Senior dogs have different nutritional needs and require less calorie-dense food. It is essential that older pups control calorie intake and refrain from eating a diet that is high in unneeded nutrients. They must have healthy protein and fat, with a vitamin, mineral, and glucosamine boost. Dogs need a healthy diet throughout their lives, and as they age, these needs change.
My dog, Bonkers, is a senior Bull Terrier mix, and I have adjusted his diet by choosing a less calorific option as he has slowed down a lot in recent years. Using my knowledge as a senior dog owner and researching the market, I have found some of the best dog food for senior dogs that you may want to consider. I also discuss aging canines’ nutritional needs and what owners can do to support them. Let’s take a closer look.
| Overall | Wet | Dry | Sensitive Stomach | For Weight Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
| The Farmer’s Dog | Blue Buffalo | Nulo Freestyle | Nom Nom | Ollie |
| Visit Website | View on Chewy | View on Chewy | Visit Website | Visit Website |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
5 Senior Dog Nutritional Needs
There isn’t a set age when dogs become senior canine citizens because what is considered old for a dog depends on a wide range of factors. Generally speaking, small breeds become seniors between 11 and 12 years of age. Large and giant breeds become seniors between 5 and 8 years old. A canine is considered geriatric when it has lived past its breed’s expected lifespan. However, they might be regarded as seniors when you notice changes in their behavior or needs, such as appetite loss, less energy, and even cognitive issues.
As canines reach their golden years, their body conditions start to change. Additionally, they have a decrease in activity, mobility, and abilities. These physiologic changes affect how much energy a canine needs, directly impacting their diet. What doesn’t change is the need to choose a diet that is compliant with the pet food standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO is a non-profit organization that sets standards for pet food in the US and offers guidance on selecting the right pet food.
Appropriate nutrition is vital for elder canines to support their overall health and maintain a healthy weight. Here are the main components of a senior dog’s diet.
1. Protein
Protein is essential for canines of all ages. Older dogs may have more difficulty digesting and processing protein, which can lead to kidney problems. However, the protein they consume should be high-quality and easily digestible. Seniors should eat a diet of 25% protein (at least) from high-quality protein sources. It is a misconception that older canines need less protein. They require about 50% more protein to maintain their muscle mass than younger canines. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention recommends 28 to 32% protein for healthy senior dogs.
2. Fats
Healthy fats are an essential energy source for canines, and they need fats to maintain their overall health and wellness. Salmon oil is an excellent option for senior dogs because it contains healthy omega fatty acids that help with cognitive, eye, joint, coat, skin function, heart disease, and more. But, seniors require less fat than younger pups because they are less active. Too much fat in their diet can lead to obesity and other health problems. It is crucial to prevent obesity in aging pets, as this condition leads to a higher risk for osteoarthritis and diabetes, which can contribute to a shorter lifespan.
If you’re unsure about your dog’s ideal body condition, we have a guide on how heavy your dog should be, along with body weight charts.
3. Fiber
Fiber helps promote healthy digestion and can aid in weight management. Due to changes in their digestive systems, senior dogs may require more fiber than younger ones. However, too much fiber can lead to digestive problems, so it is essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of fiber for your aging pet. If your vet suggests a high-fiber diet, we have a guide on the best high-fiber dog food.
4. Vitamins and Minerals
Older pups may require additional vitamins and minerals to maintain their health. Vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D are essential for bone health, while antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene can help boost the immune system. Most high-quality diets should deliver the vitamins and minerals dogs need to maintain their wellness. But sometimes, aging dogs need a helping hand to feel their best. So, it’s important to consider dog vitamins for enhanced health. Elements like chondroitin, glucosamine, and taurine are necessary for joint and bone health.
It’s crucial to consult your vet before introducing supplements to your dog’s diet.
5. Water
Older canines may become dehydrated more quickly, so it is crucial to ensure they always have access to clean, fresh water. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems, so be sure your older pooch drinks enough water throughout the day. Consider using a pet water fountain to ensure they have a steady stream of fresh, clean water. Trickling water stimulates most dogs, which might encourage your aging pup to drink more.
Senior Dogs & Sensitivities
When canines reach their senior years, they can also develop sensitivities and allergies to certain ingredients in their diet. Food intolerance can develop at any point in their lifetime. As many older canines experience gastrointestinal issues or other dietary concerns, paying attention to what your pet is eating and how they react to it is essential. Canines often develop intolerances to chicken, beef, wheat, and dairy products. Additionally, soy, eggs, corn, and some preservatives may cause problems. If you’re looking for a new diet to cater to their allergies, we also have a guide on the limited ingredient dog diets or the best dog food for allergies.
