Aging pets, particularly dogs, often face a range of health challenges as they enter their senior years. These can include weight fluctuations, arthritis, and hip and elbow dysplasia, which cause discomfort and mobility issues. Less visible changes, such as a weakened immune system and cognitive decline, also occur. A specially formulated senior dog food can play a crucial role in managing these age-related changes and supporting overall health.
When selecting the best diet for an older dog, it’s vital to consider factors like protein quality. Senior dogs may have reduced nutrient absorption capabilities, making high-quality, easily digestible protein essential for maintaining muscle mass and overall vitality. Caloric needs can also vary; some senior dogs may become less active and prone to weight gain, while others might experience weight loss.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hsc-7c06ed1211874af2830f954b669a1ff6.jpeg)
However, it’s important to note that transitioning to a senior-specific food isn’t always necessary or advisable for every dog. Dr. Megan McCarthy, DVM, from Best Friends Animal Society, advises caution, especially if your dog is already on a specialized or prescription diet or has a sensitive stomach. In such cases, sticking with their current adult dog food might be preferable to avoid digestive upset from dietary changes.
To help dog owners navigate the numerous options available, we’ve evaluated a variety of senior dog food brands, incorporating feedback from a survey of 407 dog parents. This comprehensive approach helps identify top-performing foods suitable for senior dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Our Top Picks for Healthiest Senior Dog Food
We’ve compiled a list of the best senior dog foods based on various needs and preferences, ensuring your aging canine companion receives optimal nutrition.
Best Overall: Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dog Food
Best Probiotics: Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food
Best Wet Food: Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+
Best Budget-Friendly: Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food
Best Subscription Service: The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
Best for Large Breed Dogs: Royal Canin Large Aging Dry Dog Food
Best Refrigerated Fresh Food: FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food
Best for Small Breed Dogs: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior Dog Food
Best Sustainable Option: Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Best Overall Senior Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hsc-7c06ed1211874af2830f954b669a1ff6.jpeg)
What We Like:
- Developed with veterinarians and scientists in the USA.
- High-quality animal protein as the first ingredient.
- Versatile, can be mixed with wet food.
- Formulations for different sizes, digestive health, and cognitive support.
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited flavor options.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ stands out as our top recommendation for senior dog food because of its veterinarian-backed formulation and high palatability among dogs. It’s designed for dogs aged seven and older, addressing the specific nutritional requirements of aging canines. Made in the USA, Hill’s Science Diet adheres to AAFCO and WSAVA guidelines, ensuring nutritional completeness and safety.
This senior dog food prioritizes real animal protein as the primary ingredient, complemented by human-grade components that deliver essential vitamins and nutrients. It’s available in both dry kibble and wet food forms and offers specialized formulations for small and large breeds, dogs with digestive sensitivities, and those needing cognitive support. Each recipe incorporates prebiotic fiber for digestive health and a balanced gut microbiome, along with vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health. While the dry food currently offers only a chicken and barley flavor for senior dogs 7+, its consistent quality and positive digestive outcomes make it a reliable choice.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken & barley | Package Size: 4, 15.5, or 30-pound bag
Best Probiotics for Senior Dogs
Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fromm-a2e70f0752734e6a8fb2b16248d1e175.jpeg)
What We Like:
- Free from fillers and artificial additives.
- Prebiotics and probiotics for digestive regularity.
- Real chicken, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
What We Don’t Like:
- Contains cheese, which can be an issue for some dogs.
- Limited availability compared to other brands.
Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food is formulated to address the evolving nutritional needs of senior dogs. It received high satisfaction ratings from dog parents in our survey, particularly for ingredient quality and overall dog enjoyment. Chicken is the primary ingredient, combined with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to deliver balanced nutrition. A special blend of prebiotics and probiotics supports healthy digestion and metabolism, aiding in weight management. However, it’s worth noting that the chicken flavor recipe includes dairy, which might not be suitable for all dogs. Fromm is available online and in specialty stores, often at a higher price point than other brands.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken | Package Size: 15 or 30-pound bag
Best Wet Food for Senior Dogs
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+
What We Like:
- Real animal protein (chicken, beef, or turkey).
- Antioxidants and probiotics for immune and digestive health.
- Glucosamine for joint support.
What We Don’t Like:
- May contain corn starch, by-product meal, or artificial flavors.
