how to create a dog diet plan

How to create a dog diet plan for healthy older dogs. We all love and spoil our senior dogs with treats and table scraps more than we should, but now it is time that we make some changes to our dogs diet plan.

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How to Create a Dog Diet Plan for Older Dogs

A Senior Dog Weight Guide to Ease Joint Pain & Arthritis

If you’ve got an older dog who’s slowing down, stiff after naps, or struggling to get comfortable, you’re not alone.

I see it every day with my senior dog, Aussie. As he’s aged, I’ve learned something important the hard way:
Extra weight makes arthritis and joint pain much worse.

The good news?
A simple, smart dog diet plan can make a huge difference in your senior dog’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

Let’s walk through how to build a realistic diet plan for your older dog—one that supports a healthy weight and helps take pressure off aging joints.

Why Weight Management Is Critical for Older Dogs with Arthritis

As dogs age, their metabolism slows down—just like ours. They burn fewer calories, move less, and gain weight more easily.

That extra weight:

  • Increases pressure on hips, knees, and elbows
  • Worsens arthritis inflammation
  • Makes getting up, walking, and climbing harder
  • Can shorten lifespan

I noticed Aussie wasn’t jumping up as easily and took longer to stand after resting. He hadn’t changed much—except he’d gained a few extra pounds. Once we adjusted his diet, the difference was noticeable within weeks.

Healthy weight = less joint stress.

Step 1: Determine Your Senior Dog’s Ideal Weight

Before creating a diet plan, you need a realistic target.

Quick At-Home Weight Check

Your dog may be overweight if:

  • You can’t easily feel their ribs
  • There’s no visible waist when viewed from above
  • Their belly doesn’t tuck up from the side
  • They get tired faster on walks

Your vet can confirm an ideal weight range, but even small reductions—5–10% of body weight—can significantly reduce arthritis pain.

Step 2: Choose the Right Food for Older Dogs

Kibble or Canned—Which Is Better?

This is one of the most common questions I hear.

Kibble (Dry Food)

Pros:

  • Easier to measure portions
  • Lower cost
  • Often formulated for senior dogs
  • Helps maintain dental health

Cons:

  • Can be higher in carbs
  • Some brands lack moisture

Canned (Wet Food)

Pros:

  • Higher moisture (great for hydration)
  • Often more palatable for picky seniors
  • Easier to chew for dogs with dental issues

Cons:

  • Higher calories per serving
  • Easier to overfeed
  • More expensive

Best Option for Most Senior Dogs

A high-quality senior kibble, sometimes mixed with a small amount of canned food for flavor and moisture.

That’s what works best for Aussie—measured kibble with just a spoonful of canned food. Keeps him happy and keeps calories in check.

Step 3: Build a Simple Portion-Control Diet Plan

This is where most dog parents accidentally overfeed—especially with older dogs who give that look.

Senior Dog Portion Guide

Dog SizeTarget Calories/Day

Small (10–20 lbs)325–450

Medium (25–50 lbs)600–900

Large (55–80 lbs)1,000–1,300

Giant (85+ lbs)1,400–1,800

Split this into two meals per day to reduce hunger and begging.

When I reduced Aussie’s portions slightly—no drastic cuts—his weight slowly came down without crankiness or hunger meltdowns.

Step 4: Add Joint-Friendly Nutrition

Food isn’t just fuel—it’s support.

Look for Dog Foods With:

  • Glucosamine & chondroitin – joint support
  • Omega-3 fatty acids – reduce inflammation
  • High-quality protein – muscle maintenance
  • Lower fat – weight control

Are Joint Supplement Biscuits Okay?

Yes—with limits.

Joint chews or biscuits are fine if you count them as calories.
I give Aussie one joint supplement chew daily—and reduce his kibble slightly to compensate.

Balance matters.

Step 5: Smart Treat Rules for Older Dogs

Treats can quietly sabotage a diet plan.

Healthy, Low-Calorie Senior Dog Snacks

  • Baby carrots
  • Green beans (plain, steamed)
  • Apple slices (no seeds)
  • Blueberries
  • Small plain cooked chicken

Dealing With Begging & Table Scraps

Older dogs get craftier—trust me.

