joint Supplement. 

Boswellia Serrata (aka Frankincense) - A botanical that supports joints and digestion while also feeding the gut. This study² found that Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract showed reduced clinical signs of canine inflammatory joint and spinal disease such as lameness, pain, and stiff gait over 6 weeks. Found in Lyka Joint Supplement. 

Feeding tips for senior dogs: how to support healthy ageing at mealtimes 

The nutritional needs of dogs shift as they enter their golden years, when mealtimes become less about the normal routine and more about strategy. Supporting their health with the right feeding habits can help maintain energy, mobility and a healthy weight well into their older years. 

1. Start slow when introducing new ingredients 

Older dogs can be more sensitive to dietary changes, especially when it comes to digestion. When introducing real food ingredients like turmeric, spinach or kale, start with small amounts and gradually build up over a few days. Monitor your dog’s stools and behaviour, and if in doubt, speak with your vet or a qualified pet nutritionist. 

2. Focus on calorie control to manage weight 

Senior dogs tend to move less, which means they burn fewer calories. Overfeeding — even slightly — can quickly lead to weight gain, putting extra pressure on joints and organs.  

Opt for nutrient-dense meals with moderate calorie content and avoid high-fat extras unless recommended by your vet. If you're using treats for enrichment or training, be sure to factor them into your dog’s daily intake. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily intake. 

3. Adjust meal size and frequency 

Some older dogs benefit from eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, especially if they’re dealing with digestive issues or have a lower appetite. Splitting their daily intake into two or three meals can make digestion easier and help keep energy levels stable. If your dog is underweight or has a condition that affects appetite, working with your vet to adjust meal timing can make a big difference. 

4. Prioritise hydration 

Ageing dogs can be more prone to dehydration, particularly if they’re on dry food or dealing with kidney issues. Offering fresh water throughout the day is key. You can also increase hydration by incorporating gently cooked meals that have a significantly higher water content than kibble, or by adding warm water or low-sodium bone broth to their food. Another option would be to incorporate water-rich ingredients like zucchini or cucumber into their meals.  

Lyka meals: real food that supports real ageing 

Lyka’s range of gently cooked meals is designed to support dogs at every stage of life, including their golden years. Each bowl is filled with real food ingredients chosen for their role in supporting joints, energy, digestion and immunity — crucial areas of health for your mature dog. 

Across Australia, thousands of senior dogs are thriving on Lyka. See the difference real food makes for yourself.  

References: 

¹Effect of Arctium lappa (burdock) extract on canine dermal fibroblast 

²Dietary support with Boswellia resin in canine inflammatory joint and spinal disease