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Senior Complete Essentials Wet Dog Food is designed for senior dogs of all sizes, providing 23 essential vitamins and minerals for optimal health. It includes glucosamine for joint health, along with antioxidants and probiotics to support the immune and digestive systems. Recipes feature human-grade, animal-sourced protein like beef, turkey, or chicken, combined with easily digestible rice. Purina Pro Plan wet food is free from artificial colors and preservatives, available in cans and resealable tubs. While some recipes contain artificial flavors, the focus on essential nutrients and palatability makes it a strong wet food choice for senior dogs.
Type: Wet | Flavors: Chicken & rice; beef & rice; turkey & rice | Package Size: 10 or 13 ounces
Best Budget-Friendly Senior Dog Food
Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food
What We Like:
- Farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient.
- Affordable and widely accessible.
- Contains fiber, glucosamine, and antioxidants.
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited flavor options.
- No small breed formula.
Iams Proactive Health Healthy Aging Dry Dog Food proves that budget-friendly options can still offer high quality. Made with human-grade ingredients, including farm-raised chicken as the primary protein source, it’s an excellent value choice for senior dog owners. It provides fiber and prebiotics for digestion, antioxidants for immune support, and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Available in formulas for regular and large breeds, the kibble is made without artificial additives or fillers and includes whole grains, beet pulp, and carrots. Iams is widely available at most pet food retailers, making it a convenient and affordable option for maintaining your senior dog’s health.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken | Package Size: 7, 15, or 29.1 pounds
Best Subscription Senior Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-farmers-dog-d2c732f8089746368751f6c53dc0bb5c.jpg)
What We Like:
- Customized meal plans.
- Human-grade ingredients.
- Convenient home delivery.
- Flexible plan adjustments.
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be expensive, especially for large dogs.
The Farmer’s Dog offers a convenient and personalized approach to senior dog nutrition through its fresh dog food delivery service. Using human-grade ingredients like meats and vegetables, they offer four recipes: chicken, turkey, beef, and pork. Meal plans are customized based on your dog’s age, activity level, and health needs, allowing you to select or exclude specific proteins. Food is delivered frozen to 48 states, and you can easily modify your plan or delivery schedule. While prices vary by dog size, starting around $2 per day for small dogs, The Farmer’s Dog provides high-quality, customized nutrition delivered directly to your door.
Best for Large Breed Senior Dogs
Royal Canin Large Aging Dry Dog Food
What We Like:
- Specifically formulated for large breeds (56+ pounds) aged 8+.
- Supports bone and joint health with glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Can be mixed with wet food or water for easier chewing.
What We Don’t Like:
- Contains by-product meal.
Royal Canin Large Aging 8+ Dry Dog Food is tailored to meet the unique needs of large breed senior dogs, who often experience greater stress on their joints and heart. It includes taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids to support heart and joint health. Many dog owners in our survey who feed Royal Canin attribute their dog’s continued health to its size, age, and breed-specific formulations. This food provides a balanced blend of protein and fiber for digestive health. While the first ingredient is chicken by-product meal, which some owners prefer to avoid, by-product meals can be a source of protein and nutrients and contribute to reducing food waste. The kibble can be softened with water or mixed with Royal Canin Mature 8+ Wet Dog Food for dogs with dental issues or those needing palatability enhancement.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken | Package Size: 30 pounds
Best Refrigerated Fresh Senior Dog Food
FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vital-93447d183d0c49dc8566564f7309d0d9.jpeg)
What We Like:
- Non-GMO, human-grade ingredients from US farms.
- No preservatives, meat meals, or by-product meals.
- Appeals to picky eaters.
What We Don’t Like:
- No senior-specific formula, but suitable for seniors.
- Can be costly for large dogs.
FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food offers the benefits of homemade meals with the convenience of pre-packaged food, stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Its soft texture and meaty flavor are particularly appealing to senior dogs, especially those with picky appetites or oral sensitivities. While not specifically formulated for seniors, all FreshPet recipes are suitable for adult dogs of any age. Made with human-grade ingredients sourced and manufactured in the USA, including farm-raised chicken, fish, beef, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, it rivals Hill’s Science Diet in quality according to our testers. FreshPet offers grain-free options and formulas for joint health and digestive support. It is available in sliceable rolls and resealable bags of bite-sized pieces.
Type: Refrigerated | Flavors: Chicken; beef with lamb; chicken, beef, salmon, & egg | Package Size: 1.5 or 4.5 pound bags; 1 pound roll
Best for Small Breed Senior Dogs
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bb-a35f5af8877c4687ad6c777d132c1405.jpeg)
What We Like:
- No poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
- Small kibble size for easier eating.
