Pets that are getting older may experience various health issues, such as weight gain, arthritis, and joint changes like hip and elbow dysplasia that can result in limping and pain. Other changes, such as a compromised immune system or reduced cognitive function, may not be as noticeable. However, feeding them a specialized food designed for senior dogs can help alleviate some of these age-related changes.
When selecting a diet for mature pets, it is crucial to consider features such as the quality of protein since older dogs may encounter challenges in absorbing nutrients.
Dogs, depending on their activity levels, may require varying calorie intake. As they age, some dogs become less active and may gain weight, thus needing fewer calories. On the other hand, some dogs may lose weight and should not reduce their calorie intake.
Veterinarian Megan McCarthy, DVM, from Best Friends Animal Society in Salt Lake City, warns that not all dogs should be switched to senior dog food. She advises pet owners to continue feeding their dogs the same “adult” dog food if they are already on a special or prescription diet or have a sensitive stomach, to avoid potential issues that may arise from changing their diets, as she explained to The Spruce Pets.
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Older Dogs of 2023
Best Overall
Here are the top 11 dog foods for older dogs in 2023.
Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+
Since Purina has been manufacturing pet food for 90 years, numerous veterinarians are well-acquainted and at ease with the brand. The primary component of Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind senior formula is chicken, with a majority of the animal protein derived from chicken and poultry byproduct meal.
The formula contains a range of supplements to promote senior health. It includes probiotics to aid digestion, glucosamine to enhance mobility, omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health, and antioxidants to support a strong immune system.
The formula is comprised of fish oil, antioxidants, B vitamins, and arginine, all of which aim to enhance mental sharpness and cognitive health in aging dogs. Additionally, the food is offered in kibble formulas for adult, large, and small breeds, as well as in canned form.
Best Overall Wet
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables Canned Dog Food
For aging dogs who may not always have a strong appetite and may experience discomfort in their teeth and gums, canned food can offer a more enjoyable and manageable meal option. This well-liked Blue Buffalo recipe contains chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver as its primary ingredients. Additionally, it includes flaxseed, fish oil, blueberries, carrots, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, and brown rice. Importantly, this recipe does not contain any corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, preservatives, or poultry byproduct meals.
Similar to dry food options, this senior meal includes additional omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to enhance skin and coat health, antioxidants to boost the immune system, and glucosamine and chondroitin for improved mobility. It can be fed on its own, mixed with dry kibble to satisfy selective eaters, or given as an occasional indulgence.
Best Budget
Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food
This senior kibble, despite being cheaper than some others, still contains farm-raised chicken as its main ingredient. It also includes typical senior food additives such as fiber and prebiotics for digestion, antioxidants for immune support, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, and additional supplements for promoting fat burning and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
The food is formulated for regular and large breeds and does not contain artificial preservatives or flavors or fillers. Additionally, it contains whole grains, beet pulp, and carrots as other ingredients.
Best Premium
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Senior Dry Dog Food
Premium dog foods that are grain-free are being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration for a potential link to heart disease. Alternatively, Farmina offers a senior formula that contains fiber-rich and nutrient dense “ancient grains,” which are a broad category of whole grains such as einkorn, farro, and spelt that have not undergone selective breeding and remain largely unchanged over centuries. The N&D Ancestral Grain formula includes whole oats and whole spelt, which take longer to digest compared to the grains used in other dog foods. As a result, they release carbohydrate energy at a slower rate and promote a feeling of fullness.
Made in Italy, this food incorporates chicken as its primary source of protein alongside dried beets and eggs. Its enticing aroma might even tempt you to take a bite. Fresh and dehydrated herring, as well as dried carrots, apples, blueberries, and spinach, are also included as ingredients. Additionally, the food is enriched with chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health, omega fatty acids for skin and coat, and boasts a high protein content.
Best for Arthritis
Wellness Natural Pet Food Complete Health Natural Dry Senior Dog Food
One of the reasons why many senior foods contain glucosamine and chondroitin is because dogs often develop arthritis and joint issues as they get older. To promote joint health, this particular food has significant amounts of both supplements, with at least 800 milligrams of glucosamine and 700 milligrams of chondroitin per kilogram of food, potentially safeguarding cartilage in the joints.
The main ingredient in this formula is chicken without bones, and it also contains barley, brown rice, peas, and oatmeal. It contains all the necessary nutrients for senior dogs such as fiber for digestion, omega fatty acids for skin and coat, and calcium for teeth. It does not contain any meat byproducts, fillers, or artificial preservatives, and it is manufactured in the United States.
