Top 10 Best Senior Dog Food | Buying Guidance
We all love dogs and consider them our family, so it is important to give them extra care when they get older. Providing the best dog food is one of the parts. Usually, most breeds are considered senior when they reach ten years old and five to seven years. When the dog reaches older age, the dog’s owner needs to be more careful as its demand will change constantly.
The senior dogs will require a periodical check-up with the vet doctors to maintain their health. You need to give them high nutrients and lower calories food. Because the senior dogs will have problems digesting food.
Why Is Senior Dog Food So Important?
Nutrition food is important for everyone, but it actually needs more when a dog is getting older. One of the crucial changes that you’ll notice in older dogs is their energy level. It will start to decline gradually when the dog reaches senior age. This is because its organ function becomes slower, so they get suffered from some health issues such as arthritis and joint problems. Thus, they are likely to lay down all day long. To make them active, you need to provide sufficient energy for food.
However, they’ll not have enough energy from carbohydrates sourced from regular food, so switch them into a specialized diet to increase their energy level. You are advised not to give them high-calories food as they make ingestion and other health problems to your sweet friend. Giving them a low-calorie food can help the dogs from being obese in the older days.
Increasing the fiber content in your senior dog’s diet can help them in healthy digestion, and their water intake reduces dehydration. If your dog has mobility or doesn’t want to drink water, add moisture-rich food to its diet. They’ll also benefit from a high protein diet because it helps maintain a healthy weight and muscle mass relieves pressure on the kidney and minimizes kidney-related diseases.
What Should You Consider When Buying Senior Dog Food?
There are a lot of factors to be considered while buying food for senior dogs, and three significant factors are the dog’s age, ingredients of the food, and budget.
1. Age
The age of your dog is more crucial when considering the dog’s food. Obviously! The senior dog functions slow down gradually in their later stages, so switching them into a healthy diet is crucial. Each breed and age group of dogs needs a different diet plan.
For an instant, a pregnant dog needs a high-calorie diet while a senior dog needs low calorie. That being said, your dog's diet should depend on how they act at an older age. It is also important to consult the vet to ensure that your dogs’ getting enough nutrients as they need.
2. Food Ingredients
As we know, meat is the best food to meet adequate protein levels for older dogs. Certain foods such as chicken, beef, egg, rabbit, poultry, duck are the best source of meat. Both wet and dry fish are good, which is one of the main ingredients for senior dogs as they are rich in high protein. Oily fishes like tuna, salmon, and mackerel are the source of essential omega-3 oils, whole grains like cereals, barley, corn, and rice are the best source of protein for your senior dogs.
3. Budget
Considering the price of dog food also plays an important role in quality food. Moreover, high-quality dog food will hold higher prices. Quality food will contribute to the overall health of the dog.
Are you looking for the best dog food for your canine? Then, look at the below list, which is recommended by the vets.
The Best Senior Dog Food
1. ORIJEN Original Dog Food
The nutrition-rich food from ORIJEN is specifically made to nourish dogs at any stage. They are grain-free, full of fresh and raw animal ingredients, but free from cage eggs, run chicken and turkey, herring, and flounder to fulfill your dog’s needs.
Usually, 85% of dog’s food is made from the meat while 15% from healthy fresh fruits and vegetables, together, these ingredients provide enough protein to your canine, and keep them healthier no matter what age they are.
Key Features
- Comes in four different sized bags
- 85% quality animal and 15% fruit and vegetable ingredients
- Nourishes dog according to their biological needs
Bestseller (lists)
Orijen Dry Dog Food for All ages, Original, Grain Free, High Protein, Fresh & Raw Animal Ingredients, 25lb, Blue, 25 Pound (Pack of 1), 400 Ounce Pet Supplies
- ORIJEN Original dog food delivers a diet rich and varied in fresh, whole animal ingredients from free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs
- With 85% quality animal ingredients, ORIJEN nourishes dogs according to their natural, biological needs
- Using fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, ORIJEN is the Biologically Appropriate, grain-free diet that dogs have evolved to eat
- Our Fresh Regional Ingredients ... Read More
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Dog Food -Adult
This is the food for adult dogs that comes in the recipe with chicken and brown rice. This is the first-ever food to have a deboned chicken. The ingredients of the food are protein-rich and help a dog to have a healthy weight and muscles.
Added whole grains, garden fruit, and veggies promote the dog’s immune system. They also feature a fish oil with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to keep the dog’s skin and coat healthier.
This is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins and carefully selected by veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support the immune system and healthy oxidative balance.