What helped with Aussie:

  • Feeding on a schedule
  • Ignoring begging (hard at first!)
  • Offering low-calorie veggies instead
  • Never feeding from the table

Table scraps = extra weight = more joint pain.
Not worth it.

Step 6: Gentle Activity Supports the Diet Plan

Diet works best with light, consistent movement:

  • Short walks
  • Slow sniffing walks
  • Light play sessions
  • Gentle stretching (vet-approved)

Once Aussie lost a little weight, he wanted to move more—which helped him lose more weight. It’s a positive cycle.

A Trusted Resource for Senior Dog Weight & Arthritis Help

For reliable, science-based advice, I recommend
The American Kennel Club (AKC)

They offer solid guidance without hype—and that matters when your dog’s comfort is on the line.

Aussie’s Corner

how to create a dog diet plan
Read More Guides & Tutorias From Aussie & Jeff

“Cutting my food a little didn’t ruin my life. I move better, nap better, and my joints don’t yell at me as much. Still love snack time though.”

Honestly? Same, Aussie.

Key Takeaways for Dog Parents

  • Extra weight worsens arthritis pain in older dogs
  • Small portion changes make a big difference
  • Senior-specific food matters
  • Treats and supplements count as calories
  • Consistency beats perfection
  • A healthy weight helps your dog stay comfortable longer

If your older dog is struggling with weight and joint pain, a thoughtful diet plan may be the most loving thing you can do.

Your dog doesn’t need less love—
They need smarter nutrition.

How to Create a Diet Plan for an Overweight Senior Dog with Arthritis

Step 1: Start with a simple plan

Before changing anything, you need a starting point.

Write down:

  • Your dog’s current weight (from a recent weigh-in or vet visit)
  • Body condition: can you feel ribs easily? is there a waist?
  • How many meals per day
  • Exactly what they eat (brand + formula)
  • All extras: treats, chews, table scraps, peanut butter, etc.

This matters because most “mystery weight gain” is really untracked calories.

Step 2: Confirm a safe target weight

For senior dogs with arthritis, your goal is slow, steady weight loss.

Best move: ask your vet for:

  • Ideal weight range
  • Daily calorie target (or a safe range)
  • Any restrictions (kidney issues, diabetes, prescription diets, etc.)

If you can’t get to the vet right away, use this rule:
Aim for 1–2% of body weight loss per week (gentle and joint-safe).

Step 3: Pick the right “weight + joint support” food

For older dogs with arthritis, the best food is the one that helps them:

  1. lose fat slowly
  2. keep muscle
  3. reduce inflammation

Look for a food with:

  • “Senior” or “Healthy Weight” formula
  • Higher protein (helps preserve muscle)
  • Moderate-to-low fat (easier weight loss)
  • Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for inflammation
  • Added glucosamine/chondroitin (bonus)

Kibble vs. canned?

  • Kibble is easiest for portion control.
  • Canned can help hydration and picky appetites.
    A great combo is measured kibble + a spoonful of canned for taste.

Step 4: Set your daily calorie budget

This is the part that makes the plan actually work.

If your vet gave you a number, use it.
If not, use a simple estimate based on size, then adjust as needed.

Typical senior weight-loss ranges (daily total):

  • Small dogs (10–20 lbs): 300–450 calories/day
  • Medium dogs (25–50 lbs): 600–900 calories/day
  • Large dogs (55–80 lbs): 900–1,300 calories/day
  • Giant dogs (85+ lbs): 1,300–1,800 calories/day

Arthritis note

Staying on the lower end often helps joints faster, but never slash too hard.

Step 5: Measure food like it’s medicine

This is where most plans fail.

Do this:

  • Use a measuring cup or (best) a kitchen scale
  • Check the bag/can for “calories per cup” or “calories per can”
  • Calculate the total daily amount that fits your calorie budget

Example:

  • Food is 350 calories per cup
  • Dog’s daily target is 700 calories
  • That’s 2 cups per day, split into meals

Measuring = consistency = progress.

Step 6: Split into 2–3 meals per day

Older dogs often feel hungrier on a diet, especially at first.

