Watching your dog enter their golden years is bittersweet. They've given you years of loyalty, joy, and unconditional love, and now it's your turn to give back by supporting their changing needs. One of the most impactful ways to do that? Making sure their nutrition evolves right along with them.

Senior dogs face unique challenges, from slowing metabolisms to achy joints, and their food should reflect that reality. Generic kibble just doesn't cut it anymore. What they need is nutrition that's customized, gentle on digestion, and perfectly portioned to keep them healthy without adding extra pounds.

That's where Mills Daily Packs come in, designed to adapt to your dog's life stage, activity level, and individual needs, so your senior pup can keep living their best life, one pack at a time.

Why Senior Dogs Need Special Consideration

As dogs age, their bodies go through significant changes that directly impact how they process food and maintain health:

Slower Metabolism
Older dogs burn fewer calories, which means they're at higher risk for weight gain, even if you're feeding them the same amount as before. Excess weight puts stress on joints, organs, and overall mobility.

Digestive Sensitivity
Senior dogs often develop more sensitive stomachs. Foods that were once fine may now cause gas, loose stools, or discomfort. They need highly digestible, gentle ingredients to keep their gut happy.

Muscle Loss
Without adequate protein, aging dogs lose muscle mass, leading to weakness and reduced mobility. High-quality protein helps them stay strong and active longer.

Joint Stiffness and Mobility Issues
Arthritis and joint pain are common in older dogs. Nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health and help keep them moving comfortably.

Immune System Decline
As dogs age, their immune systems weaken, making them more susceptible to infections and illness. Antioxidants and quality nutrition play a key role in keeping them resilient.

Bottom line? Your senior dog isn't just an older version of their younger self. They need a feeding strategy that adapts to where they are now.

Key Nutritional Needs for Senior Dogs

So what does senior dog nutrition actually look like? Here's what your aging pup needs to thrive:

1. Calorie Control to Prevent Weight Gain

With a slower metabolism, senior dogs need fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. Overfeeding, even by a little, can lead to obesity, which worsens joint pain and puts strain on the heart and organs. Portion control is everything.

2. High-Quality Protein to Maintain Muscle Mass

Older dogs still need plenty of protein, but it should come from real, digestible sources like chicken, turkey, or salmon. Quality protein helps preserve lean muscle and keeps them strong, even as their activity decreases.

3. Gentle Digestibility and Extra Moisture

Senior dogs benefit from food that's easy to digest and gentle on the stomach. Ingredients like prebiotics and probiotics support gut health, while added moisture helps with hydration and digestion, especially important for dogs who don't drink enough water.

4. Joint Support with Glucosamine and Chondroitin

These nutrients help protect cartilage, reduce inflammation, and support mobility. If your senior dog is slowing down on walks or struggling with stairs, joint-supporting nutrition can make a real difference.

5. Immune Support and Skin & Coat Health

Antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and chelated minerals help boost the immune system and keep skin and coat healthy. A shiny coat isn't just about looks. It's a sign of overall wellness.

How Mills Daily Packs Supports Senior Dogs

Mills Daily Packs were built with one idea in mind: every dog is different, and their food should be too. That's especially true for senior dogs, whose needs can change dramatically from year to year or even month to month.

Here's how Mills makes feeding your senior dog easier, healthier, and more effective:

Custom Portioning for Every Life Stage

Mills uses a Smart Customization Calculator that factors in your dog's age, weight, breed, activity level, and allergies to create perfectly portioned Daily Packs. For senior dogs, this means fewer calories without sacrificing nutrition, helping them maintain a healthy weight without the guesswork.

No more scooping from a giant bag and hoping you got it right. Every pack is tailored to your dog's exact needs.

Premium, Meat-First Ingredients

Mills Daily Packs are made with all-natural, meat-first ingredients that are gently cooked to preserve nutrients. They're grain-free and filler-free, so your senior dog gets maximum nutrition without unnecessary carbs or hard-to-digest fillers.

Each pack is also raw-coated with freeze-dried protein for extra flavor and nutrition, because senior dogs can be picky, and they deserve meals they actually love.

Gut-Friendly and Easy to Digest

Mills includes probiotics, prebiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin, and chelated minerals in every pack. That means your senior dog gets digestive support, joint protection, and immune health in every meal. No supplements required.

