Aging can bring various health challenges for dogs, including weight gain, arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, weakened immune systems, and decreased cognitive function. Choosing the right food can help mitigate these age-related changes and improve your senior dog’s quality of life. Protein quality is crucial for senior dogs as they may have difficulty absorbing nutrients. Some seniors require fewer calories due to decreased activity levels, while others may need more to maintain a healthy weight.
Choosing a senior-specific food isn’t always necessary. If your dog thrives on a special or prescription diet, or has a sensitive stomach, sticking with their current “adult” food might be best to avoid digestive upset.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dog Food stands out as a top choice for its development in partnership with veterinarians and scientists. Real animal protein is the first ingredient, and formulations cater to small breeds, large breeds, digestive health, and cognitive support. While it only comes in one flavor, its widespread veterinary recommendation and palatability make it a strong contender.
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Image: Bag of Hill’s Science Diet Senior Dog Food
For promoting gut health, Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food excels with its blend of probiotics and prebiotics. This recipe prioritizes real chicken, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, avoiding fillers like corn syrup and artificial flavors. While some dogs might be sensitive to the cheese ingredient, many find it highly palatable.
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Image: Bag of Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog food.
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Wet Dog Food provides a balanced diet with 23 essential vitamins and minerals, along with glucosamine for joint health and antioxidants for immune support. While it contains beneficial ingredients like real meat and rice, be aware of potential corn starch, by-product meal, or artificial flavors in some recipes.
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Image: Cans of Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Senior Wet Dog Food.
Affordability doesn’t mean compromising quality with Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food. Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient, supported by fiber, prebiotics, antioxidants, and joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin. While lacking a small breed formula and offering only one flavor, its widespread availability and budget-friendly price make it an attractive option.
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Image: Bag of Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food.
For personalized nutrition, The Farmer’s Dog offers custom fresh food subscriptions with human-grade ingredients and free delivery. While potentially pricier than other options, its tailored plans address individual needs and sensitivities.
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Image: Packages of The Farmer’s Dog personalized fresh dog food.
Large breed seniors benefit from Royal Canin Large Aging 8+ Dry Dog Food, formulated to support strong bones and joints with glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-6 fatty acids. While containing by-product meal, its targeted nutrition for larger dogs makes it a valuable choice.
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Image: Bag of Royal Canin Large Aging 8+ Dry Dog Food.
FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food offers a refrigerated, human-grade option made with US-sourced ingredients, free of preservatives and meat meals. While lacking a senior-specific formula, its palatability and high-quality ingredients make it suitable for picky eaters and seniors alike.
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Image: Package of FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food.
Small breed seniors can thrive on Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dog Food, featuring smaller kibble pieces and glucosamine for joint health. Made without poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy, it caters to sensitivities. However, its single flavor option might limit choices for picky eaters.
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Image: Bag of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior Dog Food.
For the eco-conscious pet owner, Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food prioritizes sustainability with antibiotic and hormone-free ingredients, ethical sourcing, and traceability. While offering only one senior-specific recipe, its commitment to quality and ethical practices sets it apart.
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Image: Bag of Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.
Choosing the best dog food for your senior dog involves considering their individual needs, health conditions, and preferences. Consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations. Look for an AAFCO statement ensuring nutritional completeness and balance, and consider ingredients that address common senior dog health concerns like joint health and digestion. While grain-free diets have gained popularity, consult your vet due to ongoing FDA investigations into potential links with heart disease. Whether you choose wet or dry food depends on your dog’s dental health, hydration needs, and preferences.
