We are always looking for the best dry dog food for our senior dogs and, through trial and error, have found that they seem to be at their best when fed a kibble that is 100% natural and has a ton of ingredients that we can pronounce and recognize. We have used, and continue to use, every brand mentioned in this article and based on our experience, we absolutely recommend all of them for your senior fur babies.
Our senior dogs have very sensitive tummies, and all of these are very gentle on digestive systems. None of our senior dogs have developed allergies to these foods and they genuinely like to eat them. We rotate the foods our senior dogs eat, and they seem to really enjoy the variety this brings to their diets.
All of these recommendations are a bit more costly than your average kibble, but we feel that you get what you pay for, and the cost is outweighed by the potentially increased longevity we have seen in our senior fur babies. Though it is anecdotal, we would like to believe one of the reasons for their long lives is the quality of the dry food we feed our senior dogs.
Also, we recommend introducing any new kibble to your senior a little bit at a time. To start, try replacing no more than 25% of your senior dog’s previous dry food with the new kibble and see how they do with it. Gradually increase the amount of new kibble as you decrease their old kibble. This will give your senior dog enough time to adjust to the clean, healthy, ingredients in their new food.
With that being said, check with your vet before switching up your senior dog’s food as there are several vet recommended dry dog foods that only your vet can order for you.
Now let’s take a closer look at seven of the best dry dog foods you can get for your senior dog. Trust us, your senior dogs will thank you!
Royal Canin Aging Care is a special diet designed specifically for senior dogs. This diet contains a balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to help keep your dog healthy and active as they age. This diet also includes special ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and reduce the risk of arthritis.
Additionally, Royal Canin Aging Care contains prebiotics to help promote digestive health and help maintain a healthy weight.
First 10 Ingredients
Chicken, corn, wheat, oat groats, brewers rice, chicken fat, powdered cellulose, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, and fish oil
Benefits of Royal Canin Aging Care
Supports Joint Health
Joint health is very important for senior dogs as they are more prone to developing arthritis and joint pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin are important components of joint health as they help to lubricate the joints and reduce inflammation and pain. By providing your senior dog with this diet, you can help to reduce the risk of arthritis and maintain their joint health.
Promotes Digestive Health
Prebiotics are important for maintaining a healthy digestive system in senior dogs. They help to support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can help to improve digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, prebiotics can help to support a healthy immune system, which can help to reduce the risk of digestive problems.
Supports a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for senior dogs as it can help to reduce the risk of obesity-related illnesses. By providing your senior dog with a diet that supports a healthy weight, you can help to reduce the risk of obesity and other illnesses associated with being overweight.
Additionally, a healthy weight can help to improve mobility and reduce joint pain.
Wellness Complete Health Senior is a nutritionally balanced and complete senior dog food formulated specifically for senior dogs. It contains high-quality proteins, wholesome grains, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids to help support overall health and well-being. The recipe is made with real deboned chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal as the main ingredients, providing high levels of protein to support muscle mass and senior health.
It also has a precise blend of Omega Fatty Acids, antioxidants, and glucosamine to help keep your senior dog active and healthy. This food is free from wheat, corn, and soy, and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
First 10 Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice, Barley, Rye, Tomato Pomace, Salmon Meal, Ground Flaxseed, Menhaden Fish Meal, and Natural Chicken Flavor
Benefits of Wellness Complete Health Senior
Supports Overall Health and Well-Being
High-quality proteins, wholesome grains, and omega fatty acids are important for senior dogs as they help to support overall health and well-being. Protein helps to maintain muscle mass and strength, while the omega fatty acids and grains provide additional essential nutrients. The omega fatty acids can help to promote healthy skin and coat and reduce inflammation, while the wholesome grains provide a source of dietary fiber and additional essential vitamins and minerals.
Contains Quality Ingredients
It is important that Wellness Complete Health Senior contains no wheat, corn, or soy and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives as these ingredients can be detrimental to a senior dog's health. Wheat, corn, and soy can be difficult for senior dogs to digest and can cause gastrointestinal distress.
Additionally, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can be toxic to senior dogs and can cause adverse health effects. By avoiding these ingredients, Wellness Complete Health Senior is a healthier option for senior dogs.
Contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are important for senior dogs as they help to promote joint health. Glucosamine helps to stimulate the production of cartilage and can help to reduce joint pain and stiffness.
