When your dog’s muzzle starts to gray, you might start to wonder — what’s the best senior dog food?
Take your reading glasses, sit back, and relax as we guide you through everything about senior nutrition. Let’s see if the top 12 senior dog foods live up to the hype.
Methodology: The Beginning of a Research
Here are the main criteria by which we evaluated the most popular foods for senior dogs.
Top Ingredients
Top ingredients have the highest quantity, hence providing the most nutritional value. The most common first ingredient in the list below is real meat, often followed by meat meal, fruits, vegetables, chickpeas, peas, rice, and oils.
Guaranteed Analysis
The optimal food for older dogs shouldn’t contain too many calories but rather rich sources of proteins to enhance activity and muscle strength. Most senior meals on our list have up to 38% protein and 16% fat content. Also, they contain a lot of fiber, the highest being 8%. The moisture levels are between 10%–12%.
Extra Nutrients
Some nutrients act like a superhero’s sidekick. They nurture seniors’ well-being with glucosamine, chondroitin, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, L-carnitine, and carbs. To find them, we inspected the food label to see more details.
Price
The price of a senior diet dog food depends on the package size and ingredients. Raw and fresh food options are more expensive than dry kibble and canned food. We also found subscription-based meals. Even though they’re pricey, your pooch will receive a custom-made portion tailored to its needs.
Customer Reviews
Nothing is more honest than a customers’ review. While no food fits all senior dog needs, most products have a very high rating between 4.4 to 4.7 stars on Amazon.
Nom Nom Beef Mash Senior Recipe
Pre-portioned healthy beef meal with human and restaurant-grade ingredients. Nom Nom provides a USDA Grade A meal that’s AAFCO-approved and cooked according to FDA regulations. The meals are customizable and arrive right at your doorstep.
The mastermind behind Nom Nom’s recipes is the American veterinary nutritionist Dr. Justin Shmalberg. The formula is human-grade and AAFCO-approved. Plus, the ingredients have a restaurant quality classified as USDA Grade A.
It’s very good soft dog food for senior dogs that arrives right at your doorstep. Also, the meals are customized to fit your dog’s nutritional needs. You can order one-time meals or subscribe for regular delivery.
The Beef Mash Recipe includes ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, and peas. Your senior pet will benefit from the formula’s proteins, zinc, iron, selenium, fiber, minerals, vitamins, beta-carotene, and carbs. All ingredients are grown by trusted US farmers and gently cooked following FDA rules.
Product Specifics:
- Pre-portioned
- Customizable
- Real beef as the first ingredient
- FDA & AAFCO-approved
- USDA Grade A formula
- US-made
Pros:
- Formula by a certified veterinary nutritionist
- Sustainably sourced ingredients
- Restaurant quality food
Cons:
- Expensive
- Should be kept in the fridge
Why we choose this product: This is a top-shelf senior dog food that’s crafted by a certified veterinary nutritionist and precisely formulated for your pet’s needs. The formula has restaurant-grade ingredients that are sustainably sourced, always fresh, and grown by US farmers.
Wellness CORE Senior Deboned Turkey Recipe
Grain-free food for seniors with real turkey as the first ingredient. Rich in protein, antioxidants, glucosamine, chondroitin, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and taurine. Made in the US in three package sizes.
Wellness is famous for its natural foods that have filled dogs’ bellies for almost 100 years. The brand’s grain-free formula offers rich nutrition from deboned turkey, chicken meal, lentils, dried ground potatoes, and peas.
The food is rich in antioxidants, probiotics, taurine, and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s the finest senior dry dog food for joint support, thanks to glucosamine and chondroitin.
Wellness CORE for seniors is free from meat by-products, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, wheat, corn, or soy. It comes in three package sizes (4 lb, 12 lb, 24 lb), and it focuses on promoting overall health — from the heart and skin to the digestive system and joints.
