The Best Senior Dog Food According to a Veterinarian
Table of Contents
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What Kind of Food is Best for Senior Dogs?
- Best Overall Senior Dog Food: Open Farm’s Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This kibble recipe helps support healthy joints and mobility in those later years. - Best Raw Senior Dog Food: We Feed Raw Dog Food
Every recipe at We Feed Raw is formulated by a Ph.D. animal nutritionist. - Best Healthy Joint Senior Dog Food: The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Clusters
Human-grade and minimally processed chicken and whole-grain recipe that is delicious and easily digestible for senior dogs. - Best Fresh Senior Dog Food: JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Joint & Skin Support
An excellent food choice with human-grade, nutrient-dense, and freshly cooked ingredients. - Best Human-Grade Senior Dog Food: Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Dog Recipe
Carefully formulated high-protein formula that is highly beneficial for dogs of all breeds and ages. - Best Rated Senior Dog Food: Purina ONE High Protein Senior Dry Dog Food, +Plus Vibrant Maturity Adult 7+ Formula
This is one of the favorite options it comes to a wholesome senior dog food brand as it is a top-rated product on platforms such as Amazon and Chewy. - Best Natural Senior Dog Food: Diamond Naturals Senior Real Meat Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
If you are looking for a dry kibble that caters to your older dog’s nutritional needs, this natural dog food is exactly what you need. - Most Innovative Senior Dog Food: Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dry Dog Food
Made with an innovative blend of ingredients, this senior dog food offers the whole package based on your dog’s age and activity levels. - Most Delicious Senior Dog Food: IAMS Proactive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food for Senior Dogs
Free from artificial flavors and preservatives, this delicious adult dog food is perfect for senior dogs in their golden years. - Best Senior Dog Food for Weight Control: Victor Super Premium Dog Food Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
This senior formula dog food is perfect for sensitive stomachs and helps manage your dog’s weight. - Most Healthy Senior Dog Food: Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food for Senior Dogs
With real meat as the first ingredient, this healthy dog food provides your dog with healthy skin, boosted immune system, joint health, and antioxidants. - Most Nutritious Senior Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food
This nutrient-dense senior dog food is perfect for both small and large breeds as it helps to counter problems associated with old age like kidney disease. - Best Senior Dog Food with Probiotics: Purina Pro Plan Senior Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs
This pet food is formulated with probiotics and prebiotics and helps improve your dog’s digestion by boosting your dog’s diet. - Best Wet Senior Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Senior Wet Dog Food
Perfect for older life stages, this wet senior dog food is formulated with vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids, L-carnitine, glucosamine, and calcium.
- 100% obsessively sourced and cooked to perfection.
- Nutrient-dense dry food with high meat, low-carb, and packed with flavor.
- Wet dog food is made with ethically sourced meat to give dogs the moisture they need.
- High protein freeze dried dog food, made easy to serve.
- Get 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VET20
Do Older Dogs Really Need Senior Food?
Yes, senior dog food is good for older dogs.
These foods may vary in their ingredients and nutrient profiles. In comparison to adult dog foods, senior dog foods can vary in terms of nutrition. For instance, senior foods may have fewer levels of sodium and phosphorus.
This is exactly what sets senior dog foods apart from adult foods, as there is a difference in certain nutrients and ingredients. Additionally, senior dog foods can help manage age-related diseases depending on their life stage. If you are looking to incorporate a senior diet, it is best to read the label of the product or simply consult a vet before you make the change.
Irrespective of the life stage, all foods should contain the nutrient levels set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (or AAFCO). However, just because a product has AAFCO approval, it does not mean that it is perfect for countering or managing diseases.
How do I Know if My Dog Needs Senior Dog Food?
Certain signs indicate you should make a switch to senior dog food. Here are the signs:
- Coat Health. If your dog has a dull coat or is losing an exceptional amount of hair, there might be a chance that their current diet does not suit them. You might want to consult a vet before you shift them to a diet that is made especially for senior dogs. These diets often contain high levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and other antioxidant-rich sources such as blueberries.
- Weakness/Fatigue. If you notice that your dog is lazing around a lot and does not move much, it might be feeling weak generally. This is because your furry friend is having difficulty digesting the current food. Whether you have a small or large breed dog, this problem can affect any canine. They need food that can provide them the energy to move around all day.