Best for Large Dogs
Hill’s Diet Science Large Breed Adult 6+ Dry Dog Food
Bigger dogs require specific nutrition, especially when it comes to their bone and joint health as they get older. This specific food is designed for adult dogs of large breeds, aged six years and above, weighing between 55 and 110 pounds. It is also suitable for giant breeds that are five years and older, with an ideal weight of 110 pounds or more. The formulation includes glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility, omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat, and essential minerals to promote heart and kidney health.
Hill’s provides a variety of food formulas designed for large breeds, with chicken, chicken meal, or lamb meal as the primary ingredient. These formulas do not contain any artificial preservatives, synthetic colors, or artificial flavors.
Best for Small Dogs
Royal Canin
Do you have a little companion? Royal Canin offers a variety of senior dog formulas based on dog size and age to choose from. You can select between x-small and small sizes, which are further categorized into dogs aged eight years and older or 12 years and older. The x-small formula is designed for dogs weighing up to 8 pounds, while the small formula is suitable for dogs weighing between 9 and 22 pounds.
With its small-sized kibble, the food is designed to be more manageable for small mouths. It contains a mix of fiber to aid in digestion, the amino acid L-carnitine to promote a healthy metabolism, and antioxidants. While the primary ingredient is corn, the main source of protein is chicken byproduct meal.
Best for Weight Management
Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dog Dry Food
As dogs age, they tend to be less active, so many senior dog foods contain reduced calories. On this list, this particular formula has 319 calories per cup, which is around 100 calories less than some other choices. Similar to the others, it also contains additional calcium for promoting strong bones and joints, fiber for aiding digestion, and antioxidants to support a robust immune system. Depending on the specific recipe, the primary ingredient is either chicken or lamb.
The food is free from corn, wheat, soy protein, and GMOs. Additionally, it is offered in small breed senior and large breed senior variants, specifically designed to meet the requirements of older dogs of different sizes.
Best Prescription Food
Hills Prescription Diet Aging Care
Prescription foods, also referred to as therapeutic diets, are specifically designed to address certain health conditions or life stages and can only be obtained with a veterinarian’s prescription. This Hills diet for senior dogs focuses on meeting the specific requirements of aging canines, which involves restricted levels of sodium, phosphorus, and protein in order to support the well-being of their heart and kidneys. The formula of this diet aims to promote urinary health and is particularly suitable for dogs that have sensitivity towards excessive fat consumption.
The formula is available in only one variety, which is chicken flavored, and contains chicken byproducts meal as a key component. Veterinary diets generally have higher price points compared to regular foods and necessitate authorization from a veterinarian to be acquired.
Best Supplement Chews
Zesty Paws Senior Advanced 11-in-1 Bites
These supplements contain ingredients that promote healthy aging and come in the form of small heart-shaped soft chews. They target various functions such as hips, joints, skin, gut, immunity, heart, brain, liver, eye, and urinary and kidney health. For instance, to address joint stiffness, they include chondroitin and glucosamine. For skin health, cod liver fish oil and vitamin E are included. To promote gut, immune, and bladder function, cranberry extract, psyllium husk, and vitamins A and C are included.
The chews are free from artificial flavors and preservatives. They are suitable for all dogs, regardless of their size. For dogs weighing up to 25 pounds, one chew is recommended, while dogs over 75 pounds should be given three chews. For dogs falling between these weight ranges, two chews are suggested. These tasty chews can be offered as a treat or during mealtime.
The Best Wet Food for Senior Dogs
#1. Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner
Our favorite overall best food for older dogs is Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Senior Wet Dog Food. It can be given to your dog as a tasty treat, mixed with their dry food, or fed as a standalone meal.
The top ingredient in this Blue Buffalo recipe is real deboned chicken, which is why we consider it to be the best option. When selecting dog food, the order of ingredients plays a crucial role, and it is important to choose a product that contains protein from a genuine source.
Your dog will enjoy the flavor of chicken and be grateful that there are no animal by-products. The dog food is suitable for dogs at any age and is made in a pâté-style for easy chewing and swallowing. It contains nutritious grains like brown rice and barley which will provide ample energy for your older dog. The inclusion of carrots, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and cranberries adds a delightful tang that enhances the taste of every bite.
