As dogs age, their dietary needs evolve to address age-related conditions like decreased mobility, muscle loss, and cognitive decline. Specially formulated senior dog foods are designed to meet these changing requirements. Many formulas for older dogs incorporate antioxidants to combat aging effects, omega fatty acids to reduce inflammation, and glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health.
Veterinarians and pet nutrition experts emphasize the importance of selecting senior dog food that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional standards for adult maintenance or all life stages. While AAFCO does not have specific senior pet food standards, these guidelines ensure essential nutrient requirements are met. Senior dog foods may be lower in calories due to a slower metabolism or more calorie-dense to accommodate smaller appetites or support lean muscle mass.
This guide highlights top recommendations for senior dog food, categorized to help owners find the most suitable options for their aging companions.
Best Overall Wet Senior Dog Food
Wet food is beneficial for senior dogs, particularly those prone to dehydration or with kidney issues, due to its higher moisture content (75-78%) compared to dry food (10-12%). Senior dogs with dental problems or those who have undergone tooth extractions may also find soft, wet food easier to consume.
- Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Beef and Brown Rice: This wet food lists beef, liver, and chicken as primary protein sources, with carbohydrates from rice, wheat, and soy. It’s enriched with omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and niacin, providing 52.7% protein, 17.7% fat, and 304 kcals per tub.
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée: Featuring chicken as the main protein, this formula includes pork liver, barley, whole grain corn, and corn gluten meal for carbohydrates. It’s fortified with vitamins C and E for immune support and minerals for heart and kidney function, offering 22% protein, 15% fat, and approximately 29 calories per ounce.
- Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel: This option uses pork byproducts, pork liver, chicken, and other animal proteins. Carbohydrates come from wheat flour, wheat gluten, and beet pulp. It’s enhanced with L-carnitine and glycine, and fish oil, containing 39.13% protein, 15.21% fat, and 25.5 kcals per ounce.
Best Overall Dry Senior Dog Food
For senior dogs who prefer kibble, several high-quality dry food options are available. Experts advise choosing grain-inclusive diets due to potential links between grain-free foods and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
- Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Chicken and Rice Formula: This feeding-trial tested food uses chicken and poultry byproduct meals as protein sources, with rice, corn, wheat, and barley for carbohydrates. It also includes omega fatty acids and glucosamine. This formula contains 29% protein, 14% fat, and 423 kcal per cup.
- Merrick Senior Real Chicken & Brown Rice: With chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal as primary proteins, this kibble incorporates brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and quinoa. It is supplemented with omega fatty acids from salmon oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin, providing 27% protein, 15% fat, and 381 kcal per cup.
- Nutro Natural Choice Senior Lamb & Brown Rice: This recipe features deboned lamb as the main protein, with rice bran, barley, and brown rice as carbohydrate sources. It’s fortified with omega fatty acids from fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin, containing 27% protein, 12% fat, and 307 kcal per cup.
Budget-Friendly Options for Senior Dogs
Quality senior nutrition doesn’t have to be expensive. Several brands offer affordable yet nutritious wet and dry food options.
Best Budget Wet Food
- Iams ProActive Health Classic Ground: This wet food’s protein comes from meat byproducts, chicken, and chicken byproducts. Carbohydrates include brown rice, wheat flour, and wheat gluten. It’s enhanced with glycine and flaxseed, offering 24% protein, 10.5% fat, and 21 kcals per ounce.
- Purina One +Plus Vibrant Maturity Adult 7+ Turkey and Barley: Turkey, chicken, liver, and pork lungs are the primary proteins. Carbohydrates include barley, oatmeal, carrots, and spinach. This formula is enriched with glycine and fish oil, containing 419 kcals per can.
Best Budget Dry Food
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior: This recipe contains deboned chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat for protein. Carbohydrates include brown rice, barley, oatmeal, peas, and potatoes. It’s fortified with probiotics, L-lysine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids, offering 18% protein and 357 kcals per cup.
- Iams ProActive Health Healthy Aging Chicken and Whole Grain: Chicken, chicken byproduct meal, and dried egg product are the protein sources. Carbohydrates include barley, corn, and carrots. Beneficial additions include marine microalgae for omega fatty acids, prebiotics, and L-carnitine, providing 24% protein and 349 kcal per cup.