- Weight Gain. If your dog has unexplained weight gain, bloating, or a build-up of fat, chances are that their current food is not suiting them (due to excessive calories). It is best to consult a vet and shift them to a diet made for senior dogs.
- Digestion Issues. In addition to weight gain, there can be other GI irregularities that could be caused by generic dog foods. Moving to a senior diet can help reduce these problems and improve the quality of life.
- Skin Infections. Some dog foods can lead to skin infections in senior dogs. This is because of the food ingredients. Skin infections could be related to skin inflammation or simply losing the shine of the coat.
What are the Benefits of Senior Dog Food?
Senior dog food comes with several benefits. Here is what to expect from a senior diet:
- More Protein. Senior dog food contains high-quality protein sources in greater amounts (as compared to adult maintenance formulas). This helps to support lean muscle mass and also provides sustained energy.
- Caloric Balance. Senior dog foods contain appropriate caloric balance and have a great fat-to-protein ratio.
- Nutritional Benefits. Senior dog food contains added nutrients. These include glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids that help support joint health and boost mobility.
- Skin and Coat Health. Senior dog foods contain Vitamin A and linoleic acid that help support healthy skin and provide a shiny coat.
The Best Senior Dog Food Reviewed
There are different senior dog food options on the market. To help owners find the best senior diet for their pets, we have reviewed some of the best formulas.
Summary: Make your dog’s senior years more active and wholesome with the help of Open Farm’s Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This kibble recipe helps support healthy joints and mobility in those later years, thanks to our blend of humanely-raised turkey and chicken, New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel, and functional ingredients like non-GMO sourced pumpkin and coconut oil. Get 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VETS20.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult and senior dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken & Turkey
Price: $7.00 per pound (based on a 4lb variant)
- 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VETS20.
- Specially formulated for senior dogs of all breeds & sizes
- High in protein and fresh turkey & chicken
- An exceptional source of prebiotic fibers to support healthy digestion
- Has 100% traceable ingredients
- Has added glucosamine & chondroitin to promote healthy joints
- The kibble’s texture might be a little bit hard for some senior dogs
Ingredient Analysis
- 100% Animal Welfare Certified Turkey: Open Farm’s turkeys are fed a healthy vegetarian diet without antibiotics or growth hormones. Turkey is a great source of protein and healthy fats.
- 100% Animal Welfare Certified Chicken: Open Farm’s humanely raised chickens are naturally raised on family farms with gentle handling, space, and the ability to engage in their natural behaviors. Their chickens are fed a healthy vegetarian diet without antibiotics or growth hormones. Chicken is a great source of protein and healthy fats.
- Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes are a source of complex carbohydrates as well as potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese. It is also a source of fiber and beta-carotene which helps support digestive health.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is packed with health benefits including lauric acid, a type of omega-9 fatty acid. It is an excellent source of energy, easy to digest, and excellent for metabolic function, particularly fat metabolism.
- Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a good source of fiber and beta-carotene. Fiber is helpful for digestive health.
- Green-Lipped Mussel: Derived from a specific species of shellfish that has been dried into a powder, which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and other novel nutrients, Green-Lipped Mussel may help to reduce inflammation levels for better mobility. Open Farm’s green-lipped mussel is sustainably sourced from New Zealand.
Review: Pet owners stated that they’re well-pleased about the high-quality, healthy ingredients present in this kibble, and some have reported they ditched their old dog food and completely switched to Open Farm.
Summary: Senior dogs with health problems can greatly benefit from We Feed Raw dog food. Raw diets can help with a range of benefits including firmer stools, a stronger immune system, a reduction in allergies, better weight control, and cleaner teeth. These pre-made patties can be tailored to your dog’s age, size, and tastes to suit their nutritional needs. Save an additional 25% off your first order with code VET25.
Type: Raw
Best for: Adult and senior dogs
Flavor Options: Venison, lamb, duck, turkey, beef, and chicken
Price: $37.99-$46.99 per 5lb unit
- Additional 25% off your first order with code VET25
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Packed with healthy vitamins and minerals
- 6 types of dog-friendly muscle meats
- Great source of healthy proteins and fats
- No sugar or carbohydrates
- Higher price tag
Ingredient Analysis:
The recipes at We Feed Raw are formulated by a Ph.D. animal nutritionist. Each meal is made of approximately 80% muscle meat, 10% organ meat, 10% finely ground bone, and added vitamins and minerals.