Product Specifics:
- Made in the US
- Three package sizes
- No.1 ingredient is real turkey
- Antioxidants, probiotics & taurine
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Glucosamine & chondroitin
Pros:
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Promotes overall health
Cons:
- Kibble could be too big
- Some might not like the taste
Why we choose this product: It’s the optimal dry dog food for senior dogs that need more protein. Plus, Wellness has 100 years of experience in natural dog food. The formula serves as a senior superfood with real turkey.
ORIJEN Senior WholePrey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Biologically appropriate WholePrey food for seniors. It’s made in the US and comes in three package sizes. The formula consists of 85% quality meat, including free-run chicken, turkey, and wild-caught fish.
Orijen’s WholePrey diet boosts the muscles and maintains the weight of senior dogs. It’s an excellent example of the best dog food for elderly dogs that lack protein. The formula is 85% meat, including chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, and turkey giblets.
The ingredients also come with necessary vitamins and minerals. What’s more, the raw meat is tested for safety and uses refrigeration as the only preservation method.
Orijen’s award-winning recipes are US-made and remain on the top charts for biologically appropriate dog food. The recipe for seniors is available in three package sizes — 4.5 lb, 13lb, and 25 lb.
Product Specifics:
- US-made
- 4.5 lb, 13 lb & 25 lb package size
- 85% quality meat
- Contains poultry, organs & cartilage
Pros:
- Biologically appropriate
- No rendered meals
- Proteins, vitamins & minerals
Cons:
- May cause diarrhea
- Small breeds may find it difficult to chew
Why we choose this product: Upon researching for our senior dog food review, we discovered that Orijen is a multi-award-winning company known for its biologically appropriate food. Also, 85% of the ingredients are raw meat. Apart from protein, this WholePrey food provides minerals and vitamins.
Instinct Raw Boost Senior Recipe
Senior dog recipe from grain-free kibbles and freeze-dried meat. It’s made in the US. The meat is minimally processed and comes with non-GMO fruits and vegetables.
Instinct Raw screams strong and lean senior muscles. It combines grain-free kibble with freeze-dried raw meat, including chicken meal, chicken, tapioca, chickpeas, and peas as main ingredients.
It’s a top shelf senior dog food with 4.6 stars on Chewy. The formula uses minimally processed meat and non-GMO fruits and vegetables. It’s packed with natural DHA, calcium, L-carnitine, phosphorus, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Instinct Raw Boost is made in the US, and it’s 100% free from potato, wheat, soy, corn, by-product meal, artificial colors, or preservatives. It comes in two package sizes — 4 lb and 21 lb.
Product Specifics:
- US-made
- 4 lb & 21 lb package size
- Grain-free kibbles & freeze-dried meat
- Non-GMO
Pros:
- Minimally processed
- No by-product meal
- Made with cage-free chicken
Cons:
- Diarrhea trigger
- Kibbles may be big for some jaws
Why we choose this product: Instinct Raw is the top-shelf grain-free senior dog food with freeze-dried raw meat. Plus, it’s made with cage-free chicken. The formula supports healthy hips, joints, bones, eyes, teeth, and brain function.
PetPlate’s BarkinBeef Senior Formula
Subscription-based meal plan from natural and human-grade ingredients. The beef formula is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or picky eaters. Also, the portions depend on the dog’s profile. Free deliveries across the US.
PetPlate offers a subscription-based meal from 100% natural and human-grade ingredients. The Full Plan sends 21 containers of balanced diet every third week, while the Topper Plan comes with six containers of food topper every fourth week.
Vet nutritionists crafted PetPlate’s recipes. So, its BarkinBeef is the ideal senior dog food for a sensitive stomach as it contains easy-to-digest ingredients, like ground beef, sweet potatoes, potatoes, beef liver, and carrots.
The high-protein formula is an excellent meal for active dogs, and its taste is a favorite of the pickiest eaters. You’ll get meal portions based on the dog’s age, breed, weight, and activity levels. Also, PetPlate offers free delivery in the US.