If you are unsure what is causing your pet’s stomach concerns, you can discuss this with your vet and try an at-home allergy test. These kits test for dietary intolerance, sensitivity, and some environmental allergens. They are relatively easy to do; simply send a hair or saliva sample to the company’s lab, and they will send you the results within a few weeks.
Best Dog Food For Older And Senior Dogs
I have spent many hours scouring the market to find the best senior dog food that caters to various dietary needs, flavor preferences, budget, and owner needs. Each option is AAFCO compliant and has either been tested by our team’s dogs or has a high rating from other dog owners. Read my reviews to find the best dog food for your senior dog.
Best Senior Dog Food Overall: The Farmer’s Dog Review
My top choice overall for senior dogs is The Farmer’s Dog. This is a top pick for several reasons. The Farmer’s Dog makes fresh, human-grade meals using all-natural ingredients. They offer four limited-ingredient recipes with four protein choices: turkey, pork, chicken, and beef. Each contains fresh vegetables, salmon oil, minerals, and vitamins. Recipes contain no soy corn or wheat. Board-certified American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) nutritionists formulate all recipes. Meals are gently cooked and flash-frozen to preserve nutrients and freshness.
These meals are wonderful for aging dogs. Food is gently cooked, making it full of nutrients and easy to digest. It has no processed ingredients and is better for overall health. A fresh diet is also helpful for pups with weight concerns, which many seniors have. The Farmer’s Dog offers personalized plans for your pet’s needs. Owners complete a survey and give information about their pup’s dietary requirements. Food is portioned to suit each pup, and calories depend on serving sizes. This is a subscription service, and meals are shipped right to your door making it super easy to provide your older dog everything they need.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality ingredients | More expensive than some other options |
| Human-grade and all-natural fresh food | |
| Flash-frozen to preserve nutrients | |
| Personalize your dog’s meals | |
| Convenient subscription service | |
| AAFCO-approved |
Price
- Starting at $2/day for small dogs, but varies based on your pet’s weight, age, and other factors
As a Canine Journal reader, you have access to 50% off your first box. No code is needed; just use this link to apply the discount!
Read our full review of The Farmer’s Dog, where we compare the recipes and their subscription service and share our personal experience.
Best Senior Wet Or Canned Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Senior Review
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This Blue Buffalo recipe is a top choice for canned senior dog chow. It has a high protein content and no fillers like wheat gluten. Protein comes from fresh chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver. The recipe includes carrots, peas, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, and sweet potatoes. This formula also contains chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health. It contains no by-product meals, wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives that can aggravate sensitive senior dog stomachs.
This meal is high in nutrients, easy to eat, and contains 396 calories per cup. It has a smooth, soft texture, making it suitable for older pets who may have trouble chewing. This recipe can be served as an entrée or mixed with dry kibble. Many customers state this option is a massive hit with their picky pets. It is easy to digest, affordable, and in stock with many major retailers, which allows you to offer a consistent diet for Fido.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains real chicken | Not all dogs enjoy the smooth pate consistency |
| It has a soft, smooth texture | |
| Encourages picky eaters | |
| It can be mixed with dry kibble or eaten on its own | |
| Contains more moisture than dry food | |
| Popular AAFCO-approved formula | |
| Made with glucosamine and chondroitin |
Price
- Check Amazon for availability for 12 x 12.8 oz cans
Read our comprehensive review of Blue Buffalo, exploring their brand and recall history, ingredients, other tasty recipes, and more.
Best Dry Dog Food For Senior Dogs: Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Senior Review
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Dry kibble is a staple in most pets’ diets. Even seniors need to eat kibble for vital nutrients and to help maintain teeth cleanliness. This grain-free, dry kibble is high in animal protein. Deboned trout, turkey meal, salmon meal, yellow peas, sweet potato, chickpeas, deboned turkey, pea fiber, and chicken fat are among the ingredients. These ingredients are high quality and work together to achieve a strong and lean body.
