Senior Dog Food

Dog ages at a more rapid pace than human. That is, for every chronological year that passes, a dog ages the equivalent of five to seven years. Seven years is the age that marks the beginning of the senior years for dogs.

Senior dog food is specially formulated to meet the needs of older dogs. As dogs age, they often experience changes in their appetite, digestion, and energy levels. Senior dog food is designed to address these specific needs and help keep your older dog healthy and active.

Signs that your dog may be getting old may include the following:

  • A drop in energy with less enthusiasm for playing and walking
  • Weight gain or weight loss
  • Changes in the coat. Due to aging, the coat begins to grey and may look a thinner.
  • More frequent urination
  • Slower in movement due to stiff or painful joints. As dogs age, their bones become more brittle and cartilage erodes. When the cartilage wears away, the ends of the bones can rub against each other causing pain. This will reduce the desire to move and reduces agility.
  • Eyes may not be as sharp. With advancing years, the eyes of your dog become cloudy. A whitish coloration of the eyes (hazy eye lens) is more likely to be associated with the development of cataracts
  • Looser teeth
  • Less tolerable to extremely hot or cold weather
  • May show intolerance of loud noises
 
Senior dog food
Table of Contents

Dog Food For Older Dogs

Dietary Requirements for Senior Dogs

As your dog gets older, they will likely experience changes in their appetite, digestion, and energy levels. Senior dog food is specially formulated to address these specific needs and help keep your older dog healthy and active well into their golden years. Some key ingredients to look for in a high-quality senior dog food include calcium, phosphorus, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and vitamin E.

Senior dogs have different dietary requirements as noted below:

  • Lower Calories – Senior or older dogs tend to become less active with age and their metabolism may be slowing down. As such, they do not need as many calories as they did when they were younger.
  • High Quality Protein – Muscles begin to lose their mass and tone in senior dogs. As their aging body is less able to metabolize protein efficiently, they need food with reduced levels of fat and calories, but high levels of protein. Importantly, senior dog food should have high-quality protein to help build and maintain healthy muscle tissue and energy levels.
  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin  – Arthritis which is a painful degenerative joint disease is common in senior dogs. Therefore, other than optimal protein and fat levels to help your senior dog maintain ideal body condition, some have added glucosamine and chondroitin to support joints and movement mobility. Keeping your dog’s weight at a healthy level to reduce stress on the joints is also necessary.  You may also consider providing your dog with a heated dog bed as warm is one of the best ways to relieve joint pain. Click here for the best heated dog beds.
  • Essential Fatty Acids  – Senior dogs can also develop a grey and thinner coat, and dry itchy skin. Other than regular grooming, it will be great that the dog food includes essential fatty acids and Vitamin E to enhance their skin and coat condition.
  • Probiotics – The digestive system of an older dog may not be able to process food as efficiently as it used to in the past. Another useful ingredient for senior dog food is probiotics which can aid digestion.
  • Antioxidants – The immune system of a senior dog may become less efficient at warding off bacteria and virus attacks.  Hence antioxidants will be useful to boost the immunity system ability.
 

FAQs on senior dog food

Q: What are the benefits of feeding my senior dog a diet specifically designed for older dogs?

A: As your dog ages, he or she will require different nutrition than when your pet was younger. A diet made for elderly dogs can help maintain energy levels and keep vital organs healthy by providing key nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that an aging body may not get from a normal adult diet. Additionally, senior dog food formulas contain higher amounts of protein to help maintain muscle mass, as well as more fiber to promote proper digestion in seniors. With these added benefits, it’s no wonder why many owners prefer feeding their senior dogs diets specially formulated for this life stage. 

Q: At what age should I switch my dog to a senior food formula?

A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as every dog ages differently. However, many experts recommend making the switch to a senior diet around the age of seven. This decision should be made on an individual basis, however, as some dogs may need to start eating a senior diet sooner or later depending on their overall health and activity level. 

Q: Are there any risks associated with feeding my senior dog a diet designed for older dogs?