Product Specifics:
- US-made
- Subscription-based
- Free US delivery
- Customizable
- Ground beef as the first ingredient
Pros:
- Natural & human-grade ingredients
- Easy to digest
- Picky eater approved
Cons:
- Requires storage in a refrigerator
- Price depends on the dog’s profile
Why we choose this product: It’s easily customizable and always fresh. This soft dog food for senior dogs has a 100% natural and human-grade beef formula. All dogs, including picky eaters, find the combination of beef, apples, beef liver, carrots, and salmon oil delicious.
Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity Formula
Purina ONE offers a wet food made of turkey and barley that’s manufactured in the US with 0% fillers. It comes in one size in a pack of 12 cans.
Purina ONE’s canned formula offers a canned turkey and barley flavor. It’s the best senior dog food that’s vet recommended and manufactured in Purina-owned US facilities.
The recipe is packed with proteins, fat, and fiber. The MCTs in it promotes mental alertness and activity. The wet food contains turkey, turkey broth, chicken, liver, and pork lungs.
Purina ONE aims for 100% nutrition and 0% fillers. It’s also free from poultry by-products. You can find the wet food in packs of 12 cans of 13oz.
Product Specifics:
- Wet turkey & barley food
- US-made
- 0% fillers
Pros:
- Muscle & joint support
- Better skin & coat
- Promotes energy & mental sharpness
Cons:
- One pack size of 12 cans
- May not have an appealing smell
Why we choose this product: It’s the finest senior dog food in a canned form. Plus, it’s 100% nutritional with an aim to promote better senior years. Also, the first ingredient is real meat.
Raw Wild Premium Dog Food
Organic and raw dog food from wild elk and deer. It’s 100% natural and GMO-free. Contains vitamins and minerals. Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Some say that Raw Wild offers the highest quality natural dog food for senior dogs. Its wild elk and venison meat come from the rocky mountains where the animals were raised. The formula is 100% organic. It contains 99.4% wild elk and deer and 0.6% vitamins and minerals.
The rich source of proteins provides more energy to the aging body. Raw Wild aims for healthier longevity while maintaining the dog’s weight, digestion, coat, and allergies.
The formula is free from grains, hormones, antibiotics, gluten, preservatives, and GMOs. Raw Wild stands proud of its products so much that it offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and full refund within seven days of the receipt.
Product Specifics:
- US-made
- 99.4% raw wild elk and deer meat
- 0.6% vitamins & minerals
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Pros:
- Energy boost
- Weight and allergy control
- Healthy digestion, skin & coat
- Organic & GMO-free
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- Requires careful storage
Why we choose this product: Raw Wild is the ideal senior dog food for allergies. It’s 100% organic. The formula contains 99.4% wild elk and deer meat, supplying your pet with 0.6% vitamins and minerals. Because of its high protein content, it’s an excellent superfood for seniors that need more muscle strength.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Formula
Blue Buffalo offers real chicken as the first ingredient, followed by fruits and veggies. Comes in four package sizes, and it’s made in the US. Apart from joint support, this food promotes muscle strength and gives seniors energy to stay active.
The Blue Buffalo aims to help mature dogs stay healthy by eating quality meat, nutritious fruits, and whole grains. Its main ingredients include deboned chicken, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, and chicken meal.
Blue Buffalo is known as one of the leading dog food brands for senior dogs. The formula helps with a rich source of proteins, L-carnitine, glucosamine, carbs, chondroitin, omega fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Also, it’s free from by-product meals, corn, wheat, and soy. You can get it in four sizes — 3 lb, 6 lb, 15 lb, and 30 lb.