Muscle Meat: Choose from 6 different protein sources when picking a We Feed Raw recipe. All are sourced from USDA, human-grade meats and contain no preservatives, fillers, artificial colors, or flavors. Options include venison, lamb, duck, turkey, beef, and chicken.
Organ Meat: Organ meat is included in each patty mix for an extra boost of nutrition. This meat contains a wealth of vitamins and minerals for dogs, promoting a strong immune system for an active lifestyle.
Finely Ground Bone: Edible bone is finely ground into the patty of choice. Turkey necks for the Turkey Patty, beef necks for the Beef, Lamb, and Venison Patties, chicken Patties, use chicken necks, and the Duck Patty, uses duck bones.
Vitamin + Mineral Mix: Flaxseed, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Review: Overall, dogs love the taste and customers love the results of feeding their pets We Feed Raw. Pet parents “highly recommend their food to give your dog the best diet possible!” Many customers started using it as a topper and slowly incorporated it as a main meal for their dogs.
Summary: The Whole-Grain Chicken & Oat Recipe by The Honest Kitchen is the best senior dog food. It is made with selected and nutritious ingredients that are minimally processed. The recipe is formulated and manufactured with human-grade quality and safety standards. It contains probiotics for gut health and L-carnitine for boosting the fat metabolism and promoting healthy weight in senior dogs with more sedentary lifestyles. Customers can also get 30% off on their first orders of $30+ using code VETERINARIANS30.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult and senior dogs
Flavor Options: Beef; Chicken; Turkey; Beef & Turkey
Price: $5.99/pound
- 30% off on first orders of $30+ using code VETERINARIANS30
- Human-grade and minimally processed
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- With easily digestible carbohydrate sources
- Free from fillers, potatoes, and legumes
- No artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- No significant cons
Ingredient Analysis
- Chicken: Chicken is the best lean protein source. It is also high in vitamins & minerals and helps with weight control.
- Oats: Oats are an easily digestible and healthy source of carbohydrates. Plus, they are rich in natural prebiotics.
- Eggs: Eggs are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. They also help round up the protein profile of the food.
- Salmon Oil: Salmon oil is an excellent source of healthy and anti-inflammatory fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6.
Review: Pet owners are delighted with this senior dog food and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. They say their dogs love the taste of the food, and it is helping them thrive. Overall, customers describe the formula as an excellent product.
Summary: JustFoodForDogs is the number 1 vet-recommended fresh food brand for dogs. It uses 100% human-grade ingredients and no preservatives. Plus, the recipes are cooked fresh and ready to serve. This delicious Pork & Quinoa recipe is excellent for senior dogs as it is easily digestible and offers skin and joint support/
Type: Fresh Cooked Dog Food
Best for: Senior Dogs
Flavor Options: Pork & Quinoa
Price: $8.95/12.5oz
- Made with pork and quinoa
- High-protein diet for dogs
- 100% human-grade ingredients
- No fillers & preservatives
- Money-back guarantee
- Expensive for some pet owners
Ingredient Analysis
- Pork: High-protein meat that is rich in various vitamins and minerals.
- Quinoa: Ancient and high-protein grain with strong anti-inflammatory features.
- Kale: Leafy green veggie loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Review: Customers say this is a portion of great food – their dogs like it, and it has helped with their itching. They are happy with the joint support the food offers and say that they would recommend it to other pet owners.
Summary: Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Dog Recipe is a carefully formulated high-protein formula that is highly beneficial for dogs of all breeds and ages, especially those in their senior years. Preservatives and high-carb fillers such as potatoes, rice, parsnips, or barley are non-existent in this formula, and it only has one source of animal protein. Every Raised Right menu has met the criteria required for food intended for human consumption, and each recipe is only lightly prepared in a kitchen fit for that purpose. Moreover, their low-temp cooking meets the USDA pathogen kill step while maintaining high levels of moisture and nutritional integrity.