A: No, there are no significant risks associated with feeding your senior dog a diet made for elderly canines. However, as with any change in your dog’s food, you should always transition to a new formula slowly and under the supervision of your vet to prevent any digestive upset. Additionally, it’s important that you make sure any senior dog food you choose provides all the essential nutrients the body needs to stay healthy, so be sure to read labels carefully before purchasing.

With the right nutrition and plenty of love and attention, you can ensure that your beloved senior canine lives a long and happy life.

 

Best Senior Dog Food (Dry & Wet)

We have evaluated top rated senior dog food brands like Wysong, Blue Buffalo, Orijen, IAMS, Nutro, Wellness, Purina, Fromm, Science Diet, Diamond Naturals, and Merrick. Here is our review on both dry and wet senior dog food to bring you our recommendation on the best senior dog food for your four-legged friends. 

BEST SENIOR DRY DOG FOOD

Ingredients:

Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Atlantic flounder, Cage-Free Eggs, Whole Atlantic Mackerel, Chicken Liver, Turkey Liver, Chicken Heart, Turkey Heart, Whole Atlantic Herring, Dehydrated Chicken, Dehydrated Turkey, Dehydrated Mackerel, Whole Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Dehydrated Egg, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Green Peas, Lentil Fiber, Dried Pumpkin, Whole Pumpkin, Kale, Spinach, Mustard Greens, Collard Greens, Turnip Greens, Whole Carrots, Whole Apples, Whole Pears, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Others, Vitamins, Minerals

Highlights:

Ingredients:

Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Oats, Chicken Fat, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Soybean Oil, Lactic Acid, Flaxseed, Iodized Salt, Choline Chloride, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • HILL’S Science Diet, Adult 7+ Dog Food to support their energy & activity levels.
  • Chicken Meal, Barley and Rice Recipe.
  • Balanced Minerals – to promote a strong heart and kidney health
  • Omega 6 Fatty Acid and Vitamin E – for healthy skin & coat
  • High Quality Protein – help maintain lean muscle in senior dogs
  • #1 Veterinarian Recommended
  • Various Sizes including 33 lb bag.

Ingredients:

Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Flaxseed Pea Protein, Fish Oil, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Salt, Taurine, Dried Tomato Pomace, L-Carnitine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

Highlights:

  • MERRICK Grain Free Senior Dry Food For Dogs
  • Real Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe.
  • Real deboned chicken –  is the first ingredient in this senior dog food
  • Healthy Weight Formulation – with fewer calories and fat to help aging dogs maintain a healthy weight.
  • L-carnitine – to support a healthy metabolism
  • Ideal Combination of Protein and Healthy Fats – to help a dog maintain optimal weight and increased energy
  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin – help maintain healthy hips and joints
  • Omega Fatty Acids – support healthy skin and shiny coat.
  • 22 lb bag

Ingredients:

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Ground Brown Rice, Peas, Rice, Ground Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat, Tomatoes, Carrots, Natural Chicken Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • Senior Recipe Dog Food Formulation – to deliver a complete diet packed with the nutrients your senior dog needs to thrive
  • Deboned Chicken and Barley Recipe.
  • Antioxidant Rich – support strong immune systems
  • Omega Fatty Acids – ensure healthy skin and coat
  • Beta carotene – protects against cataracts and heart disease
  • Glucosamine – to support joint healthy and your dog’s mobility.
  • 30 lb bag.

Ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Egg, Oatmeal, Rice Bran, Dried Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Taurine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Dried Chicory Root, L-Carnitine, Kale, Chia Seed, Pumpkin, Blueberries, Oranges, Quinoa, Dried Kelp, Coconut, Spinach, Carrots, Papaya, Folic Acid, Biotin, Niacin, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • DIAMOND Naturals Senior Dog Food
  • Chicken, Egg and Oatmeal Recipe
  • Nutrients Rich – with fruits and vegetables, and added vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
  • Omega Fatty Acid Blend – for your senior dog’s skin & coat.
  • Nutrient rich
  • High Digestible- with specific probiotics that survive and thrive in the GI tract.
  • No corn, wheat, filler
  • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
  • 35 lb bag.