Product Specifics:
- US-made
- Four package sizes
- With real chicken, fresh veggies & fruits
- Whole grains
Pros:
- Nourishes muscles & joints
- No meat-by products
- Free from corn, wheat, and soy
Cons:
- Not great for picky eaters
- Kibbles are big for toy breeds
Why we choose this product: Senior dogs on the Blue Buffalo formula will gain an energy boost, healthy muscles, and mobility support. It’s the best senior dog food for arthritis. Plus, it aims for a healthy immune system with plenty of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.
Solid Gold Senior Formula for Sensitive Stomachs
Grain and gluten-free recipe designed for seniors with sensitive stomachs. The first ingredient is real chicken, followed by superfoods like spinach, cranberries, and blueberries. Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee in two package sizes.
Solid Gold is the first US holistic pet food, founded in 1974. Its recipe for older dogs is famous as the finest senior dog food that’s grain-free and gluten-free. The main ingredients include chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and peas.
It’s a highly balanced and easily digestible diet. The formula is full of protein, vitamins, minerals, fat, and natural antioxidants. Its rich source of omega fatty acids promotes better skin health, and the probiotics support healthy digestion.
Solid Gold offers a superfood that’s free from fillers and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You can find it in 4 lb or 24 lb package sizes. Plus, it’s made in the US.
Product Specifics:
- US-made
- 4 lb & 24 lb package sizes
- The first ingredient is real chicken
- Gluten-free & grain-free
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Pros:
- Balanced & easily digestible
- Free from fillers
- Improves skin, gut, muscles & immunity
Cons:
- May not be appealing to picky eaters
- Small breeds find it hard to chew
Why we choose this product: It’s the ideal dog food for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs. Also, it’s the first holistic pet food brand, and the formula is 100% grain and gluten-free. The food improves the skin, gut, and muscles of senior dogs.
Nulo Senior Dry Dog Food
Trout and sweet potato grain-free formula with 80% animal-based protein and BC30 probiotic. It’s free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Comes in five sizes, suitable for all breeds.
Nulo offers a protein-rich diet with animal-sourced top three ingredients, including deboned trout, turkey meal, salmon meal, yellow peas, and sweet potato.
This is the finest senior dog food with glucosamine and chondroitin that helps relieve joint pain and improve seniors’ mobility. It’s a grain-free formula without any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The food contains 80% animal-based protein and BC30 probiotic that nurtures a healthy gut and improves the digestive system.
It’s an excellent recipe for reducing food sensitivities and allergies, promoting healthy weight, and improving metabolism. You can find this meal in five sizes — 4.5 lb, 6 lb, 11 lb, 24 lb, and 26 lb.
Product Specifics:
- Trout & sweet potato recipe
- 80% animal-based protein
- Grain-free
- BC30 probiotic
- Five package sizes
Pros:
- Nurtures the digestive system
- Reduces food sensitivities & allergies
- Supports the metabolism
Cons:
- Some received damaged packages
- May cause diarrhea
Why we choose this product: We like Nulo’s recipe because it’s the finest senior dry dog food for metabolism and immunity. Plus, it does an excellent job of relieving hip and joint pain. The grain-free formula is the perfect fit for sensitive stomachs or allergic seniors.
JustFoodForDogs PantryFresh Recipe
A beef and russet potato recipe that’s cooked fresh and ready to serve. It’s gluten and grain-free and aimed to help underweight dogs. The prime source of complete protein is excellent for active dogs. Comes in a 15.5 oz package.
JustFoodForDogs’ beef and russet potato recipe is one of the brand’s most proud creations and certainly the most popular one. Its main ingredients are ground beef, beef heart, russet potatoes, carrots, and sweet potato.
PantryFresh has a soft texture, making it the best dog food for older small dogs with few teeth. It comes in a unique “tetra pak” packaging that can stay fresh and nutritious for two years.
The recipe is gluten and grain-free, without preservatives or growth hormones. It’s a high-calorie diet that’s perfect for active seniors or underweight dogs. The meal comes in a 15.5 oz package, with an option to choose one or twelve meals per order.