Chondroitin sulfate helps to promote the absorption of glucosamine and can help to reduce inflammation in the joints. The presence of these ingredients in Wellness Complete Health Senior can help to keep your senior dog active and healthy.
Hills Prescription Diet Aged Dog Food is a nutritionally balanced diet designed specifically for senior dogs. It contains a blend of high-quality proteins, including chicken and pork, to help maintain muscle mass and strength.
Additionally, it is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to help support overall health and well-being. The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to help promote joint health, as well as omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat. The food is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives and is formulated for easy digestion.
First 10 Ingredients
Chicken, Pork Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Wheat, Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Corn Starch, Chicken Fat, Dried Beet Pulp, and Natural Flavors
Benefits of Hills Prescription Diet Aged Dog Food
Maintains Muscle
Maintaining muscle mass and strength is important for senior dogs, as they can lose muscle mass and strength as they age. The high-quality proteins in Hills Prescription Diet Aged Dog Food help to ensure that senior dogs get the necessary amount of protein for muscle maintenance and preservation. Additionally, protein helps to support healthy digestion and overall health.
Promotes Joint Health
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are important for senior dogs as they help to promote joint health. Glucosamine helps to stimulate the production of cartilage and can help to reduce joint pain and stiffness.
Chondroitin sulfate helps to promote the absorption of glucosamine and can help to reduce inflammation in the joints. The presence of these ingredients in Hills Prescription Diet Aged Dog Food can help to keep your senior dog active and healthy.
Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat
Omega fatty acids are essential for senior dogs as they help to promote healthy skin and coat. Omega fatty acids are an important part of a senior dog's diet as they help to nourish and moisturize the skin and coat.
Additionally, they can help to reduce inflammation and can help to protect the skin and coat from environmental damage. The presence of omega fatty acids in Hills Prescription Diet Aged Dog Food can help to keep your senior dog's skin and coat healthy and looking its best.
Fromm Family Reduced Activity & Senior Gold is a nutritious and balanced dry food designed specifically for senior and less active dogs. This food is made with fresh chicken, duck, and salmon, as well as whole eggs and real Wisconsin cheese, providing a high-quality source of protein for muscle maintenance.
It is also fortified with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help support the overall health and well-being of senior dogs. The food also contains omega fatty acids and probiotics to promote a healthy gut and a shiny coat.
This recipe is free from corn, wheat, and soy, and is made with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Reduced Activity & Senior Gold offers complete and balanced nutrition for senior and less active senior dogs.
First 10 Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, White Rice, Oatmeal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chicken Fat , Duck, and Salmon
Benefits of Fromm Family Reduced Activity & Senior Gold
Provides High-Quality Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient for all senior dogs, but especially senior and less active senior dogs. Protein helps to maintain and build muscle mass, which is important for maintaining a healthy weight and mobility. The high-quality proteins found in Fromm Family Reduced Activity & Senior Gold are easily digestible and provide the necessary nutrients for your senior dog to stay active and healthy.
Fortified with Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the overall health and well-being of senior dogs. The antioxidants and vitamins found in this food can help to support the immune system, while the minerals can help to support bone, joint, and muscle health. By providing these important nutrients, this food can help to keep your senior dog feeling their best.
Contains Omega Fatty Acids and Probiotics
Omega fatty acids are important for healthy skin and coat, while probiotics can help to support a healthy gut. By providing these essential nutrients, this food can help to keep your senior dog's skin and coat healthy and looking its best.
Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food is a high-protein, grain-free recipe designed to meet the specific needs of senior dogs. This recipe is made with fresh and regional ingredients, including free-run chicken, wild-caught fish, cage-free eggs, and garden vegetables and fruits.
It is loaded with 80% animal ingredients, including a full 40% of fresh, raw, and never-frozen animal ingredients. This recipe is free from grains, fillers, and rendered animal meals, and has been specifically formulated to provide all the essential nutrients your senior dog needs to stay healthy and active.
Additionally, it contains probiotics to help support digestive health, as well as omega fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat.
First 10 Ingredients
De-boned Chicken, De-boned Turkey, Flounder, Whole Atlantic Mackerel, Cage-Free Eggs, Whole Atlantic Herring, Chicken Liver, Turkey Liver, Whole Pumpkin and Whole Butternut Squash
Benefits of Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food
High-Quality Protein
High-quality protein sources are essential for senior dogs. Protein helps to build and maintain muscle mass, which is important for maintaining a healthy weight and mobility. The high-quality proteins found in Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food provide the necessary nutrients for your senior dog to stay active and healthy.
