How does aging typically affect a dog's metabolic rate?

• A. Increases
• B. No change
• C. Decreases
• D. Fluctuates

Answer: (C)

As dogs age, their metabolic rate tends to slow down. The main drivers are loss of lean body mass (muscle) and often reduced activity. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat, so when seniors lose muscle, their baseline energy needs drop. Add in typically lower activity levels and possible subtle changes in organ function, and the overall maintenance energy requirement decreases. This is why healthy aging dogs usually need fewer calories per day, and overfeeding can easily lead to weight gain if portions aren’t adjusted. The idea that metabolism would consistently rise, stay the same, or fluctuate unpredictably with age doesn’t fit the common aging pattern, unless a disease or specific condition is present.