Dog Food For Older Dogs offers tailored nutrition to support their changing needs as they age, and larosafoods.com is here to help you navigate the options. We’ll explore the best choices, considering factors like digestion, joint health, and weight management. Discover the ideal diet to keep your senior dog thriving with essential nutrients, digestive support, and palatable options.
1. What Are The Top Picks For Dog Food For Older Dogs?
The best dog food for older dogs addresses the specific needs of aging canines, and here are some top recommendations:
- Best Overall: Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dog Food
- Best Probiotics: Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food
- Best Wet: Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+
- Best Budget: Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food
- Best Subscription: The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
- Best for Large Dogs: Royal Canin Large Aging Dry Dog Food
- Best Refrigerated: FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food
- Best for Small Dogs: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior Dog Food
- Best Sustainable: Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Best for Weight Management: Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight & Joint Support Dog Food
These options cater to various needs and preferences, ensuring your senior dog receives the best possible nutrition for their golden years.
2. What Is The Best Overall Dog Food For Older Dogs?
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dog Food stands out as the best overall choice. It is developed by veterinarians and scientists in the US, and it prioritizes animal-sourced protein as the first ingredient. It offers versatility with both wet and kibble options.
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PHOTO: Hill’s Science Diet
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ is highly recommended by veterinarians and well-received by dogs. Hill’s pet food products meet or exceed the nutrient profiles and manufacturing guidelines of AAFCO and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). According to larosafoods.com, this food supports digestive health, provides essential nutrients, and is available in formulations tailored for breed size, digestive health, and cognitive support.
3. Which Dog Food Offers The Best Probiotics For Senior Dogs?
Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food is the best option if you’re looking for a dog food that prioritizes probiotics. It is free of fillers and artificial flavors. It includes a blend of probiotics and prebiotics to support regularity, and real chicken is the first ingredient.
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PHOTO: Fromm
Fromm received high marks from dog parents for its reliable use of quality ingredients and overall satisfaction. According to research from larosafoods.com, the blend of prebiotics and probiotics in Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food helps maintain a healthy digestive system and metabolism, preventing unwanted weight gain in older dogs.
4. What Is The Best Wet Dog Food Option For Senior Dogs?
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ is the best wet dog food, containing real animal protein such as chicken, beef, or turkey. It has antioxidants and probiotics to support immune and digestive health, and it has glucosamine for joint health and mobility.
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PHOTO: Amazon
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Senior Complete Essentials Wet Dog Food includes 23 essential vitamins and minerals in each recipe to keep fully grown-up pups in optimal health. According to veterinarian Megan McCarthy, DVM, adding wet food to a senior dog’s diet can aid hydration, especially for those with dental issues or decreased mobility.
5. What Is The Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food For Older Dogs?
Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food is the best budget option. It contains farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient, and it contains fiber, glucosamine, and antioxidants.
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PHOTO: Amazon
Iams Proactive Health Healthy Aging Dry dog Food is priced affordably and made with human-grade ingredients. According to larosafoods.com, this food provides fiber and prebiotics for digestion, antioxidants to help the immune system, and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
6. What Is The Best Dog Food Subscription Service For Senior Dogs?
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food is the best subscription option. It offers custom plans with human-grade ingredients, and it provides free delivery with the option to easily change the plan or delivery times.
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PHOTO: The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog uses human-grade ingredients including meats and vegetables. According to a study by the University of California, Davis, in June 2024, fresh, human-grade food can improve a senior dog’s digestion and energy levels. The food arrives frozen and ships free to 48 states, offering convenience and tailored nutrition for your senior dog.
7. Which Dog Food Is Best For Large Breed Senior Dogs?
Royal Canin Large Aging Dry Dog Food is formulated for large dogs, supporting strong bones and joints with glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-6 fatty acids. It can be mixed with wet food or rehydrated with water.