Best setup:

  • 2 meals/day (morning + evening)
    or
  • 3 small meals/day if begging is intense

This helps:

  • steady energy
  • less “I’m starving” drama
  • less treat pressure from you

Step 7: Treats get a budget too

Treats should be 10% or less of daily calories.

So if your dog eats 700 calories/day:

  • Treat calories should be 70 calories/day max

Low-calorie senior-friendly treats:

  • Baby carrots
  • Green beans
  • Cucumber slices
  • A few blueberries
  • Small plain chicken breast

Avoid especially for arthritis + weight

  • cheese chunks
  • fatty meats
  • lots of biscuit treats
  • table scraps

Step 8: Handle begging like a pro without guilt

Overweight senior dogs are often expert negotiators.

What works:

  • Feed at the same times daily
  • Use a slow feeder bowl (makes meals last longer)
  • Offer approved low-cal veggies as “bonus snacks”
  • Never feed from the table (even “just once” resets the habit)

If your dog pesters you
redirect to a chew toy
a short sniff walk
a measured low-cal snack

Step 9: Add joint supplements carefully

Joint supplements can help, but they don’t replace weight loss.

Helpful options to ask your vet about:

  • Omega-3 fish oil (EPA/DHA)
  • Glucosamine/chondroitin
  • Green-lipped mussel

Joint supplement biscuits/chews?
Yes — but:

  • They still have calories
  • Count them as part of the daily plan

Step 10: Add gentle movement that doesn’t inflame arthritis

Diet is the main driver of weight loss, but movement helps joints stay functional.

Good arthritis-friendly activity:

  • Short, slow walks (5–15 minutes)
  • Multiple mini-walks instead of one long one
  • Sniffing walks (low impact, mentally enriching)
  • Swimming/hydrotherapy (amazing if available)

Avoid:

  • long runs
  • jumping games
  • slippery floors (can cause injury)

Step 11: Track results weekly

Daily weight can bounce around. Weekly is cleaner.

Each week:

  • Weigh your dog (same day/time)
  • Watch energy + mobility
  • Note appetite and stool quality

If there’s no weight loss after 2–3 weeks:

  • Reduce daily food by 5–10%
  • Or cut treats more

Slow changes = safe changes.

Step 12: Re-check with your vet especially for seniors

If your older dog has arthritis and is overweight, a vet check-in is smart if:

  • weight isn’t changing
  • pain seems worse
  • appetite changes a lot
  • your dog seems weak or lethargic

Quick Senior Dog Diet Plan Template

Daily calorie target: ______
Meals per day: 2 / 3
Food amount per day: ______ cups or ______ grams
Treat budget per day (10% max): ______ calories
Approved treats: carrots / green beans / blueberries / chicken
Joint support: omega-3 / glucosamine (vet-approved)
Daily movement: ____ short walks + gentle play
Weekly weigh-in day: ______

Aussies Corner

how to create a dog diet plan
Read More Guides & Tutorias From Aussie & Jeff

About This Whole Cutting Back on Food Thing…

Hi. It’s me — Aussie.

I heard you wanted my opinion about fewer treats, smaller meals, and—brace yourself—no table scraps.

I won’t lie.
At first? I was not impressed.

I did a lot of staring.
Some sighing.
I even tried the old “I’m wasting away” routine.
(It worked… for about two days.)

The Hard Part

Here’s what stung the most:

  • Fewer snacks between meals
  • Treats getting measured
  • Zero table scraps — not even “just a bite”

I thought this was clearly a mistake.

The Part No One Warned Me About

Something strange happened after a few weeks.

  • Getting up didn’t hurt as much
  • My joints complained less
  • Walks felt easier
  • I wasn’t as stiff after naps
  • I had more energy to follow you around again

Turns out… those extra pounds were bossing my joints around.

About Table Scraps & Yes, I Still Think About Them

Do I want table scraps?
Absolutely.

Do I feel better without them?
Also yes.

Turns out greasy people food wasn’t helping my hips, my knees, or my belly — even though it smelled amazing.

Now I get:

  • crunchy carrots
  • green beans
  • the occasional apple slice
  • and one joint supplement chew

My Honest Take

I didn’t need more food.
I needed less pain.

Cutting back didn’t take away my joy —
It gave me better days.