Fresh-Sealed for Maximum Nutritional Value

Unlike big sacks of kibble that sit open for weeks, each Mills Daily Pack is sealed until the day it's eaten. That locks in freshness, flavor, and nutrients, so your senior dog isn't eating oxidized, stale food that's lost its nutritional punch.

Convenience That Fits Your Life

Feeding a senior dog shouldn't be complicated. Mills Daily Packs are pre-portioned, mess-free, and travel-ready. Whether you're at home, boarding your pup, or heading to the vet, feeding time is as simple as open, pour, and go.

Plus, Mills packs are recyclable, so you're supporting your dog's health and the planet at the same time.

Transitioning Your Older Dog to Mills Daily Packs

Switching your senior dog to a new food requires a little patience, but the payoff is worth it. Here's how to make the transition smooth and stress-free:

Transition Gradually Over 7 to 10 Days

Start by mixing a small amount of Mills with their current food, then slowly increase the Mills portion over the course of a week to 10 days. This gives their digestive system time to adjust and reduces the risk of upset stomach.

Sample transition schedule:

• Days 1 to 2: 25% Mills, 75% old food
• Days 3 to 4: 50% Mills, 50% old food
• Days 5 to 6: 75% Mills, 25% old food
• Day 7+: 100% Mills

Monitor Health Signs

Pay attention to how your senior dog responds during the transition. Look for:

• Weight changes: Are they maintaining a healthy weight?
• Energy levels: Do they seem more or less energetic?
• Stool quality: Firm, brown, and easy to pick up is ideal
• Coat condition: A shiny coat is a sign of good nutrition

Adjust Portions as Needed

As your dog's activity level changes, whether they're slowing down or staying surprisingly spry, you can adjust their Mills portions accordingly. The beauty of Daily Packs is that you're not locked into a one-size-fits-all approach. Mills makes it easy to update your dog's plan as their needs evolve.

Pack It All Up: Give Your Senior Dog the Nutrition They Deserve

Your senior dog has spent years filling your life with love, loyalty, and laughter. Now it's your turn to give them the care they need to stay healthy, comfortable, and happy in their golden years.

Mills Daily Packs make it easy to provide premium, customized nutrition that evolves with your dog. From portion-perfect meals to joint-supporting ingredients and fresh-sealed convenience, Mills is designed to help senior dogs thrive, not just survive.

Ready to upgrade your senior dog's meals?
Take the Mills quiz to create a personalized Daily Pack plan for your aging pup. Give them the nutrition they deserve, one magic pack at a time.

Customize Your Senior Dog's Daily Packs Now 

 

FAQ

Q: At what age is a dog considered "senior"?

A: Most dogs are considered senior around age 7, though it varies by breed. Smaller breeds may not show signs of aging until 10 or older, while giant breeds may be seniors by 5 or 6. Watch for changes in energy, mobility, and digestion as better indicators than age alone.

Q: Can I use Mills Daily Packs for my older dog even if they were on standard kibble?

A: Absolutely! Mills is perfect for senior dogs transitioning from generic kibble or low-quality food. The meat-first, grain-free formula is highly digestible and gentle on sensitive stomachs, making it an excellent upgrade for aging dogs. Just transition gradually over 7 to 10 days for best results.

Q: Does my senior dog need a special "senior formula," or will Mills work?

A: Mills Daily Packs are customized based on your dog's age, weight, and activity level, so they automatically adjust for senior needs like lower calories, joint support, and digestive health. You don't need a separate "senior formula." Mills builds it right into your dog's personalized plan.

Q: How does Mills adjust for reduced activity or joint issues?

A: When you fill out Mills' Smart Customization Calculator, you input your dog's activity level and health concerns. Mills uses that info to portion meals appropriately and provide glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids for joint and mobility support. You can update the plan anytime as your dog's needs change.

Q: Is the subscription cost worth it for older dogs?

A: Yes! Senior dogs benefit most from high-quality, consistent nutrition. Mills eliminates overfeeding, delivers fresh, nutrient-dense meals daily, and supports long-term health, potentially reducing vet bills from weight gain, digestive issues, or nutrient deficiencies. The convenience and peace of mind make it a smart investment in your dog's golden years.