Type: Wet dog food
Best for: Dogs of all life stages
Flavor Options: Original Turkey, Original Beef, Original Pork, Original Chicken, Turkey & Pumpkin Paté, Beef & Pumpkin Paté, Pork & Pumpkin Paté, Chicken & Pumpkin Paté
Price: $10.99 per bag
- Highly suitable for senior dogs
- Lightly cooked, human-grade, and grain-free
- Made with 100% whole foods and real meat
- Free from synthetic vitamins and minerals
- High-protein and rich in complex B vitamins
- Needs to be thawed before serving
Ingredient Analysis:
- Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, & Turkey Liver: Turkey is high in real protein and rich in selenium, zinc, phosphorus, and iron.
- Carrots – Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and are a fair source of Vitamin C, Niacin, and Vitamin B6.
- Blueberries: Blueberries are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and potassium.
- Organic Spearmint: Organic spearmint is rich in antioxidants and other healthy plant substances that may support hormone balance, regulate blood sugar, and improve digestion for your dogs.
- Cod Liver Oil: Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, an essential nutrient for immune system function, and omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation in your dog’s body.
- Eggshell Powder: Eggshell Powder is high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium
- Flaxseed Oil: Flaxseed oil is rich in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Organic Dried Kelp: Together with folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6, organic dried kelp also contains vitamins K, A, C, and E. It also provides moderate levels of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid.
Review: Many pet owners are well-pleased with Raised Right’s Original Turkey dog food recipe. They reported that it is one of the best formulas they’ve ever given to their dogs, and they were amazed by the product’s high-quality ingredients. To quote one happy customer, “Our now 17-year-old beagle had the last of her teeth pulled when she was about 14 years old…we took her to a holistic vet who recommended we switch her to Raised Right and added a couple of other supplements to her diet. First of all, she loves the food and secondly, she is the healthiest 17-year-old dog I’ve ever seen.”
Summary: Purina ONE Senior Dog Food with MCT-rich vegetable oil is the perfect dog food for your senior canine. This is because it is known to promote and nourish your dog’s mental health, sharpness, and activity levels. It has been observed that more than 20% of the senior dogs showed an increase in activity levels after being given this food. This product contains real chicken as the primary ingredient and also features omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals for an added health boost. It also contains natural glucosamine sources that promote joint health for dogs.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Senior dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken
Price: $1.45/pound
- Promotes mental sharpness and builds cognitive function
- Contains high-quality carbohydrates for an energy boost
- Offers a natural source of glucosamine for better joint health
- Can be paired with wet foods easily
- Supports strong muscles, including a healthy heart
- The packaging could have been better
Ingredient Analysis
- Chicken By-Product Meal: Chicken by-product meal is an extremely rich source of protein, providing pets with supplemental energy and nutrients while aiding digestion.
- Chicken: Chicken is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy
- Oat Meal: Oatmeal is a wholesome, high-quality grain rich in B vitamins that gives pets the energy they need.
- Vegetable Oil: This provides calories for energy and omega-3 & 6 fatty acids for a healthy coat.
Review: This dog food offers a high-quality source of protein as the first ingredient. It is free from fillers and other artificial ingredients. Pet owners give this food 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Summary: Diamond Naturals Senior Real Meat Recipe is the perfect dog food for older dogs. It has been made using ingredients of top quality and contains real meat as the first ingredient. The brand offers holistic nutrition for every pet. Furthermore, the product is enhanced with superfoods and guaranteed probiotics. This helps provide optimal nutrition and improves your dog’s digestive powers. If you have a senior dog, you can blindly opt for the Diamond Naturals Senior Dog Chicken, Egg, and Oatmeal Formula, thanks to its premium ingredients.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Senior dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken
Price: $3.69/pound
- Healthy source of vitamins, proteins, fats, and carbs
- Quality ingredients used in the product
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
- Formulated with carefully determined protein and fats
- Made in the USA with quality ingredients
- The smell might be off-putting for some pet parents
Ingredient Analysis
- Whole Grain Brown Rice: Brown rice is a natural whole grain that provides pets with essential B vitamins and minerals, and high-quality complex carbohydrates for energy and fiber.
- Chicken: Chicken is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy.
- Chicken Meal: Chicken meal is an extremely rich source of protein, providing pets with supplemental energy and nutrients while aiding digestion.