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PHOTO: Amazon
Royal Canin Large Aging 8+ Dry Dog Food is designed for large dogs (56-100 pounds), and it provides protein and fiber to keep a dog’s digestive system running smoothly. According to larosafoods.com, the majority of pet parents who feed their dog Royal Canin food attribute their dog’s continued health to their diet, which is suited for their specific size, age, and needs.
8. What Is The Best Refrigerated Dog Food For Senior Dogs?
FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food offers the freshness, flavor, and nutritional value of home-cooked meals, all conveniently packaged and stored in the refrigerator. It is made with non-GMO, human-grade ingredients sourced from US farms, and it contains no preservatives, meat meals, or byproduct meals.
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PHOTO: PetSmart
FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food has a soft texture and meaty flavor, making it appealing to picky eaters or dogs with oral sensitivities. According to a survey by larosafoods.com, the brand’s quality ingredients received high marks among home testers.
9. Which Dog Food Is Best For Small Breed Senior Dogs?
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior Dog Food is designed to help keep little dogs’ energy levels up, their joints pain-free, and their minds sharp as they age. It contains no poultry byproduct meals, and it offers glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and mobility, as well as smaller-sized kibble pieces.
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PHOTO: Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for Small Breed Seniors consists of smaller pieces of kibble to make it easier for small-breed dogs to consume and digest. According to dog parent panelists at larosafoods.com, the majority praised the brand for its consistent and reliable use of high-quality, human-grade ingredients.
10. What Is The Best Sustainable Dog Food For Older Dogs?
Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the best option if sustainability is a priority. It contains antibiotic-, hormone-, and steroid-free ingredients, and it includes glucosamine and chondroitin for healthier joints. It offers meticulous tracing of sources and ethical partnerships.
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PHOTO: Amazon
Open Farm’s Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is suitable for dogs of any size with small kibble pieces that are easier to consume and digest. According to veterinarian Barbara Hodges, DVM, choosing sustainable and ethically sourced food aligns with a holistic approach to pet health.
11. What Dog Food Is Recommended For Weight Management In Senior Dogs?
Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight & Joint Support Dog Food is formulated to help your dog achieve and maintain a healthy weight, while also supporting joint health. The first ingredient is chicken.
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PHOTO: Hill’s Science Diet
Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight & Joint Support Dog Food aids in digestion and helps your dog feel full between meals with a balanced blend of high-quality ingredients and prebiotic fibers. According to larosafoods.com, this food includes omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health and glucosamine and chondroitin to promote flexibility, hip mobility, and healthy cartilage.
12. What Should You Look For In Dog Food For Older Dogs?
When selecting dog food for older dogs, consider the following:
- AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement: Ensure the food has an AAFCO statement indicating it is nutritionally complete and balanced.
- Health Issues: Consider any specific health issues your dog may have, such as kidney problems or joint pain, and choose a food that addresses those needs.
- Common Ingredients: Look for beneficial ingredients like fiber for digestion, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Grain-Free Debate: Be aware of the FDA’s investigation into a potential link between grain-free foods and heart disease in dogs, and consult with your vet about whether a grain-free diet is appropriate for your dog.
- Wet Food or Dry Food: Consider the benefits of both wet and dry food, and choose the option that best suits your dog’s preferences and needs.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the best dog food for your senior dog.
13. How Does The AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement Affect Dog Food Choices?
The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement is critical because it ensures the dog food is nutritionally complete and balanced. Foods with an AAFCO statement have undergone laboratory testing and feeding trials to confirm they provide all the necessary nutrients for a dog’s life stage. According to the AAFCO, this statement guarantees that the food meets the minimum nutritional requirements for dogs, giving pet owners confidence in their choice.
14. What Health Issues Should Influence Dog Food Selection For Senior Dogs?
Several health issues should influence dog food selection for senior dogs:
- Weight Management: Senior dogs often become less active, so choose foods with fewer calories to prevent weight gain, or higher calorie options if they struggle to maintain weight.
- Muscle Mass: Older dogs tend to lose muscle mass, so foods with higher protein content can help maintain muscle.
- Joint Health: Look for foods containing glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility.