So if your dog gives you that look when the treats slow down, remember:
We don’t understand calories…
But we do understand comfort.

Thanks for helping me feel better.
I’ll forgive you. Eventually.

Aussie Answers Reader Questions

Real Talk From a Senior Dog Who’s Been on a Diet

Q: Aussie, are you starving now that your food got cut back?

A:
I thought I was. I really did.

But it turns out I was just used to eating more than I needed. Once my meals got split up and my snacks got smarter, I stopped feeling frantic about food. Also… green beans are surprisingly filling.

Still checking the bowl, though. Just in case.

Q: What do you miss the most since the diet started?

A:
Table scraps. No contest.

I miss the hope.
The eye contact.
The moment when something “accidentally” fell.

But my joints don’t miss them at all — and they’re louder than my stomach these days.

Q: Did cutting treats make you grumpy?

A:
At first?
Yes.

There were sighs. There was dramatic lying down. Possibly a protest nap.

Then I started moving better, and suddenly I cared more about walks than snacks. That surprised all of us.

Q: Do joint supplements actually help?

A:
I can’t read labels, but I can feel the difference.

Between less weight and my daily joint chew, my legs don’t complain as much when I get up. That’s a win in my book — especially after long naps which I still take very seriously.

Q: What’s your favorite “diet-approved” snack?

A:
Carrots — crunchy and loud.
Green beans — weirdly satisfying.
A small piece of chicken — still the champion.

Just don’t call them treats out loud unless you mean it.

Q: How do you feel about measured meals?

A:
I had concerns.

But once the scoop stopped changing sizes (very suspicious before), things felt fair. Same time every day. Same bowl. Less confusion.

Consistency makes a dog relax.

Q: Did losing weight really help your arthritis?

A:
Yes. And I wish I could’ve told you sooner.

Less weight means:

  • less pressure on my hips
  • easier mornings
  • longer walks
  • fewer grunts getting up

I still have arthritis — but it doesn’t run the show anymore.

Q: Any advice for other senior dogs on a diet?

A:
Be patient with your humans.

They’re not being mean — they’re trying to help you feel better.
And if you get carrots and fewer aches, that’s not a bad deal.

Q: Any advice for the humans reading this?

A:
If your dog looks betrayed at first, that’s normal.

Stick with it.
Watch how they move.
Watch how they rest.

You’re not taking something away —
You’re giving them more comfortable days.

And maybe… just maybe…
an extra cuddle.

— Aussie

A Healthier Dog Means Happier Golden Years

Helping your older dog reach a healthier weight isn’t about strict rules or taking joy away — it’s about giving them better days.

When extra pounds come off, pressure comes off tired joints.
When joints hurt less, movement feels easier.
And when movement feels easier, your dog gets more out of every walk, every nap, and every moment with you.

Jeff & Aussies Experience

I’ve seen it firsthand with Aussie. Cutting back on food and treats felt hard at first, but watching him move more comfortably, rest easier, and enjoy life again made every adjustment worth it. The sparkle didn’t disappear — it came back.

Your senior dog doesn’t need perfection.
They need consistency, patience, and love.

Easy Simple Plan

Small changes — measured meals, smarter treats, gentle movement — add up to big improvements in comfort and quality of life. And those improvements can mean more tail wags, more curiosity, and more time together.

If you’re on the fence, start slow. Stick with it. Watch how your dog responds.

Because a healthier older dog isn’t just lighter on the scale —
they’re lighter in their steps, calmer in their rest, and happier in their golden years.

Thank you for reading ” How to Create a Dog Diet Plan”,

Jeff/ Dawg Solutions

 

 

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2 thoughts on “How To Create A Dog Diet Plan For Healthy Older Dog”

  1. Your article on creating a dog diet plan for a healthy older dog is really thorough. I have a younger schnoodle and I like some of your tips even for him.  How have you seen different diet changes actually impact an older dog’s quality of life? Overall, it’s a compassionate, helpful guide that any dog parent would appreciate!

    Reply

    1. Hello Lori

      Aussie my dog used to be lazy with low energy due to his diet of too many treats and people food, once I was able to stick to a healthier diet he started acting so much younger again.

      Jeff

      Reply

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