As dogs age, their nutritional needs change, requiring a diet that supports their aging bodies and minds. The right food can help manage age-related conditions such as decreased mobility, muscle loss, and cognitive decline. This article explores the best dog foods for older dogs, each designed to meet the unique needs of senior pets.
If you're looking for a fresh, human-grade meal for your older dog, Nom Nom Turkey Fare is a fantastic option. This recipe is packed with high-quality ingredients like turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, and spinach. Your dog will love the taste and you'll love the health benefits.
This meal is as close to homemade as you can get. Not cheap, but highly recommended.
"Mya has suffered from colitis & IBS for many years, and she's also the pickiest with food. Since being on Nom Nom she is eating much better & has perfect poop!!!"
If your dog finds wet food easier to eat or your vet recommends it, consider Wellness Complete Health Age Advantage Recipe Adult 7+. This food contains protein sources of chicken broth, chicken, and whitefish. Carbohydrate sources include barley, bran, and sweet potatoes. Vitamin C, zinc, and cobalt round out the ingredients list. A 12.5-ounce can contains 36% protein, 18% fat, 4% fiber, and 379 kcal, or about 30 calories per ounce.
Your dog will love the delicious taste of chicken and whitefish, and you'll love knowing they're getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and active. Plus, it's 100% grain-free, making it a great option for dogs with sensitivities.
Pro Tip: Always consult with your vet before making any changes to your dog's diet, especially if they have specific health concerns.
Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Chicken and Rice Formula is a fantastic choice for your senior dog. This food features chicken and poultry byproduct meals as the main protein sources, ensuring your furry friend gets the nutrition they need. It also includes rice, corn, wheat, barley, omega fatty acids, and glucosamine. With 29% protein, 14% fat, 3% fiber, and 423 kcal per cup, it's perfect for active, normal-weight dogs.
This formula boasts 29% protein, 14% fat, and 3% fiber, providing a balanced diet for your senior dog. Each cup contains 423 kcal, making it ideal for maintaining energy levels.
Bold: This food is backed by feeding trials, ensuring it's both safe and palatable for your dog.It’s a great value dog food and highly recommended for older dogs.
When it comes to keeping your senior dog in tip-top shape, Wellness Age Advantage Recipe Adult 7+ is a fantastic choice. This food is packed with high-quality protein sources like chicken broth, chicken, and whitefish. Not only does it provide the necessary protein, but it also includes healthy carbohydrates such as barley, bran, and sweet potatoes.
This recipe is designed to support your dog's overall health with essential vitamins and minerals. It includes Vitamin C, zinc, and cobalt, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system and optimal nutrient balance.
Each 12.5-ounce can contains 36% protein, 18% fat, 4% fiber, and 379 kcal, or about 30 calories per ounce. This makes it an excellent option for weight control and maintaining muscle mass in older dogs.
If your dog finds wet food easier to eat or your vet recommends it, consider this option. It's full of healthy ingredients, like blueberries and cranberries for antioxidants and healthy carbohydrates like barley and sweet potatoes.
If you're looking for a reliable dog food for your aging furry friend, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is a solid choice. This recipe features deboned chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat as its primary protein sources. The top carbohydrate sources include brown rice, barley, oatmeal, peas, and potatoes. Healthy additions like probiotics, L-lysine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids from fish oil make this a well-rounded option.
This formula is designed to help keep your dog's energy levels up, their joints pain-free, and their minds sharp as they age. It's especially beneficial for dogs with joint issues, cognitive function concerns, and skin health.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe is a top choice for your senior dog. This recipe features chicken meal as the main protein source, ensuring your dog gets the necessary nutrients for joint health and muscle maintenance. The primary carbohydrates include pearled barley, whole grain wheat, and whole grain corn, which provide a balanced diet for your furry friend.
This food contains 19% protein, 13.7% fat, 2.4% fiber, and 353 kcal per cup. It's designed to meet the nutritional needs of older dogs, making it one of the best dog food options for your aging pet.