Product Specifics:
- Beef & russet potato recipe
- Cooked in USDA kitchen
- Two years expiration date
- 15.5 oz package
- Grain & gluten-free
Pros:
- Nurtures active dogs
- Helps dogs gain weight
- Unique “tetra pak” package
Cons:
- Diarrhea problems
- Challenging to open
Why we choose this product: PantryFresh is the optimal senior dog food for weight loss problems. It has a high nutritional value of protein, zinc, iron, magnesium, vitamins, potassium, and beta-carotene. Plus, it can stay fresh for up to two years.
Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Senior Dry Dog Food
Grain-free dog food for seniors in packages of 12 lb and 24lb. Contains premium proteins, healthy fats, minerals, vitamins, probiotics, and antioxidants. Improves immunity and supports joints, gut, heart, skin, and coat. Made in the US.
Canidae Pure is another company that earned its spot on the top-shelf senior dog food brands. Rich in taurine, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics, the formula features chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and garbanzo beans.
It’s 100% grain-free dry dog food with healthy fats and no fillers. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin for better mobility. Plus, the fatty acids aim towards healthier skin and coats.
The antioxidants support the immune system, while the taurine is the heart’s best friend. And lastly, probiotics are here to help with digestion. The meal is cooked in the US and available in a 12 lb and 24lb package.
Product Specifics:
- US-made
- 12 lb & 24lb package
- Real chicken & sweet potato recipe
- Grain-free
Pros:
- Limited ingredient
- Supports healthy senior metabolism
- Improves hips & joints
- Aids in digestion & cardiovascular health
Cons:
- Unpalatable for some
- Package may be damaged
Why we choose this product: Merrick offers the best dog food for old dogs with high-quality nutrients, including glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and omega fatty acids. The limited ingredient recipe builds healthy fats and better immunity.
A Guide Towards the Optimal Food for Seniors
With many choices for senior dog foods on the market, it’s challenging to separate the bad from the good.
What to Look for in a Senior Diet?
We made the search for ideal senior food easier than ever. Here’s what you should consider before making a decision.
The Size of Your Senior Furr Friend
You can’t feed a giant senior the same way you would a small pooch. Still, it all depends on your dog. If your veterinarian confirms that your pooch doesn’t need a meal based on its size, the market offers many options for small and giant furry pals alike.
Health Condition
Assess the situation and seek professional advice. Senior years come with many health issues, and food is a crucial factor in overcoming them. Some older dogs have a sensitive stomach that requires a grain-free meal. Others have skin problems and need omega-3 fatty acids. Joint issues are also widespread, so focus on formulas rich in glucosamine and chondroitin.
What Type of Food Your Dog Prefers
If your puppy favors a specific taste, stick to that or change it gradually. Kibbles is the finest senior dog food for maintaining healthy teeth. Combine that with wet food containing high moisture levels, as that’s what older dogs need. Still, a fresh or raw food diet might provide plenty of protein and essential nutrients to your pet.
Weight Management
Senior years mean slower metabolism, resulting in obesity. So veterinarians recommend avoiding too many calories per meal unless your dog is underweight. The activity levels also play a significant role. But if the main effect of the food is to add weight rather than nutritional value, it’s best to look for a different brand.
Flavor
Senior dog food should be healthy, balanced, and tasty. The market offers various options — from chicken and turkey to beef and salmon. It’s up to you and your pooch to pick the most delicious combination.
Types of Senior Dog Food
Let’s explore all your options when it comes to senior dog food:
- Dry Dog Food: Dry kibble is the best at keeping your dog’s dental health in check. It usually contains 3%–10% water and comes in various package sizes. The recipes vary, but some have grain-free options for seniors with sensitive stomachs.
- Wet Dog Food: It’s the best dog food for aging dogs that need a hydration boost. Also, it’s an excellent choice of dog food for urinary crystals. Some owners say that wet food offers more flavor.