Key Features
- Comes in fish and brown rice recipe, or lamb and brown rice recipe
- Sized in three different packages
- Included real meat
- Ideal for adult dogs
Bestseller (lists)
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-Lb Pet Supplies
- REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo foods always feature real meat as the first ingredient; High-quality protein from real chicken helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles; Plus they contain wholesome whole grains, garden veggies and fruit
- FOR SENIOR DOGS: Blue Life Protection Formula senior dog food contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and overall mobility with essential proteins and carbohydrates to help maintain energy requirements for a healthy life... Read More
3. Hill’s Science Diet Canned Wet Dog Food For Senior Dogs
This canned dog food from Hill’s is for dogs over the ages of seven. These are high-quality protein foods that help a dog to have healthy muscle, and the ingredients are easily digestible. They contain balanced minerals to keep senior dog’s hearts and kidneys healthy. So, they will always be young and active.
Hill’s also formulated with the ingredients to support shiny skin, healthy coat, and stool. They come in three different flavors: turkey and barley, chicken and vegetable stew, and chicken and barley. You can add any dry food with this as a supplement.
Key features
- Comes in twelve different cans
- Included global ingredients
- Free from artificial flavors
Bestseller (lists)
Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs, Beef & Barley Recipe, 13 oz. Cans, 12 Pack
- High quality protein to help your senior dog build and maintain lean muscle
- Made with purposeful, easily digestible ingredients your mature dog will love
- Contains a powerful antioxidant blend for lifelong health in older dogs
- Supports healthy skin and coat with omega 6S and vitamin E
- Made with natural ingredients
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
- #1 veterinarian recommended ... Read More
4. Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult
Treat your dog with food that tastes delicious and is good for their health. This food bag holds 15 pounds that is more than a dog eats in a single week. There are different sizes of bags to choose from, you can have one that suits your dog. Moreover, the dogs like real chicken taste, so this bag has recipes of chicken and other ingredients to make the dogs enjoy food. These ingredients are rich in vitamins and minerals that are specifically added for older dogs. They also include the ingredients of sweet potato and brown rice which hold enough protein that senior dogs need.
Key Features
- Farm-raised chicken is the first and foremost ingredient
- Includes natural sources
- Contains essential antioxidants
Bestseller (lists)
DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS Adult Natural Dry Dog Food Lamb & Rice Recipe, 15 lb. Bag Pet Supplies
- DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER - Recommended Replacement: NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble, 12 lb. Bag ... Read More
5. Nulo Senior Grain Free Dog Food
This is the food for the dogs with high meat and low card, but free from grains like wheat, corn, soy, etc. There are also no artificial flavors and colors to keep a senior dog healthy.
Nulo holds five different ingredients such as deboned trout, salmon meal, turkey meal, sweet potato, and yellow peas, the trout and turkey contain amino acids, together it supports a lean muscle mass and a healthy heart.
Other ingredients like fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C and E that promotes the immune system. There is also glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint and hip functions and overall mobility.
Additionally, they include the L-carnitine to maintain the healthy weight of the dog.
Key Features
- Comes in three different sized bags
- They are grain-free
- Comes with sweet potato recipe 11Lb
Bestseller (lists)
Nulo Senior Grain Free Dog Food With Glucosamine And Chondroitin (Trout And Sweet Potato Recipe, 11Lb Bag), ModelSenior Trout & Sweet Potato Pet Supplies
- Included Components: Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Trout & Sweet Potato Recipe 11Lb ... Read More
6. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Dog Food – Large Breed Senior
As like Blue Buffalo dry dog food, this food comes in a chicken and brown rice recipe, but it is ideal for large breed dogs. The quality protein from real chicken, grains, fruits, veggies builds a dog's muscle and maintains its healthy weight. They also include glucosamine and chondroitin to promote overall mobility and supports joint health. The essential proteins and carbohydrates from these ingredients maintain their energy level for a healthy lifestyle.
On the other hand, BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to boost the immune system and healthy oxidative balance. This contains only natural ingredients, there is a poultry by-product such as corn, wheat, artificial flavors, and colors.
Key Features
- Included natural ingredients
- With Lifesource Bits
Bestseller (lists)
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb Pet Supplies
- REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo foods always feature real meat as the first ingredient; High-quality protein from real chicken helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles; Plus they contain wholesome whole grains, garden veggies and fruit
- FOR LARGE BREED SENIOR DOGS: Formulated with the essential proteins and carbohydrates to help maintain energy requirements for a healthy lifestyle, this dog food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and overall m... Read More
7. Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind
Purina Pro Plan is specifically made for senior dogs over the age of seven. Chicken is its main ingredient and contains botanical oils to enhance a dog’s alertness and mental sharpness, and nourishes their mind, and helps them to be like in their earlier stages.