- Peas: Packed with the protein, vitamins, fiber, and potassium that pets need, peas support a pet’s GI health.
Review: This dry dog formula has been formulated with K9 Strain Probiotics and beneficial bacteria. This leads to improved digestive and immune system health. Dog owners give this food 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Summary: This dog food has been crafted with high-quality protein (like chicken, beef, lamb, or venison), which is the primary ingredient. These recipes contain real, recognizable non-GMO ingredients that offer a wide range of beneficial nutrients. This enhances your senior dog’s health and helps make them more active. The product is formulated without chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein. Additionally, it contains chicken and brown rice along with other recognizable ingredients sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Senior dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken
Price: $2/pound
- Made with non-GMO ingredients
- No chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy
- Helps support strong bones and joints with calcium
- Supports your senior dog's aging immune system
- Loaded with essential antioxidants and provides natural fiber
- The kibble might be difficult to chew for some older dogs
Ingredient Analysis
- Chicken: Chicken is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy.
- Chicken Meal: Chicken meal is an extremely rich source of protein, providing pets with supplemental energy and nutrients while aiding in digestion.
- Peas: Packed with the protein, vitamins, fiber, and potassium that pets need, peas support a pet’s GI health.
- Whole Grain Barley: Barley includes the whole grain with the hull and bran and is an excellent source of soluble fiber, plus carbohydrates and B vitamins for digestive health in pets.
Review: This brand of senior dry dog food contains essential antioxidants that support your mature dog’s aging immune system and improve mobility. Pet owners rate this food 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Summary: This senior dry dog food has been perfectly formulated to provide support to your dog’s aging bones and joints. It also contains a special blend of key nutrients that include real, farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient. This kibble is extremely delicious and contains a wholesome blend of fiber and prebiotics. Not only does this improve digestion, but it also contains antioxidants that help support a robust immune system. This product does not contain preservatives, fillers, or artificial flavors that could cause health complications.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Senior dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken
Price: $1.24/pound
- Contains real, farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient
- Formulated with a blend of fiber and prebiotics
- Supports a robust immune system
- Offers complete and balanced nutrition
- Promotes healthy weight and digestion
- The supplements could have been more concentrated
Ingredient Analysis
- Chicken: Chicken is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy.
- Chicken Meal: Chicken meal is an extremely rich source of protein, providing pets with supplemental energy and nutrients while aiding in digestion.
- Ground Whole Grain Barley: Barley includes the whole grain with the hull and bran and is an excellent source of soluble fiber, plus carbohydrates and B vitamins for digestive health in pets.
- Dried Plain Beet Pulp: This is a natural source of nutrients, including fiber, folate, and vitamin C.
Review: Every IAMS Dog Food formula contains high-quality animal protein. It does not contain any artificial preservatives, flavors, and fillers. Pet owners rate this food 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Summary: This brand of dog food contains an exclusive mix of supplements, vitamins, and minerals. This unique combination helps maximize every dog’s genetic potential, regardless of breed, age, or activity level. Every bag of VICTOR dog food is made in the brand’s facility, thus ensuring premium-grade nutrition. Most of the ingredients used to make this dog food is sourced from ranches, farms, and other trusted suppliers who are within a day’s drive of their East Texas plant.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Senior dogs
Flavor Options: Beef
Price: $2.99/pound
- Specifically formulated for less active older dogs
- Packed with premium-quality beef, fish, and chicken meals
- Formulated with gluten-free grains and L-carnitine
- Supports lean muscle development
- Provides glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Could lead to a minor skin infection in rare cases
- Could cause digestive distress in some dogs
Ingredient Analysis
- Whole Grain Brown Rice: Brown rice is a natural whole grain that provides pets with essential B vitamins and minerals, and high-quality complex carbohydrates for energy and fiber.
- Beef Meal: Beef meal is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy.
- Chicken Fat: Chicken fat enhances the flavor while supplying omega-fatty acids.
- Chicken Meal: Chicken meal is an extremely rich source of protein, providing pets with supplemental energy and nutrients while aiding in digestion.