Hill's Science Diet is highly recommended by veterinarians and meets or exceeds the nutrient profiles and manufacturing guidelines of the AAFCO and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Plus, dogs seem to enjoy it, which is always a bonus!
If you're wondering what to feed a sick dog with no appetite, Hill's Science Diet offers nutritious recipes that can help monitor food intake and ensure your dog gets the necessary nutrients.
Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food is a fantastic choice for your aging furry friend. This senior dog food’s main protein source is deboned lamb, which is perfect for maintaining muscle mass in older dogs. Standout carbohydrates consist of rice bran, whole grain barley, and whole grain brown rice. Healthy extras like omega fatty acids from fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin from chicken meal round out the list.
"I have 3, 60+ lbs sr dogs. 11, 13, 14 & this is the best dog food. They are active & spunky. This food keeps their weight in check & is great for digestion."
If you're looking for the best dog food for older dogs, Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food is a top contender. It keeps your senior dog active and spunky, while also supporting their digestion and weight management.
Looking for a grain-free formula that’s dominated with animal protein? Then, this dog food deserves serious attention. Orijen Senior takes the greatest share of its meat protein from fresh chicken, turkey, and fish. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 17% fat, and 32% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
From its beginnings, Champion Petfoods, the legendary maker of Orijen, has always advocated for a meat-based, “biologically appropriate” diet… a proven design which makes this food a top choice for seniors. Highly recommended.
Dry
Grain-free
43%
This dog food comes in a vacuum-sealed bag. Once opened, the food gives off a very prominent smell of fish. It's very expensive but well worth the cost.
If you're looking for a top-notch option for your senior dog, Merrick Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food is a fantastic choice. This food counts chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal as its main protein sources. Carbohydrates include brown rice, oatmeal, barley, quinoa, apples, and carrots. Omega fatty acids from salmon oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin are healthy extras. We recommend it for moderately active normal-weight dogs. It contains 27% protein, 15% fat, 3.5% fiber, and 381 kcal per cup.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on quality, Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food is a fantastic choice. This grain-inclusive formula is designed specifically for older dogs and is part of the well-regarded Iams ProActive Health product line.
The primary source of meat protein in this recipe is fresh chicken. The formula boasts 27% protein, 12% fat, and 54% estimated carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%. This makes it a balanced option for your senior dog's dietary needs.
For those who value a simple, grain-inclusive formula that contains no plant-based protein boosters, Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult makes an excellent choice for older dogs.
Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food is a time-proven, grain-inclusive brand offering several different senior recipes. Each includes L-carnitine to help burn fat and keep metabolism going, making it a solid choice for your aging furry friend.
As your furry friend enters their golden years, choosing the right dog food becomes more important than ever. Whether it's a high-protein kibble or a wet food packed with antioxidants, the best senior dog food can help manage age-related conditions and keep your dog feeling spry. Remember, always consult your vet to tailor the diet to your dog's specific needs. With a little research and some taste-testing, you'll find the perfect meal to keep those tails wagging and those muzzles grey but happy!
The best dog food for older dogs is one that meets their specific nutritional needs, such as lower calories, higher protein, and beneficial ingredients like antioxidants, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids.
Yes, senior dog food is tailored to the lifestyle and nutritional needs of older dogs, generally containing fewer calories and incorporating beneficial ingredients to support aging dogs.
For some dogs, adult food or all life stages food may be appropriate based on their physical exam, lab work, breed, and activity levels. Consult your veterinarian for the best advice.
Look for senior dog foods that include antioxidants, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids. These ingredients support joint health, counteract aging effects, and reduce inflammation.
Both wet and dry foods can be good for older dogs. Wet food may be easier to eat for some dogs and can be recommended by vets. Choose based on your dog's preferences and health needs.
Signs of aging such as decreased mobility, muscle loss, and cognitive decline may indicate that your dog could benefit from senior dog food. Consult your vet for personalized advice.
Some top brands for senior dog food include Nom Nom, Wellness, Purina Pro Plan, Blue Buffalo, Hill's Science Diet, Nutro, Orijen, Merrick, and Iams.
Yes, many senior dog foods contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health and can help with mobility issues in older dogs.