This is rich in arginine, essential oil, and DHA, and EPA as well. PURINA is a combination of antioxidants, vitamins C E and B, and folic acid. The digestible formula of this food supports nutrients bioavailability to make them absorb the nutrients within a dog’s body.
As the food has high-quality protein, the dogs will stay active and help them maintain the standard weight.
Key Features
- It includes EPF and omega-3 fatty acid
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Bite-sized kibble
Bestseller (lists)
Purina Pro Plan Senior 7+ Brain Support, High Protein Senior Dry Dog Food & Wet Dog Food (Packaging May Vary)
- One (1) 30 lb. Bag - Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Senior Dog Food, Bright Mind 7+ Chicken & Rice Formula
- Enhanced botanical oils have shown to promote alertness and mental sharpness in dogs ages 7+
- High-quality protein, including chicken as the first ingredient
- EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, and glucosamine help support joint health and mobility
- Used to be known as BRIGHT MIND Large Breed Formula ... Read More
8. Wellness Natural Pet Food Senior Formula
This is the food that supports the senior dog’s overall health. They specifically focus on five main things: dog’s skin and coat, eyes, digestive health, teeth and gums, and energy and immunity. This food is developed with protein-rich ingredients such as chicken, wholesome grains like flaxseed, fruits, and veggies like carrots and sweet potato.
These ingredients balance protein levels in your dog’s body. Dogs that struggle to intake water can have this food to increase their moisture level. So, this is an ideal food for all age groups of dogs.
Key Features
- This includes high-quality protein
- Antioxidants rich fruits and veggies
- Premium, nutrient-rich ingredients
Bestseller (lists)
Wellness Natural Pet Food Super5Mix Dry Dog Food, Just for Seniors Recipe, 30-Pound Bag Pet Supplies
- This adult senior dry dog food's #1 ingredient is chicken; high quality protein with wholesome grains like barley
- Our crunchy kibble has no meat byproducts, fillers, or artificial preservatives
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for strong joints for your senior dog
- Made in the USA using only the finest globally sourced ingredients
- Spend a lifetime with Wellness natural dog food; we offer recipes for puppy, adult, and senior dogs as well as grain free dog treats... Read More
9. PURINA Pro Plan Savor Senior 7+ Adult Dog Food
This is dog food from real beef meat, which is specially formulated for dogs over seven ages. It supports the dog's immune systems and increases life stages.
PURINA Pro is made from high-quality protein ingredients like real meat and highly digestible rice. This will meet your dog’s nutritional needs.
This food contains twenty-three essential oils, omega 6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that keep your dog’s skin and coat healthily. On the other hand, it contains a superior protein to maintain the ideal weight and keeps them healthy. So, the dog's body will be maintained in ideal condition even if they get older.
As this is wet dog food, keep your dog hydrated for a whole day. It is perfect for dogs that struggle with water. This can also be used as a supplement with any dry food. You can also have this with the chicken and rice flavor.
Key Features
- Made from real beef
- Formulated for dogs ages seven and older
- Omega-6 fatty acids
Bestseller (lists)
Purina Pro Plan Senior Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula - 6 lb. Bag Pet Supplies
- One (1) 6 lb. Bag - Purina Pro Plan Senior Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula
- Made with high-quality protein, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient
- Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics to support digestive and immune health
- Hard kibble mixed with tender meaty pieces create a delightful experience for your dog
- Used to be known as SAVOR Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula ... Read More
10. AvoDerm Natural Advanced Senior Healthy Dry Dog Food
The AvoDerm food comes with many health benefits perfect for your aging dog. This is made with natural ingredients such as chicken meal, lamb meal, salmon meal, avocado, and peas, at the same time, it is free from wheat, corn, and soy.
These ingredients not only support the healthy skin and coat but also promote a healthy joint with its glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. As avocado is one of the food ingredients, the included folate, potassium, niacin, and essential fatty acids support overall health.
This also contains DHA to dog's eyes and brains younger even in their older days. The antioxidants from the food keep the immune system healthy. This is made with natural ingredients, there are no artificial flavors and colors.