Review: This product has been specifically formulated for less active older dogs, and adult dogs that would benefit from weight loss. Pet owners give this food 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Summary: This particular dog food offers tailored nutrition to support healthy aging, especially during small & mini dogs’ golden years. The special kibble shape is made with prebiotic fiber and thus improves your furry friend’s digestion. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil which promotes joint health. The product also contains a balanced set of minerals that lead to healthy kidneys, bladder, and heart health. It also contains omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E that nourish the skin and coat.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Senior dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken
Price: $4.33/pound
- Supports your mature dog's immune system
- Contains omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E
- Helps maintain your senior dog's healthy skin and shiny coat
- Provides your small-breed dog with balanced minerals
- Made with natural ingredients
- The product could cause an allergic reaction in some cases
Ingredient Analysis
- Cracked Pearled Barley: Barley includes the whole grain with the hull and bran and is an excellent source of soluble fiber, plus carbohydrates and B vitamins for digestive health in pets.
- Brown Rice: Brown rice is a natural whole grain that provides pets with essential B vitamins and minerals, and high-quality complex carbohydrates for energy, and fiber.
- Soybean Meal: This is a great source of plant protein. However, it is an ingredient that is often frowned upon by many vets.
- Dried Beet Pulp: This is a natural source of nutrients, including fiber, folate, and vitamin C.
Review: This product uses a special blend of antioxidants to promote lifelong health. It also boosts immunity and leads to graceful aging. Dog owners rate this food 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Summary: Blue Buffalo dog food contains real meat as the primary ingredient. The protein is derived from real chicken and helps build your dog’s lean muscles, and provides them with sustained energy to play all day. They also contain whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit for an added nutrient boost. The product also contains glucosamine and chondroitin that helps improve your dog’s joint health and overall mobility. It also helps maintain energy requirements for a healthy lifestyle.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Senior dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken
Price: $2.03/pound
- Contains high-quality protein from real chicken
- Helps maintain healthy muscles
- Contains wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit
- Supports joint health and overall mobility
- Formulated with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- More expensive than other products on this list
Ingredient Analysis
- Deboned Chicken: Chicken is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy.
- Brown Rice: Brown rice is a natural whole grain that provides pets with essential B vitamins and minerals, and high-quality complex carbohydrates for energy, and fiber.
- Barley: Barley includes the whole grain with the hull and bran and is an excellent source of soluble fiber, plus carbohydrates and B vitamins for digestive health in pets.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a wholesome, high-quality grain rich in B vitamins that gives pets the energy they need.
Review: This dog food contains real meat along with wholesome brown rice that provides your senior dog with the energy they need for an active lifestyle. Dog owners rate this food 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Summary: Purina Pro Plan Senior wet and dry formulas have been created to cater to your senior dog’s nutritional requirements. Each product contains glucosamine and EPA for joint health and mobility. Additionally, it uses real meat as the first ingredient. Both their wet and dry formulas provide premium-grade nutrition along with a delicious taste that most dogs love. The product also contains a proprietary blend of brain-supporting nutrients for cognitive health. Furthermore, the dog food also contains enhanced botanical oils shown to promote alertness and mental sharpness in older dogs.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Senior dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken and Rice
Price: $1.82/pound
- Made with high-quality protein
- Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics
- Supports digestive and immune health
- Helps support your dog’s joint health and mobility
- Promotes healthy skin and coat
- Often out of stock on online retailers
Ingredient Analysis
- Chicken: Chicken is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy.
- Beef Fat: Beef fat is a protein source that supports muscle development and provides energy.
- Barley: Barley includes the whole grain with the hull and bran and is an excellent source of soluble fiber, plus carbohydrates and B vitamins for digestive health in pets.
- Rice: This provides pets with essential B vitamins and minerals, and high-quality complex carbohydrates for energy and fiber.
Review: This product offers 100% complete and balanced nutrition tailored to the needs of senior dogs. It has a high-protein content that gives stronger muscles and improved mobility. Pet owners give this food 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Summary: This dog food is sold in a delicious paté style wet food that is a hit with most dogs. It has a high-protein formula that is made with real chicken. This helps build muscles in your dog’s body and provides them with sustained energy. This helps them lead an active lifestyle. This product can be used as a treat, mixed with dry kibble, or simply be used as a complete meal. The product is made with the finest ingredients and has been enhanced with beneficial vitamins and minerals. It does not contain any by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors.