- Raw Dog Food: Here’s the most natural and least processed type of dog food. A raw diet consists of organ meats, bones, muscles, fresh fruits, veggies, and eggs. If you want to start your dog on a raw diet, consult your vet first, as it might be high in calories.
Best & Worst Ingredients
Aging dogs have special nutritional needs. Let’s see what to consider and avoid when looking for the top senior dog food brand.
Include:
- A low-calorie diet to improve the slow metabolism rate.
- High amounts of fiber to support gastrointestinal health.
- Antioxidants to boost immunity.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin to deal with arthritis.
- Omega-3 fatty acids aid inflammation, nourish the skin, coat, and kidneys.
Avoid:
- Artificial colors. No dog ever cared about how aesthetically pleasing a dish looks.
- Corn syrup. It might cause obesity, and it’s specifically not recommended for seniors with diabetes.
- Phosphorus in high levels to protect the kidneys.
- Sodium in high levels to maintain normal blood pressure.
- Whole grain corn. It’s an allergen and a filler that adds mass and extra carbohydrates.
- Bone meal. Dog food for seniors that contains it may cause contamination or blockage in the gastrointestinal tract.
The Importance of a Senior Diet
Senior dog food has two aims — to prevent or control sickness and extend older dogs’ lives. These recipes have balanced calories and rich sources of protein to support lean muscle mass.
Senior foods also have superpowers, like maintaining strong joints with extra glucosamine and chondroitin. Some even include vegetable oils that enhance the mental sharpness in seniors or high levels of omega-3 fatty acids for luxurious skin and coat.
A senior diet promotes healthy aging, but there’s no such thing as top-rated senior dog food that fits all dogs. Every furball ages differently. Its well-being depends on many factors — from breed and genetics to overall health problems. Talk to your veterinarian to decide what food will be beneficial for your senior dog.
Senior Dogs & Their Health
For now, aging is inevitable for dogs and humans alike. So it’s best to know what to expect. Plus, it’s more convenient to find healthy senior dog food when you know exactly what problems you need to focus on.
Common senior dog health issues include:
- Vision loss or cloudiness in their lense.
- Urinary tract infection or kidney disease may cause strained or increased urination.
- Oral problems such as loose teeth, inflamed gums, or excessive drooling.
- Skin issues like fatty growths, hair loss, lumps, and rashes.
- Some dogs are prone to obesity, while others may struggle to gain weight.
- Arthritic pain, resulting in lower activity.
- Signs of memory loss, moodiness, confusion, and other behavioral changes could be early dementia symptoms.
Glancing Through the Top Senior Dog Food Reviews
Nom Nom Beef Mash Senior Recipe: Best overall
Wellness CORE Senior Deboned Turkey Recipe: Grain-free turkey formula
ORIJEN Senior Wholeprey Dry Dog Food: Rich in protein content
Instinct Raw Boost Senior Recipe: Freeze-dried meat and grain-free kibbles
PetPlate BarkinBeef Senior Formula: Tasty meal for picky eaters
Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity Formula: Wet food for seniors
Raw Wild Premium Raw Dog Food: Raw elk and venison meal
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Formula: Covers overall senior well being
Solid Gold Senior Formula For Sensitive Stomachs: Easily digestible dog food
Nulo Senior Dry Dog Food: Gentle on food sensitivities & allergies
JustFoodForDogs PantryFresh Recipe: Nutritious meal for underweight dogs
Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Senior Dry Dog Food: Limited ingredient senior diet dog food
Feeding Instructions
Sometimes to age well means to be born under a lucky star, but it’s still good to know the basic nutritional rules for your senior fluff.
A senior dog diet should include:
- 20% fewer calories than an adult dog diet to maintain a healthy weight.
- 25% protein for successful tissue repair and strong metabolism.
- Fiber, especially beet pulp, controls senior constipation, provides better digestion, and regulates glucose.
- Lower sodium levels as many seniors are prone to heart diseases and kidney problems.