There have been complaints from certain customers regarding the receipt of dented cans when they make online orders. Due to the can’s irregular shape, they face difficulty in accessing all the food contents contained within.
Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The recipe contains real deboned chicken to help maintain healthy muscles. | In some cases, customers have complained that their cans arrived dented when they ordered them online. |
| You can serve it as a treat, with dry food, or as a dish on its own. | |
| It’s filled with healthy fruits and vegetables. |
2. Best US-Made Wet Food for Senior Dogs: Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Beef & Barley
When considering high-quality dog food for older dogs, Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Beef & Barley made in the United States is a great option. Many pet owners appreciate the fact that it is produced in facilities located in the US. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that the ingredients used are obtained from various parts of the world.
The powerful blend of antioxidants in Hill’s Science wet food is one reason why older dogs can benefit from it. Additionally, all the ingredients included in this food are natural and even veterinarians endorse its use.
Hill’s Science has included high-quality protein to ensure your dog feels satiated for a longer period and promotes the development of sturdy muscles. Additionally, they have incorporated Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, which contribute to maintaining your dog’s hair, skin, joints, and vision in optimal condition. Formulated with chicken, brown rice, beef, and barely, this food provides all the essential nutrients your dog requires. Its digestibility is remarkable, and the taste is unmatched. Nonetheless, some customers have observed that this meal contains a significant amount of carbohydrates, which may make it unsuitable for overweight dogs.
However, it is important to note that Hill’s recalled specific canned dog foods, including this one, on January 31, 2019, on a voluntary basis. Subsequently, no recalls have been issued for this particular product.
Pros and Cons of the Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Beef & Barley
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The recipe is made in US-based facilities. | The recipe is high in carbohydrates. |
| Fruits and vegetables in this recipe provide a powerful antioxidant blend. | |
| The recipe is veterinarian recommended. |
3. Best Value Wet Food for Senior Dogs: Iams ProActive Healthy Aging Senior Wet Dog Food
For the best value without compromising quality, give your senior dog Iams ProActive Healthy Aging Senior Wet Dog Food.
Do you think it’s necessary to spend more on wet dog food for your senior dog? The Iams ProActive is a budget-friendly option that is perfect for this. It is considered one of the best foods for older dogs as the chicken and rice are slow-cooked to bring out delicious flavors. Senior dogs find this food easy to chew and swallow due to its formula.
Similar to the rest of the options presented, this particular recipe utilizes omega fatty acids that provide advantageous effects for your dog’s coat, skin, eyes, and joints. Additionally, if you have younger dogs, you can offer them this IAMS wet food as long as they have reached one year of age.
There is a variety of flavors available, such as chicken, lamb, and beef, for you to choose from. Wholesome grains are included to maintain high energy levels for your dog, and the added vitamins and minerals promote overall health for your puppy. Nevertheless, a few reviewers expressed dissatisfaction as the dog food caused their pup to experience excessive gas.
Pros and Cons of the Iams ProActive Healthy Aging Senior Wet Dog Food
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The recipe contains omega-3 fatty acids that promote cardiovascular health, skin health, and joint health. | There were some reviews mentioning that the dog food made their dog gassy. |
| Even the pickiest dog can find something he likes among the variety of flavors. | |
| It boosts energy and promotes immune health thanks to its unique blend of ingredients. |
4. Best Wet Food for Senior Dogs in Gravy: Purina Pro Plan Senior Beef & Rice Entree
If your dog is a big fan of gravy, there is no doubt that they will love the Purina Pro Plan Senior Beef & Rice Entree.
When it comes to the best food for older dogs, the Purina Pro Plan takes the fourth and final spot, loved by many. It is specifically designed for dogs that are at least seven years old and comes in various flavors. The senior beef and rice entree appears to be the preferred choice among most dogs.
Your dog’s health will be improved by real beef and high-quality grains. It is common for older dogs to have digestion issues, but this food is easy to digest. Pet owners appreciate that it does not contain artificial dyes or preservatives. Additionally, they find the 23 essential vitamins and minerals beneficial for their dogs. Some reviewers did mention that their dogs refused to eat the dog food after the formula was changed.
Pros and Cons of the Purina Pro Plan Senior Beef & Rice Entree
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This is a great wet food option for dogs that enjoy gravy. | A change in the formula caused some reviewers’ dogs to stop eating it. |
| This recipe is very easily digestible, which is great for senior dogs. | |
| There are no artificial flavors or dyes added to the recipe. |
