Senior Dog Treats: What Changes as Your Dog Ages

An older dog does not stop wanting treats, but what makes a good treat for them often changes quietly over the years without owners fully noticing until a favourite biscuit suddenly gets left in the bowl.

What changes with age

Teeth wear down, jaws tire more easily, and metabolism slows, meaning the same treat that was fine at three years old can be harder to manage and easier to overfeed at ten. Lower activity levels also mean calories matter more than they used to, even if the treat itself has not changed.

Choosing treats for an older dog

Softer, single-ingredient treats like Pawhawk Steak are easier on ageing teeth and gums than hard, dense biscuits. Canine Cluck works well as a lighter option for dogs who need to watch their weight but still deserve the occasional reward.

• Break treats into smaller pieces if chewing seems slower or more effortful
• Watch total treat calories more closely as activity levels drop
• Keep offering treats, familiar rewards support wellbeing at every age

Making the switch gradually

There is no need to abandon everything a senior dog has always loved. The Dog Treats Selection pack is a gentle way to see which of our natural treats suits an older dog best, without a big change all at once. Explore the full range to find the right fit.