Key Features
- Supports Joint, Eye, And Brain Health
- Promotes Healthy Skin & Coat
- Grain-Free Natural Dog Food
Bestseller (lists)
AvoDerm Natural Advanced Senior Health Dry Dog Food, Grain Free, Lamb Recipe, Grain Free Senior, 24 lb Pet Supplies
- One (1) 24 Pound Bag: AvoDerm Natural Advanced Senior Health Grain Free Lamb Meal Dry Dog Food
- Supports Joint, Eye, And Brain Health: Natural Chondroitin Sulfate, Glucosamine & DHA Helps Support Senior Dog's Joints, Eyes And Brain Function
- Promotes Healthy Skin & Coat: Premium Natural Dry Dog Food Made With Omega-Rich Avocados To Promote Healthy Skin, Coat, Immune System And Overall Health
- Grain Free Natural Dog Food: Wheat Free, Corn Free and Soy Free. No ... Read More
How Should I Choose the Right Food for MY Senior Dog?
Choosing the right dog food for your senior dog can be difficult, particularly if they suffer from various health issues. The first thing you need to do is consult with your vets because they will give a better solution for your dog in person.
1. Vet Recommended Food
Before choosing the best dog food for your senior dogs, it is significant to get suggestions from the vets because your senior dogs might have some health issues such as joint pain, hydration, etc. This is because taking advice from the vets is crucial, and they will suggest dog food that suits your dog.
2. Protein Rich Food
As mentioned above, protein is an essential ingredient of dog food, and your senior dogs must require them. It helps them in replacing a-damaged tissue of your canine and also for kidney-related issues. Giving a high caloric fat food may affect your dog’s health, so choose the food with low caloric and high protein food.
3. Canned Dog Food
Canned food is great for the senior dogs that hate water because it keeps your canine hydrated all the way. Even wet dog food is a better solution for this issue, canned dog food can be a great choice as it tastes and smells good. They come in various kibble sizes so that you can choose them according to your preferences. If your dog doesn’t have a problem with drinking water, you can go for dry dog food because they have high nutrients in their ingredients.
4. Wholesome Grains
Though grain-free foods can be great for senior dogs with immune system issues, grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa are rich in amino acids, which are the form of protein that must require for your sweet senior friend. They help to rebuild the damaging tissue of your dog. So, give a whole grain food after consulting your canine’s health with vets.
5. No Artificial Ingredients
This is another important factor that you need to consider while buying dog food for your senior dog. Choose a dog food that frees from artificial ingredients like flavors, and colors because they are harmful to your dog and may cause a lot of health issues such as brain tumors, kidney problems, and allergic reactions.
What Are The Health Issues May Affect Your Senior Dog?
There are vast health issues that would affect your canine in their older ages. Here are some major health issues that often create problems in the dog’s health.
1. Arthritis
Arthritis is a problem in joints and muscles that almost affects all senior dogs. The tiredness, limping, chewing, licking are the signs of arthritis, so you need to be more careful when you find such signs in your canine. In order to eliminate these signs from your dog, you can add the ingredients such as ginger, papaya, celery, and alfalfa to their diet.
2. Gum Disease
This is another problem that often affects dogs over seven. So, giving dry dog food to your senior dog keep them away from gum and dental diseases as much as possible. Adding calcium-rich food to their diet can strengthen your dog’s teeth, and reducing carbohydrates levels can prevent germs from growing. You are also advised to brush your dog’s teeth daily.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes can be characterized by weight loss, dehydration, vomiting, lethargy, and increased urination, etc. So, if you’ll find any of these signs in your senior dog, consult your vets immediately. Though there is no permanent solution for diabetes, you can reduce their effects with a high balanced and high protein diet along with insulin injections. We also advised you to make them walk regularly.
4. Blindness
Blindness is also one of the disorders that come with aging for both humans and dogs. So, if your dog is suffering from a sight-impairment, take them to the vet where you can give them a complete solution for this issue. Usually, they will suggest you add docosahexaenoic acid and beta-carotene content to their diet. DHA also helps the nerve impulses transmitted through the eye while the beta-carotene enhances the photoreceptors' functions.
5. Kidney Disease
This is the major problem that might affect all senior dogs by ingesting toxins, infected food, certain medications, low blood flow to the kidney, and urinary obstruction. In such a case, your dog will require a low amount of protein to protect the kidney from severe damages. A wet dog food provides the efficient water that a senior dog’s kidney requires.
6. Cancer
Most dogs are suffering from cancer after reaching ten and above. If they are affected by cancer, your dog's survival time is between two and twelve months. To reduce the effects, add high protein, high fat, and grain-free food to your canine's diet to replace the tissue damaged by the cancer therapy. Protein supports rebuilding the new tissue, so you can prevent the disease from being damaged.
Conclusion
As your senior dog reaches older ages, it can be difficult to maintain it without any severe causes. However, your dog gets benefited from specialized senior dog food. They help them in reducing joint pain, muscle issues, dehydration, etc. It also gives efficient energy throughout the day and helps to maintain a healthy weight. So, you are advised to choose dog food that suits your senior dog's health.
