Feeding a Senior Dog and Puppy the Same Food

Feeding a 12-year-old Shih Tzu and a 6-month-old Bichon Frise puppy the same food is one of those easy mistakes to make — one bowl, two dogs, done. But it's worth fixing, because a senior dog and a puppy have genuinely opposite nutritional needs. Puppies need high protein and calorie density to fuel growth; older dogs typically need controlled phosphorus, joint support, and lower calories to protect ageing kidneys and weight. What are you currently feeding them, and are there any known health issues with either dog — anything like dental problems, kidney concerns, or a sensitive stomach?

That's really helpful. Adult maintenance food isn't going to do serious harm short-term, but it's genuinely the wrong tool for both of them — and the kidney flag on your Shih Tzu makes it more urgent to sort. Small breed seniors need reduced phosphorus, smaller kibble for those teeth, and ingredients that don't stress the kidneys. Your Bichon puppy, on the other hand, needs a higher protein and fat ratio to support proper development. Before I suggest a split approach, can I ask — are you open to feeding them separately, or is the goal to find something they can both eat? And roughly how much are you spending on food per month at the moment?

Good — separate feeding is the right call, and honestly not that complicated once it's a habit. For your Bichon puppy, I'd go with Royal Canin Bichon Frise Puppy dry food. It's breed-specific, which sounds like a gimmick but actually isn't here — the kibble shape is designed for the Bichon's jaw, the protein level supports puppy growth, and it covers coat health which matters for this breed. A 1.5kg bag runs around £18-20 on Amazon UK and will last a good while for a small puppy. For your Shih Tzu, I'd strongly suggest Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult 8+ — specifically the 8-plus version, not the standard adult. It has a dental-support kibble shape to help with tartar, controlled phosphorus which directly addresses your vet's kidney concern, and a calorie level suited to a slower senior dog. A 1.5kg bag is around £16-18. Both are available on Amazon UK, often on Subscribe and Save which brings the cost down further. You'd still be in budget.

Slow and steady. Mix roughly 75% old food with 25% new food for the first two or three days, then go 50/50 for another two or three days, then 25% old and 75% new, and by around day ten you're fully on the new food. The puppy will likely adapt faster than your senior Shih Tzu — older dogs can have more sensitive digestion and slower gut adjustment, so don't rush her transition if she shows any loose stools or reluctance. Keep an eye on how much your Shih Tzu is eating too, since dental pain can put dogs off harder kibble. The Royal Canin 8+ kibble is shaped to be gentler on the teeth, but it's worth watching.

That's exactly what this should be. You've got two dogs at very different life stages and one with a health flag worth taking seriously — general advice wouldn't have covered that properly. Royal Canin Bichon Frise Puppy for your six-month-old, Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult 8+ for your senior girl. Separate feeding from day one. You're in good shape.