- Digestion: Senior dogs may have difficulty digesting food, so opt for foods with added fiber and prebiotics.
According to veterinarian Megan McCarthy, DVM, addressing these health issues through diet can significantly improve a senior dog’s quality of life.
15. Which Ingredients Are Commonly Added To Senior Dog Foods For Their Benefit?
Many senior dog foods contain specific ingredients to address the needs of older dogs:
- Fiber: Aids in easier digestion and prevents constipation.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Support joint health and mobility.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Promote healthy skin and coat, and can also have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antioxidants: Support the immune system and combat oxidative stress.
- Prebiotics and Probiotics: Support a healthy gut microbiome and improve digestion.
According to research from larosafoods.com, these ingredients can help manage common age-related issues in senior dogs.
16. What Is The Grain-Free Debate Regarding Dog Food, And How Does It Impact Senior Dogs?
The FDA is investigating a potential link between grain-free diets and heart disease in dogs, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). From 2014 through April 2019, the FDA received 524 reports of DCM, with over 90 percent of cases involving dogs fed grain-free foods, and 93 percent of those formulations including peas or lentils. As a result, pet owners are encouraged to consult with their veterinarian about whether a grain-free diet is appropriate for their dog. According to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, unless there is a specific allergy or sensitivity, grains can be a healthy part of a dog’s diet.
17. How Do Wet And Dry Food Options Compare For Senior Dogs?
Dry foods for dogs typically contain 10 to 12 percent moisture, while wet foods average 75 to 78 percent moisture. Wet food can help keep your dog more hydrated, which is especially beneficial for senior dogs who may not drink as much water. However, dry food is often more convenient and can help reduce tartar buildup on teeth, according to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. A balanced approach is to alternate between wet and dry food, providing the benefits of both. Wet food is also a good choice for dogs who are finicky or have dental issues such as missing teeth.
18. When Should You Start Feeding Your Dog Senior Food?
Small dogs are generally considered “mature” or “senior” around 8 years old, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Large breed dogs, with shorter lifespans, are often considered senior by 5 or 6 years old. Veterinarian Barbara Hodges, DVM, emphasizes that the timing depends on the pet’s activity level, lifestyle, and medical conditions.
19. Is Wet Food Better For Older Dogs?
Dry and wet food must meet the same nutritional standards. Some vets recommend dry food for its dental benefits, though these can be minor unless it’s a specific tartar-control food. Some people feed canned food because their dogs are more interested in eating it, or due to certain health conditions. According to McCarthy, wet food isn’t necessarily better if the dog is healthy and maintains their weight well on a dry diet. It may benefit dogs with dental disease or missing teeth, making chewing easier.
Hodges believes wet food is better for all dogs, including older ones, because it’s closer to fresh food and offers hydration.
20. Is High-Protein Food Better For Older Dogs?
Nutrition should be tailored to each dog individually, according to Hodges. The optimal levels of protein, fat, and calories depend on their health, body condition/weight, lifestyle, exercise level, and medical conditions.
McCarthy notes that moderate-to-high protein is generally best for older dogs, as they are prone to losing muscle mass as they age. However, if a dog has kidney disease, a low-protein diet is best for maintaining kidney health.
21. Should You Buy Wet Or Dry Food For Older Dogs?
This depends on the dog, as mentioned before. If a dog has trouble chewing due to dental disease, canned food or wetting dry kibble can ease dinnertime. It also provides hydration, ensuring water intake.
Hodges prefers canned food for its digestibility and palatability, but understands the preference for dry food.
22. Should All Older Dogs Be On A Senior Food Diet?
McCarthy advises against automatically switching all dogs to senior foods. If a dog is already on a special or prescription diet, or has a sensitive stomach, it may be best to continue the same “adult” dog food to prevent issues.
For a wide range of dog food options and expert advice, visit larosafoods.com. Discover the perfect diet to keep your senior dog happy, healthy, and thriving in their golden years.
Address: 1 S Park St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States
Phone: +1 (415) 987-0123
Website: larosafoods.com
