Best Dog Foods For Senior Dogs

By providing your pooch with the best dog food for senior dogs, you are doing what you can to help them live a long, healthy and pain-free life alongside you.

Senior dogs have different dietary requirements. They may start to be less active, have mobility issues such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, and—just like people—have a slower metabolism. That’s why you’ll want to pay particular attention to what you’re feeding your dog in their senior years.

If you’re thinking about switching your dog’s food to recipes oriented for senior dogs, Boyle suggests a slow transition to prevent upsetting your pup’s stomach. Gradually reduce the ratio of old food to new food every few days. If your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea during the switch to a new food, put in a call to your vet.

For an old dog to feed and hydrate without difficulty, water and food containers must be placed in easily accessible places. For large breeds, height-adjustable pots should be used so that the pet is not forced to lean.

Beware of administering dietary supplements without your doctor’s consent! Some vitamins and minerals can do more harm to a senior dog.

Veterinarian Recommended Senior Dog Food

If your dog has serious health concerns, you will need the help of your veterinarian to plan a proper diet. For example, a good diabetic diet can delay the absorption of food and control raising blood pressure caused by diabetes. Your vet might recommend putting your diabetic dog on a low-fat and high-fiber diet.

Senior dogs with heart disease need low-calorie and low-sodium formulations to keep their weight down. While they still need protein, the protein ingredients should come from low-fat sources, such as chicken, turkey and fish.

Best Senior Dog Foods

Here is our list of our best Senior dog foods outlined in no particular order of preference;

1. Wellness Core Senior Dog Food

Wellness Core Senior derives the lion’s share of its meat protein from fresh turkey and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 13% fat and 43% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.

Core Senior is a grain-free formula boasting lots of omega-rich salmon oil, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health… with optimal calories for weight control. A premium recipe for older dogs. Highly recommended.

2. Diamond Naturals Dry Senior Dog Food Formula

This dry dog food from Diamond Naturals contains cage-free chicken, eggs, and oatmeal, plus chia seeds and quinoa for a blend that’s high in protein and fiber and low in fat. Glucosamine and chondroitin help maintain healthy joints, while fatty acids and other vitamins encourage a shiny coat. With added K9 Strain Probiotics, the good-for-your-pup bacteria, this dry food also promotes healthy digestion and weight control. It’s made in the United States with imported ingredients.

3. Nutro — Wholesome Essentials Senior Farm-Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

Your four-legged friend is going to love the flavors of this wholesome, clean-feed formula diet. This one by Nutro is a specified senior dog recipe suitable for all breeds. The nutrient-rich diet helps your dog with a number of aging complications such as memory loss and mobility issues. The nutrients are derived from a blend of high-quality ingredients to formulate a diet that supports cognitive and joint health in your senior dogs.

4. Nulo Senior Grain-Free with Glucosamine and Chondroitin

This grain-free trout and sweet potato dog food for senior dogs has L-carnitine that supports the metabolism, which is important for senior dogs that might otherwise be prone to weight gain or weight loss. It is rich in protein and reinforced with glucosamine and chondroitin – both of wish are beneficial for aging bones and joints.

5. Iams ProActive Health Senior Dry Dog Food for Dogs

The first ingredient of Iams ProActive Health Senior Dry Dog Food for Dogs is farm-raised real chicken, which makes it another great choice for your senior furry friend. The antioxidants support a strong immune system, the prebiotics and fiber blend maintains a healthy digestion, while the chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine keep your pet’s bones and joints flawless during this life stage.

In addition, the easily digestible, crunchy kibble takes care of your friend’s coat and skin strengthens his teeth, bones, and muscles, and reduces plaque. This recipe is specially formulated to fit older dogs’ unique nutritional and wellness needs.

6. VICTOR Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

Food for senior dogs should have higher quality protein sources, not just “high meat” content. No wonder our customers love VICTOR Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food, which is composed of 78 percent meat protein using premium-quality beef, chicken, fish and pork meals. This brand of senior dog food also is formulated to foster weight control and better digestion for sensitive tummies.

7. Halo Holistic Senior Chicken Recipe

The number one thing you’ll love about Halo is that, as a brand, it’s completely meal-and byproduct-free. Halo’s Senior Chicken Recipe Canned Dog Food focuses on premium ingredients, sustainable practices and only whole meats.

To supplement the whole meat in this wet dog food recipe, there are non-GMO fruits, vegetables and added hydration. Better-for-you ingredients like chickpeas, green peas and wholesome grains (in lieu of rice, corn or dairy) make this recipe highly digestible, rendering it easier for mature dogs to eat.