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited flavor options.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for Small Breed Seniors is formulated to support the specific needs of aging small dogs, promoting energy, joint health, and cognitive function. Dog parents in our survey praised Blue Buffalo for its consistent use of high-quality, human-grade ingredients. The kibble is designed in smaller pieces for easier consumption and digestion by small breeds. Made in the USA, the recipe features deboned chicken, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. It is available in a Chicken & Brown Rice flavor.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken & brown rice | Package Size: 5 or 15 pounds
Best Sustainable Senior Dog Food
Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/81agmT-dsL._ACSL1500-40246081c66f4e6c992e8846d5d570c0.jpg)
What We Like:
- Antibiotic, hormone, and steroid-free ingredients.
- No artificial ingredients or additives.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
- Transparent sourcing and ethical partnerships.
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited senior-specific recipe options.
Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is designed for health-conscious and environmentally conscious dog owners. It features a single dry food recipe optimized for senior dogs of all sizes, with small kibble pieces for easier eating. Made with humanely raised turkey and chicken as primary protein sources, all ingredients are non-GMO and free from hormones, antibiotics, and steroids. Each serving includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, along with pumpkin, peas, chickpeas, carrots, and coconut oil. Open Farm emphasizes ingredient transparency and ethical sourcing, appealing to dog owners who prioritize sustainability.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Turkey & chicken | Package Size: 4 or 22 pounds
Choosing the Right Senior Dog Food: Key Considerations
Selecting the healthiest dog food for your senior dog involves considering several crucial factors to ensure their specific needs are met.
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement
Always check for an AAFCO statement on the dog food label. This statement confirms that the food is nutritionally complete and balanced for the senior life stage, having undergone laboratory testing and feeding trials to meet nutritional standards.
Senior dog foods often contain fewer calories than adult formulas to accommodate reduced activity levels. However, some senior dogs may struggle to maintain weight and require higher calorie intake. Consulting your veterinarian is essential to determine the appropriate caloric needs for your individual dog.
Protein content is another important aspect. Senior formulas frequently contain higher protein levels to help maintain muscle mass, which naturally declines with age. Dr. Megan McCarthy notes that senior foods can have up to 50% more protein than standard adult diets. However, dogs with certain medical conditions, such as kidney issues, might need a lower protein diet. Always consult your vet to determine the right protein level for your senior dog.
Addressing Health Issues
Senior dogs are more prone to specific health concerns that can be managed through diet. If your dog has been diagnosed with a health condition, discuss with your veterinarian if a therapeutic diet or specific ingredients are recommended.
Beneficial Ingredients for Senior Dogs
Many senior dog foods include ingredients specifically chosen to support the health needs of older dogs. Look for these beneficial additions when evaluating dog food labels and discuss their suitability with your vet:
- Fiber: Aids in digestion and can help with regularity, common issues in senior dogs.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Support joint health and mobility, crucial for dogs with arthritis or joint pain.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Promote healthy skin and coat and can have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Grain-Free Dog Foods: Current Recommendations
The FDA is currently investigating a potential link between grain-free dog foods and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart condition. While the investigation is ongoing, it’s advisable to discuss with your veterinarian whether a grain-free diet is appropriate for your senior dog. Historically, grain-free diets have been popular, but current research suggests potential risks, particularly in formulations containing peas and/or lentils.
Wet vs. Dry Dog Food for Senior Dogs
Both wet and dry dog foods have pros and cons for senior dogs. Dry food typically contains 10-12% moisture, while wet food has a much higher moisture content, around 75-78%. Wet food can help keep senior dogs hydrated, especially if they don’t drink enough water, or have dental issues making eating dry kibble difficult. However, wet food might contribute to tartar buildup on teeth. Alternating between wet and dry food can provide benefits of both.
Wet food is often more palatable, which can be beneficial for picky eaters or dogs with dental problems. If your senior dog has dental issues or orthopedic conditions that limit their mobility to reach their water bowl, wet food can be a good way to increase hydration.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sps-the-farmers-dog-anna-mejorada-5-2e5fe1b3bb34454184a8beedf3687f90.jpeg)
Final Recommendation
For the healthiest dog food for senior dogs, Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food is our top overall choice. Developed by veterinarians and scientists, it’s made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients to meet the specific needs of aging dogs. For those preferring fresh food, FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food is highly recommended for its palatability, high protein content, and inclusion of essential nutrients, making it suitable even for picky eaters and dogs with oral sensitivities. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your senior dog’s individual health needs.