The recipe includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and L-carnitine for joint health and weight control and has 396 calories per cup. Plus, each bite contains vitamins and minerals for a stronger immunity. This is a popular choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It contains probiotics, is easy to digest, and does not contain chicken, corn, wheat, or other fillers. It was developed to support senior dogs’ digestive, bone, joint, and immune system health.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More premium kibble option | Higher price than some other kibbles |
| Tailored to senior dog needs | |
| Focuses on digestive health | |
| It contains a blend of probiotics | |
| Formulated with additional vitamins and minerals, including glucosamine and chondroitin | |
| Protein-rich kibble | |
| AAFCO-approved recipe |
Price
- $86.99 ($0.21 / Fl Oz) for a 26 lb. bag
Read our full Nulo review to learn more about this brand.
Best Senior Sensitive Stomach Dog Food: Nom Nom Fresh Review
Fresh meals are an excellent choice for the sensitive stomach of an older canine. The Farmer’s Dog is a top choice, but there are others to choose from. Nom Nom offers four proteins: beef, chicken, pork, and turkey. Human-grade meals are much easier to digest, taste better, and have higher nutritional value. For a sensitive stomach, a fresh diet can be life-changing. Nom Nom formulates all recipes to support aging canines. They are softer, have higher digestibility, and offer substantial protein.
Nom Nom is a subscription service, and a board-certified veterinary nutritionist creates the recipes. It is a subscription service, but owners can try out a sample pack commitment-free. Many owners see a difference in their older pets’ energy, skin and coat appearance, and overall happiness in just 30 days. This is also a more affordable option than some other meal delivery services.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient subscription service | More expensive than kibble or canned food |
| Fresh diet with no fillers | |
| Personalize the recipes | |
| Offers 4 tasty recipes | |
| AAFCO-approved | |
| Owners mention they have seen a fast improvement in their dogs within 30 days |
Price
- Plans start at $3.00 a day
Our readers have access to save 50% off your first order of Nom Nom; no promo code is needed. Use this link to get started!
Read our full review of Nom Nom to see why we think it could be a great option for your senior pup.
Best Senior Dog Food For Weight Loss: Ollie Fresh Review
Ollie is an excellent choice for older pups that need to lose weight. Ollie makes fresh, human-grade meals as well as baked human-grade meals. This gives owners multiple choices, and they can pick plans that offer entirely fresh meals, half-baked and half-fresh, or a more budget-friendly half-fresh plan. Owners take a short quiz that helps create a customized meal plan based on their pet’s needs. Owners then try out a starter box, and if they like it, continue with the subscriptions.
Ollie is extremely healthy and uses all-natural ingredients. Fresh recipes include beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb. Baked recipes are cooked in small batches and include beef and chicken. Fresh recipes are slow-cooked and flash-frozen for freshness, and proteins include real animal proteins and organ meat. Recipes include salmon oil, amino acids, and vitamins to help keep dogs healthy. Owners can mix and match proteins to keep their pets interested and control portion size. This chow is highly nutritious, tastes great, and often satisfies more than traditional dried kibble, which is especially important for weight loss.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient subscription service | More expensive than dry dog food |
| Offers a range of fresh and baked options | |
| Contains high-quality protein | |
| Uses all-natural ingredients | |
| Starter packs available | |
| Personalize your dog’s plan | |
| AAFCO approved |
Price
- Fresh starts at $1.57 a meal, mixed at $1.36 a meal, and half-fresh at $1.00 per meal
Our readers can get 50% off their first order. Use this link to take advantage of this offer(no discount code needed)
Read our full Ollie Review to explore their recipes and our personal experience
Best Soft Dog Food For Senior Dogs: JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Review
This fresh, 100% whole-food ingredient diet is shelf stable and stays good for two years. It is a fantastic alternative to fresh meals and does not take up room in the freezer. Veterinarians formulate recipes and use no preservatives, rendered meats, fillers, artificial colorings, flavors, or growth hormones. Foods are prepared in the kitchen, not manufacturing plants. Meals are soft, highly nutritious, flavorful, and easy to digest.
The Joint & Skin Support recipe is my top choice for senior dogs. It contains pork loin, quinoa, kale, carrots, apples, rice starch, sunflower oil, coconut oil, fish oil, and a JustFoodForDogs nutrient blend. This high-protein diet offers top nutrition and a soft texture, making it easy for seniors to eat. It is gluten-free and provides 31 calories per ounce. The company makes several Pantry Fresh options, including those for special needs like renal and hepatic support for kidney disease.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Shelf stable option | More expensive than dry dog food diets |
| A great alternative to fresh diets | Not pre-portioned like other fresh brands |
| Made with high-quality ingredients | |
| Focuses on joint and skin health | |
| This brand offers diets for special needs such as kidney disease | |
| AAFCO compliant | |
| Features type II collagen for joints |
Price
- $89.40 for 12 x 12.5 oz
Get 35% off your first order at JustFoodForDogs. Just use this link to get started.