PURINA One SmartBlend, Adult 7+ Dog Food

Ingredients:

Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Germ Meal, Oat Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Pea Fiber, Poultry And Pork Digest, Salt, Dried Egg Product, Caramel Color, Potassium Chloride, Dried Carrots, Dried Peas, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

 

Highlights:

  • PURINA One SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity Adult 7+ Formula.
  • Real chicken is the #1 ingredient in our high protein dry dog food
  • Promotes mental sharpness and fuels your senior dog with healthy energy
  •  Glucosamine support joint health.
  • Purina ONE is veterinarian recommended
  • 31.1 lb bag.

Highlights:

  • NUTRO Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food
  • Features 3 Proteins From Chicken, Lamb and Salmon – with chicken as the #1 ingredient.
  • Wholesome – has high quality protein with blend of 15 vibrant superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, blueberries, and other quality ingredients that support healthy digestion
  • No corn, soy, or wheat
  • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
  • 30 lb bag.

Ingredients:

Turkey Meal, Turkey, Pea Protein, Peas, Potato, Flaxseeds, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Crab Meal, Coconut Oil, Chia Seeds, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Dried Cheese, Dried Tomato Pomace, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Colostrum, Chicken Cartilage, Choline Chloride, Yeast Extract, Organic Barley Grass Powder, Dried Blueberry Powder, Dried Kelp, Dried Yogurt, Apple Pectin, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

 

Highlights:

IAMS, Senior Dog Food

Ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Egg Product, Carrot, Biotin, Rosemary Extract, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • IAMS senior dog food
  • Chicken & Whole Grains Recipe
  • Real Chicken – is the 1st ingredient
  • Supports Strong Immune System – with antioxidants. 
  • Maintains Bone Health and Joint Care  – with a balance of key nutrients for your senior dog
  • Blend of Fiber and Prebiotics – support healthy digestion for senior dogs
  • 29.1 lb bag.

FROMM Gold, Senior Dry Dog Food

Ingredients:

Duck, Chicken Meal, Chicken, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Pearled Barley, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lamb, Potato, Millet, Tomato Pumace, White Rice, Whole Egg, Salmon Oil, Cheese, Flaxseed, Brewers Dried Yeast, Alfalfa Meal, Carrots, Lettuce, Celery, Lecithin, Chicken Cartalidge, and Vitamins and Minerals.

Highlights:

  • FROMM Gold Nutritionals Senior Dry Dog Food
  • A holictic approach to complete and balanced nutrition for dogs.
  • This formula is perfect for less active or aging dogs.
  • 5 lb bag.

BEST SENIOR WET DOG FOOD

Ingredients:

Sufficient Water for Processing, Meat By-Products, Chicken, Chicken By-Products, Brewers Rice, Wheat Flour, Wheat Gluten, Flax Seed, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Carob Bean Gum, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • IAMS Proactive Health Senior Wet Dog Food
  • Slow Cooked Chicken and Rice Pate Recipe.
  • Nutrients Rich – made with high quality animal proteins plus vitamins and minerals to support a strong immune system in older dogs
  • Omega Fatty Acids – to promote healthy skin and a soft coat in senior dogs
  • 12 cans, each can is 13 oz.

CANIDAE Canned Dog Food For All Life Stages

Ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Brown Rice, Pearled Barley, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Salmon Oil, Sunflower Oil, Canola Oil, Dried Kelp, Dried Cranberries, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • CANIDAE All Iife Stages Dog Food, including for Senior Dogs
  • Optimal nutrition for all breeds, all ages and all sizes
  • HealthPlus Formulation – has omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids for beautiful skin and coat. Includes Probiotics for healthy digestion. 
  • Healthy Joints – supported by glucosamine and chondroitin.
  • 12 cans, each can is 13 oz.

Ingredients:

Organic Turkey, Brown Rice, Natural Flavor, Blueberry, Organic Barley Grass Powder, Dried Kelp, Yeast Extract, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract, Chicory Root, Hemicellulose Extract, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • WYSONG Senior™ with Organic Turkey canned dog food is an excellent well-rounded diet for older dogs.
  • Has over 95% organic turkey plus a blend of  beneficial micronutrients
  • Senior Dogs Formulation – for  all breeds and sizes.
  • Highly Palatable – and guaranteed to give your furry companion a serious nutritional boost.
  • 12 cans, each can is 12.9 oz.
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