Type: Wet dog food
Best for: Senior dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken
Price: $2.5/can
- Made with real meat as the first ingredient
- Formulated for dogs of any life stage or breed size
- Features tender chunks of real meat plus garden veggies
- Offers a wide variety of delicious flavors and recipes
- Enhanced with vitamins and minerals
- Relatively expensive price tag
Ingredient Analysis
- Chicken Liver: Chicken liver provides pets with protein, iron, vitamin A and delicious natural flavor.
- Carrots: Carrots are an excellent source of beta carotene, fiber, Vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Peas: Packed with the protein, vitamins, fiber, and potassium that pets need, peas support a pet’s GI health.
- Brown Rice: Brown rice is a natural whole grain that provides pets with essential B vitamins and minerals, and high-quality complex carbohydrates for energy, and fiber.
Review: This product contains real meat as the primary ingredient and is free from preservatives and additives. Pet owners rate this food 4.7 out of 5 stars.
- Easy-to-clean, food-grade stainless steel bowl
- Smart app control and 1080P HD Camera
- Built-in advanced microphone and speaker
- Motion detection, smart notifications, and indicators
- Use the code Vets15 for 15% off
What Should I Look for in Senior Dog Food?
There are a few factors that one needs to keep in mind before opting for a good senior dog food brand. Here are those factors:
- Calorie Count. As your dog ages, it might require lesser calories. This is because their bodies are slowing down, and they do not require excessive calories. Otherwise, they can end up with excessive weight gain, which might lead to further problems.
- Specialized Diet. With age, dogs can end up developing various health complications such as kidney disease or heart troubles. You can consult a vet and opt for a senior dog food that caters to these health conditions. For instance, if your dog has allergic reactions to most foods, you can feed them grain-free dog food. You also might want to feed them foods with real meat (ex., real chicken) as it reduces the chance of an allergic reaction.
- Affordability. The food that you are going to buy should not just be effective; it should also be affordable and easy on the pocket.
- Shelf Life. If your food has a long shelf life, it might be more convenient and cheap to buy bigger bags rather than smaller portions. However, if your dog food has a long shelf life, it could be a cause of worry as it might contain harmful preservatives. It is best to consult a vet for the best advice.
- Supplements. Senior dog foods should contain supplements that offer beneficial nutrients to boost your dog’s health and immunity. For instance, rice recipes, chicken meals, whole grains, chicken by-product meals, sweet potatoes, and brown rice can either be a hit or a miss in terms of nutrition.
What Ingredients Should Not be in Senior Dog Food?
If you are looking for a senior dog food brand, make sure you read the label correctly before you make a decision. Some ingredients should not be in senior dog food. Here are those ingredients:
- Melamine. This is an ingredient that is added to increase the protein content in most dog foods. However, it can even lead to kidney failure.
- BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin. These are mainly used as preservatives and are found in several dog food brands and dog treats. They can be toxic for dogs and lead to health complications in the long run. For instance, ethoxyquin is a known pesticide.
- Propylene Glycol. This is used to add texture to your dog’s food. It has the ability to keep your dog’s food soft and moist to make it seem like the real deal. However, it is considered toxic by most vets.
- Carrageenan. This is extracted from red seaweed and used to thicken dog food, especially wet food. It can lead to GI tract troubles and digestive problems.
- Meat Meal. While this is an excellent source of protein, one can never be sure where the meat originated. If you opt for a well-known brand, the meat meal they use will be fine. However, some smaller brands might source these from leftover bits of animal parts that are not considered edible (like beaks and claws).
- Food Dyes or Corn Syrup. These are added to make the food look more appealing. Dogs do not really care about the color of the food. So this is an unnecessary ingredient added to make the food look more attractive to humans. Corn syrup can be addictive and lead to overeating.
How Important is Senior Dog Food?
Senior dog food is essential for older dogs.
In addition to featuring the proper nutrients and in the correct amounts, the senior dog food is easier to digest. It is also easier to chew as it features a texture more convenient for older dogs with teeth issues.
Plus, senior dog food is supplemented with nutrients that cater to the specific dietary requirements of old dogs. Examples of such supplements are glucosamine and chondroitin, necessary for joint health, and probiotics vital for gut health.