Probiotics
Probiotics and omega fatty acids are essential for a healthy gut and coat. Probiotics help to support digestive health, while omega fatty acids help to keep the skin and coat healthy and looking its best. By providing these essential nutrients, this food can help to keep your senior dog feeling their best.
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega fatty acids are important for healthy skin and coat, while probiotics can help to support a healthy gut. By providing these essential nutrients, this food can help to keep your senior dog's skin and coat healthy and looking its best.
Canidae Senior Formula Dog Food is a grain-free, high-protein recipe designed to meet the specific needs of senior dogs. This recipe is made with fresh chicken and wholesome vegetables, including sweet potatoes and garbanzo beans.
It is loaded with essential nutrients and is free from grains, fillers, and rendered animal meals. This recipe has been specifically formulated to provide all the essential nutrients your senior dog needs to stay healthy and active and is supplemented with probiotics to help support digestive health, as well as omega fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat.
First 10 Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Suncured Alfalfa, Garbanzo Beans, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, and Flaxseed
Benefits of Canidae Senior Formula Dog Food
High-Quality Protein
High-quality protein sources are important for maintaining a healthy weight and mobility in senior dogs. Protein helps to build and maintain muscle mass, which is essential for senior dogs to stay active and healthy.
As dogs get older, they may become less active, which can lead to muscle loss. By providing high-quality proteins, senior dogs can maintain their muscle mass and stay active.
Additionally, proteins are important for supporting healthy organs and overall health. By providing a high-quality source of protein, senior dogs can stay healthy and active.
Added Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help to maintain a healthy digestive system. As senior dogs age, their digestive system can become less efficient, leading to issues such as gas and indigestion.
By providing added probiotics in this food, senior dogs can benefit from improved digestion and better absorption of nutrients. In addition, probiotics can help to support the immune system, which is important for senior dogs as they may have weaker immune systems than younger dogs.
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega fatty acids are essential nutrients that help to promote healthy skin and coat in senior dogs. As dogs age, their skin and coat can become dry and brittle, which can lead to itching and irritation. By providing omega fatty acids, senior dogs can benefit from improved skin and coat health, as well as softer and shinier fur.
Additionally, omega fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for senior dogs who may be suffering from joint pain or other age-related issues.
Lotus Small Bites Senior Recipe is a delicious and nutritious senior dog food designed specifically for senior dogs. This recipe is made with high-quality ingredients to ensure that senior dogs get the nutrition they need while enjoying a delicious meal. The recipe contains fresh chicken as the first ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein to support muscle maintenance and overall health.
Additionally, the recipe contains added glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and mobility. Omega fatty acids are also included to help promote healthy skin and coat, while added probiotics help to support digestive health.
The small kibble size makes it easier for senior dogs to chew and digest. This recipe is a great choice for senior dogs who need a nutritious meal that is easy to digest.
First 10 Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Pearled Barley, Oatmeal, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, and Menhaden Fish Meal
Benefits of Lotus Small Bites Senior Recipe
Fresh Chicken as First Ingredient
Fresh chicken as the first ingredient in the Lotus Small Bites Senior Recipe provides a high-quality source of protein for senior dogs. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and overall health in senior dogs.
As dogs age, their metabolic rate slows down, making it more difficult for them to absorb and utilize nutrients. By providing a high-quality source of protein, senior dogs can benefit from improved muscle maintenance and overall health.
Additionally, the protein in this recipe helps to provide the energy senior dogs need to stay active and healthy.
Added Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help to support digestive health in senior dogs. As dogs age, their digestive system can become more sensitive and prone to digestive disturbances. Adding probiotics to a senior dog's diet can help to support a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, which can help to improve digestive health.
Additionally, probiotics can help to support immune health, which can be beneficial for senior dogs who may be more susceptible to health issues. By adding probiotics to the Lotus Small Bites Senior Recipe, senior dogs can benefit from improved digestive health and an overall healthier lifestyle.
Small Kibble Size
Small kibble size makes it easier for senior dogs to chew and digest their food. Senior dogs may have weaker teeth or jaw muscles, making it more difficult for them to chew their food. Smaller kibble size makes it easier for senior dogs to chew and digest their food, improving their overall health and nutrition. Additionally, smaller kibble size can also help to reduce bloating and other gastrointestinal issues, which can be especially beneficial for senior dogs.