- Purina ONE +Plus Senior Vibrant Maturity Adult 7+: This food features chicken and chicken byproduct meal as primary proteins, with whole grain corn, oatmeal, and carrots for carbohydrates. It includes glucosamine and l-lysine, offering 28% protein and 363 kcals per cup.
Specialized Diets for Senior Dogs
Beyond general senior nutrition, specific formulations cater to particular needs like breed size, sensitive stomachs, or weight management.
Best for Small Breeds
Senior dogs of smaller breeds often have different nutritional requirements and kibble size preferences.
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice: This small kibble option lists chicken meal as the main protein and includes barley, whole grain wheat, and corn for carbohydrates. It’s fortified with cranberries for antioxidants, L-lysine, and L-carnitine, providing 19% protein and 353 kcal per cup.
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws: With pork liver and chicken as primary proteins, this recipe uses brown rice, wheat flour, and potatoes for carbohydrates. Beneficial additions include L-lysine and L-carnitine, offering 29.7% protein and 83 kcal per tray.
Best for Large Breeds
Large breed senior dogs may benefit from formulas supporting joint health and containing specific nutrient profiles.
- Nutro Natural Choice Senior 6+ Years Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice: This formula features chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat for protein, with brown rice, peas, and kale for carbohydrates. It contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and antioxidants, providing 22% protein and 304 kcals per cup.
- Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Large Breed Senior: Chicken is the sole animal protein, complemented by carbohydrates from carrots, brown rice, peas, and barley. Added nutrients include omega fatty acids, antioxidants from blueberries and cranberries, and l-carnitine, offering 46.6% protein and 493 kcals per cup.
Best for Sensitive Stomachs
Dogs with sensitive digestive systems can benefit from highly digestible ingredients.
- Hill’s Prescription Diet GD Aging Care Turkey: This food features pork liver, pork byproducts, and turkey as protein sources, with rice as the primary carbohydrate. It includes beet pulp and flaxseed, offering 18.6% protein and 26 kcals per ounce.
- Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Senior Dog Turkey & Potato: Deboned turkey and turkey meal provide protein, while oatmeal, brown rice, and potatoes are carbohydrate sources. It’s supplemented with fish oil, glucosamine, turmeric, and probiotics, containing 18% protein and 348 kcals per cup.
Best for Weight Loss
Managing weight is crucial for senior dogs to reduce the risk of health issues.
- Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Lamb & Brown Rice: This high-fiber, low-calorie recipe uses deboned lamb and chicken meal for protein. Carbohydrates include brown rice, barley, and peas. It contains 24% protein, 8.47% fat, and 240 kcals per cup.
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Vegetable: Chicken and turkey giblets are the main protein sources, with oats, peas, and carrots for carbohydrates. This formula provides 29% protein and 310 kcals per 12.8-oz can.
Best Fresh Senior Dog Food
Freshly prepared diets offer a palatable and nutrient-dense option for senior dogs.
- The Farmer’s Dog: This personalized fresh food option uses pork and pork liver for protein, with sweet potato and green beans as carbohydrates. It includes omega fatty acids from salmon oil, offering 39% protein and 39 calories per ounce.
- JustFoodForDogs Joint and Skin Support: This feeding-trial tested recipe features pork loin and tenderloin, with quinoa and kale for carbohydrates. It’s enriched with fish oil and collagen, containing 41.6% protein and 32 calories per ounce.
Key Considerations When Choosing Senior Dog Food
When selecting food for an aging dog, several factors are paramount:
- AAFCO Statement: Look for foods with an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for “adult maintenance” or “all life stages.”
- Ingredient List: Prioritize grain-inclusive diets due to concerns about grain-free foods and DCM.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Examine nutrient levels like protein, fat, and fiber. Consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations based on your dog’s health.
- Healthy Extras: Beneficial additions include antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin to support cognitive and joint health.
- Calorie Content: Senior dogs often have slower metabolisms, so lower-calorie options can help manage weight. However, ensure the food is still nutritionally complete.
- Breed-Size Formulation: Foods designed for small or large breeds cater to their specific physiological needs and kibble size preferences.
- Expert Formulations: Choose brands that employ board-certified veterinary nutritionists and adhere to quality control standards.
Consulting with your veterinarian is essential to determine the most appropriate diet for your senior dog’s individual health needs and life stage.