Read our comprehensive JustFoodForDogs review, where we explore their range of formulas and share our personal experiences.
Best Small Breed Senior Dog Food: Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Senior Review
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Small breeds often experience dental issues as they age, making picking the best chow even more important. This recipe uses chicken, chicken meal, whole grain barley, split peas, rice, oatmeal, and fish oil, among other ingredients. It uses no corn, wheat, or soy and is free from by-product meals. It uses no artificial flavors or ingredients. The recipe is fortified with calcium, protein, and fiber to support healthy joints and digestion. It contains 320 calories per cup.
This kibble is formulated especially for aging small-breed pups, which is a relatively narrow market. This is one of the reasons I have chosen it specifically for small breeds. Tiny dogs can easily chew and digest this bite-sized kibble. It contains essential antioxidants to support immune system health and glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for bone and joint health. This formula is for small breeds over eight years old.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient kibble designed for senior dogs | Lower protein content than some |
| The small kibble pieces are easy for smaller breeds to chew | Only 1 recipe option for small senior dogs |
| Contains real chicken | |
| Chicken meal and fish oil support joints | |
| Formulated with vitamins, minerals, and glucosamine | |
| AAFCO compliant |
Price
- $20.98 ($4.20 / lb) for a 5 lb. bag
Read our Nutro review for more information on the brand and its range of formulas.
Best Large Breed Senior Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Review
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This recipe focuses on supporting large-breed canines in their golden years. Protein comes from deboned chicken, which also supports bones and joints. This kibble supports larger breeds’ immune systems and physical needs. This kibble has added nutrients to support larger and giant breeds’ unique needs. There are no corn, wheat, soy, or chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, and it has 343 calories per cup.
The recipe starts with real meat and vegetables and includes fish oil for omega fatty acids, which helps to prevent health problems such as heart disease. It offers a healthy balance of protein and fat. Kibble also has added LifeSource Bits, a blend of nutrients enriched with a Super 7 package of antioxidant-rich components. Many customers say they quickly noticed a change in their older dog’s coat and skin.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient kibble made for large-breed seniors | Not all dogs like the LifeSource Bits |
| Contains Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits | |
| A healthy balance of protein and fat | |
| Supports skin and coat health | |
| Made with real chicken | |
| It comes in a large bag | |
| AAFCO compliant |
Price
- $69.98 ($2.33 / lb) for a 30 lb. bag
Best Dog Food For Senior Dogs With Bad Teeth: Wellness Complete Age Advantage Pate Review
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This Age Advantage recipe, designed for dogs aged seven and over, is a soft, blended pate that is easy for pups with poor teeth to eat. This recipe contains animal proteins, including chicken, chicken broth, whitefish, and chicken liver as protein sources. It uses no corn, wheat, soy, peas, or artificial ingredients, and it has a meaty taste and is easy to digest. The recipe contains antioxidants and omega fatty acids to support skin, coat, and immune system health. Healthy fats are great for their cardiac system and help keep heart disease at bay.
This completely balanced recipe supports skin, coat, digestive eyes, teeth, and overall health. It also works to boost your older pup’s energy. It doesn’t contain any meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives. The blend of easy-to-digest proteins provides a meaty flavor. This product can be a true lifesaver for pups with dental trouble, and it can be served alone or mixed in with soft kibble.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wet food made for senior dogs | Not all dogs like the pate consistency |
| It has a soft, pate-like formula that is easy to eat | |
| Contains chicken protein | |
| It can be mixed with kibble | |
| Easy to digest for most senior dogs |
Price
- $48.96 ($0.33 / Ounce) for 12 x 12.5 oz case
Best Freeze-Dried Food For Senior Dogs: Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets Review
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Although many consider fresh diets the healthiest for seniors, they aren’t suitable for every dog and can be expensive. Freeze-dried products are an excellent way to give pets the same benefits of fresh meals without as high a cost, and they stay fresh longer. Primal Freeze-Dried nuggets are an excellent choice, as they contain animal meat and organs. The recipe is protein-rich, easy to digest, and provides top-level nutrition. These come in chicken, beef, lamb, duck, pork, rabbit, turkey & sardine, and venison. They are designed to give canines all the nutrients from an ancestral diet. Includes fresh, ground bone for extra protein.