- Lots of fresh water to avoid dehydration.
- One daily portion to maintain a healthy weight.
Switching to Dog Food for Seniors
The transition from an adult to a senior dog happens around the age of seven.
Smaller breeds have a life expectancy of up to 20 years, so they become seniors around ten. Bigger dogs live around 12–15 years, and their senior years begin at seven.
Even though it’s best to talk to your veterinarian about when and how to switch your dog’s food, you can also rely on our feeding plan.
Switching to geriatric dog food takes between 7–10 days. Here’s how to do it:
- Day one & two: ¾ old food and ¼ new food
- Day three to four: 50% current and 50% new food
- Day five to seven: ¾ new food ¼ old food
- Day eight to ten: new food only
Other Products for a Guaranteed Senior Wellbeing
Senior dog foods are great, but alternative products are the cherries to a well-rounded diet. Let’s check them out.
For gentle teeth cleaning, Greenies on Amazon offers easy to chew and bendable treats from 100% natural ingredients. The formula supports healthy joints and strong immunity, as the components are highly soluble upon digestion.
With the best food for senior dogs, your old furry pal may need an extra nutrient boost. We like the Zesty Paws’ multifunctional supplements on Amazon. Its premium ingredients protect aging joints, hips, gut, kidneys, and overall immunity. The formula is US-made and is entirely free of artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors.
Senior dog years usually come with many health issues. Honest Paws CBD oil is a natural pain relief remedy that combines organic hemp and ginger oil. We recommend it for breeds of all sizes. It helps relieve the nerves, soothes inflammation, and boosts the immunity of senior dogs.
Providing a comfortable sleepy time is as crucial as buying one of the top senior dog foods. We like the Big Barker orthopedic dog bed on Amazon as it’s clinically proven to reduce pain. It has four foam layers, and it’s covered in soft, micro-suede material. Plus, Big Barker offers a 10 years warranty for quality and endurance.
Finding the best dog ramp for a car can also be of great help for seniors with immobility and inflammations. The PetSafe Happy Ride folding pet ramp on Amazon is our top choice. It’s very lightweight and supports up to 150 lbs. Also, the ramp features a non-slip surface and side rails for secure and steady movement.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Optimal Food for Older Dogs Is Hard but Not Impossible
Senior dogs can be challenging to feed. After all, you need to address various health issues with the right blend of proteins and calories.
Finding the ideal dog food for senior dogs was a struggle until Nom Nom’s Beef Mash recipe came along. The certified veterinary nutritionist Dr. Justin Shmalberg aimed for restaurant quality and human-grade food, classified as USDA Grade A. The best feature is the customizable meals. It’s a formula that boosts seniors with proteins, iron, selenium, zinc, vitamins, beta-carotene, minerals, fibers, and carbohydrates. Nom Nom’s meals come from trusted farmers, and the AAFCO and FDA support the quality.
Senior dog years can get painful. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ease your pet’s suffering. Consider getting calming treats for dogs, as they’re excellent pain-relievers for diseases and inflammations.
FAQ
Does my senior dog need more protein?
To maintain and fuel the muscles, go for the top-shelf senior dog food brands with high protein levels. Seniors need 25% more protein compared to adult dogs. The extra amount will prevent muscle loss that otherwise may develop to the point of immobility.
What to avoid in senior dog foods?
The main components that won’t benefit your senior pooch are high levels of sodium, phosphorus, and artificial colors. You should also avoid feeding your dog bone meal, whole grain corn, or corn syrup. It’s essential to provide a balanced calorie level to prevent obesity in senior dogs.
What’s the healthiest food for my senior dog?
The healthiest senior dog food you can choose is the Nom Nom’s Beef Mash recipe. It’s high-quality nutrition developed by a certified animal nutritionist. If you ask us, that’s the best senior dog food for overall health, thanks to the USDA Grade A ingredients.