FAQ
Why does my senior dog need a special kind of food?
As your senior friend grows older, so do their dietary needs. Senior dogs need a special kind of food tailored to their age and lifestyle in order to maintain optimal health. That's why it's important to make sure your senior dog is getting the right nutrition.
Senior dog food is designed to meet the needs of senior canines, with ingredients that provide the right balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It also helps maintain a healthy weight, support joint health and mobility, and provides antioxidants for overall health.
Additionally, senior dog food contains lower levels of sodium and phosphorus which helps support kidney health.
So why does your senior dog need a special kind of food? The answer is simple - to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need as they age. Feeding your senior dog the right food can help keep them feeling young, active, and happy for many years to come!
What food is best for older dogs?
When it comes to feeding your older dog, it's important to remember that their nutritional needs change as they age. Senior dogs may require more nutrients than younger dogs, and they often need a softer diet. To ensure your senior dog is getting the best nutrition, try these options.
First, look for food specifically designed for senior dogs. These formulas are tailored to the changing needs of senior dogs, providing them with the extra nutrients they need.
Lower-fat proteins like fish and chicken are also beneficial as they are easier to digest. Senior dogs may also benefit from added fiber, which helps digestion and keeps them feeling fuller longer.
Finally, choose cooked or canned food over dry kibble. Soft foods are easier for aging teeth and gums to process.
If you make sure your senior dog is getting the best nutrition possible, you can ensure a long, healthy life for them!
How much dry dog food should I feed my senior dog?
It's important to ensure your senior dog is eating the right amount of dry dog food. The exact amount of dry dog food you should feed your senior dog depends on several factors, including size, activity level, and health. Generally, senior dogs require fewer calories than younger dogs, meaning that you should feed a smaller portion size than with a younger dog.
It's also important to select a dog food designed for senior dogs, as these foods often contain specific nutrients tailored to the needs of aging canines. To determine the exact portion size for your senior dog, consult with your veterinarian who will be able to recommend the best type and quantity of food for your pet.
Moreover, it's important to monitor your pet's body weight and adjust the portion size accordingly if your senior dog begins to gain or lose weight. With the right diet and portion size, you can keep your senior dog healthy and happy in their golden years!
When is the best time to feed my senior dog?
If you have an older dog, then you should be aware of their dietary needs and health. It is important to properly feed your senior dog in order to maintain their health and wellbeing.
Feeding your senior dog at the right time will ensure they get the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy. Generally, the best time to feed a senior dog is twice a day, preferably with a high-quality, age-appropriate food.
In the morning, provide your senior dog with a nutritious meal that contains enough calories and protein to keep them energized throughout the day. In the evening before bedtime, give them a lighter meal that will help them relax and sleep well.
Additionally, you should always have fresh water available for your senior dog throughout the day. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your senior dog is receiving proper nutrition and that their health is in good shape.
How often should I feed my senior dog?
As your dog approaches the senior years, their nutritional requirements change. Feeding your senior dog the ideal amount of food is important for maintaining their health and happiness. Generally, senior dogs need to eat smaller meals more frequently than their younger counterparts.
Depending on your senior dog's size, age and activity level, you may need to feed them up to three small meals a day. It is important to monitor your senior dog's eating habits as they may have difficulty chewing or digesting certain types of food.
When choosing what type of food to give your senior dog, opt for a high-quality diet that is specifically designed for their age and size. You should also make sure that your senior dog has access to plenty of fresh, clean water at all times.
Your veterinarian can help you decide how often to feed your senior dog based on their individual needs. By providing your senior dog with the right nutrition and frequency of meals, you can help keep them healthy and happy in their golden years.
Final Thoughts
There are a TON of high-quality dry dog foods out there for your senior dog. As mentioned in the intro, we have tried every one of the senior dry dog foods mentioned in this article and can guarantee your senior fur babies won't be disappointed in any of them.
We recommended you look for a sample or small size of the options mentioned above, just to ensure that your senior dogs like the food and that they don't have any adverse reactions.
These are some of the best dog foods for senior dogs that are available on the market today. If you are looking for a nutritious and balanced diet for your senior pet, any of these foods will be great choices.
Happy shopping!
- Jake