This chow is easy to feed. Owners just soak it in warm water, bone broth, or goat milk and serve. It is easy to digest as there is no corn, grains, gluten, wheat, or soy. Canines enjoy the taste, get top nutritional value, and stay full longer. Organic fruits and vegetables and ingredients like apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and salmon oil boost the antioxidants. This is a wonderful choice for any pooch that most elderly dogs appreciate.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It contains high-quality meat, organs, and ground bone | More expensive than dry dog food |
| Made with coconut and salmon oil, which is great for seniors | Not made specifically for senior dogs |
| Enriched with vitamins and minerals | |
| It comes in a wide variety of flavors | |
| Simple to feed | |
| Optimum nutrition that stays fresher for longer | |
| Less expensive than fresh food |
Price
- $34.98 ($39.98 / lb) per 14 oz package.
Check out our guide to the best freeze-dried dog food for other options.
Tips On How To Care For Your Senior Dog
Watch this quick video on how to care for your senior dog to make them more comfortable as they age. Remember, a happy dog is a healthy dog, so it’s essential to adjust according to their changing and aging needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our readers often have questions about the best food for senior dogs and how to meet their nutritional needs. If you don’t see your question below, please ask us in the comments, and we’ll find the answer for you.
What Is The Healthiest Dog Food For Senior Dogs?
The healthiest dog food for senior dogs is the one that best meets your dog’s nutritional needs. I recommend choosing a product that is specifically made for senior dogs or meets their requirements, such as high-quality protein, healthy fats, and enriched with vitamins and minerals, including glucosamine and chondroitin. Choose an option that mentions omega-three fatty acids that help to prevent heart disease. Each product in this review is suitable for older dogs. Remember always to choose a diet that is AAFCO-compliant.
Should Senior Dogs Eat Wet Or Dry Food?
All dogs are different, and you should choose the option that best suits your dog’s dietary requirements and preferences. It’s also essential to pick an option you can commit to in the long run. If your budget suits fresh options, I recommend choosing fresh food. If not, many high-quality dried foods meet senior needs. Wet dog food contains more moisture, which can help keep them hydrated and is easier to eat. Owners should be careful not to switch up their older pet’s diet too often, leading to digestive issues and stomach discomfort.
How Much Protein Do Senior Dogs Need?
Senior dogs should eat a diet that contains at least 25% protein from high-quality protein sources. It is a misconception that older canines need less protein than younger pups. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention recommends 28 to 32% protein for healthy senior dogs. However, not all dogs are the same, and some older canines struggle to digest protein-rich options. If your dog needs a low-protein option, you can feed them less protein than this, but you should speak with your vet first.
How Do I Meet My Aging Dog’s Nutritional Needs?
Every dog is different, and owners should discuss specific concerns with their veterinarian, who can provide tailored information. Providing the best quality nutrition possible is very important, as is looking for meals formulated to meet the needs of aging dogs. For example, if your dog has kidney disease, choosing an option like JustFoodForDogs can possibly help with this. In other cases, a joint supplement may be necessary for some older canines. If you are considering this, you can discuss with your veterinarian what supplement is best.
Other Ways To Look After Your Senior Dog
Meeting an aging canine’s nutritional needs is no easy task. Food tastes, preferences, and conditions will change as your pet ages. The same goes for their overall health and personality, and you might need to change their way of living. Check out our guide on how to care for a senior dog for some great tips. Your older dog will also appreciate a supportive bed to sleep and rest in, and we have a guide on the best orthopedic dog beds. Lastly, it’s important to consider pet insurance. This can help offset unexpected healthcare costs, an unfortunate likelihood in their senior years.
Have you got a senior pup who eats one of these foods? Perhaps you buy another senior dog recipe that is a huge hit and think we should know about it. Let us know in the comments below, as we’d love to hear from you.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma has over 20 years of hands-on experience with dogs and is the proud mom of two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. Before becoming a freelance writer specializing in canine content, she worked as a professional dog walker and sitter for many years, caring for many senior dogs. Now Bonkers is a senior dog, and she is constantly researching and looking for the best products to help keep him happy and healthy. Emma dedicates countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, food, and training developments to keep her two best buddies and other doggy clients as happy and healthy as possible.
