Senior Dog Care & Pain Relief
Our mission is to help your dog age well and live the best possible life. Using unique blends of all-natural, powerful ingredients, Happy, Healthy supplements can heal common pain points and revitalize your senior pup.
The best senior dog food isn’t merely labeled as “senior” for marketing purposes; it provides tailored nutrition for aging dogs. Backed by research and veterinary advice, our recommendations are a starting point for choosing the best dog food for seniors. As you review the options, your vet can offer more guidance on the best food for your dog’s individual needs.
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Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+
Best Overall Wet: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe
Best Budget: Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food
Best Premium: Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain
Best for Arthritis: Wellness Natural Pet Food Complete Health
Best for Large Dogs: Hill’s Diet Science Large Breed Adult 6+
Best for Small Dogs: Royal Canin
Best for Weight Management: Nutro Natural Choice
Best Prescription Food: Hills Prescription Diet Aging Care
Best Supplement Chews: Zesty Paws Senior Advanced 11-in-1 Bites
Best Fresh: The Farmer’s Dog Custom Fresh Dog Food
IN THIS ARTICLE
Rating:
5/5
Price at Time of Publish: $26 (5 pounds)
For 90 years, Purina has been dedicated to producing pet food, making it a well-known and trusted brand among veterinarians. The Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind senior formula prioritizes chicken as its primary ingredient, with the majority of animal protein sourced from chicken and poultry byproduct meal.
Designed for senior dogs, the formula is enriched with a range of supplements to support their overall health. This includes probiotics for digestive health, glucosamine to enhance mobility, omega-6 fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat, and antioxidants to bolster the immune system.
To address cognitive health and mental sharpness in aging dogs, the formula incorporates fish oil, antioxidants, B vitamins, and arginine. The product is available in kibble formulas tailored for adult, large, and small breeds, and it is also offered in canned food options.
What We Like:
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Supplements for mental, joint, and digestive health
- Formulas for adult, large, and small breeds
What We Don’t Like:
- Only two flavors
Rating:
5/5
Price at Time of Publish: $36 (12 cans)
Canned food can be a more appealing and easier-to-eat option for older dogs with diminished appetites or potential dental sensitivities. This well-received Blue Buffalo recipe prioritizes chicken-related ingredients as its top three: chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver. The formula includes additional components such as flaxseed, fish oil, blueberries, carrots, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, and brown rice. Importantly, it excludes corn, wheat, or soy, artificial flavors or preservatives, and poultry byproduct meals.
Similar to its dry food counterparts, this senior dog meal is enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health, antioxidants to support the immune system, and glucosamine and chondroitin for enhanced mobility. It can be served on its own, mixed with dry kibble for fussy eaters, or given as an occasional treat.
What We Like:
- Chicken is the main ingredient
- Lots of added supplements including antioxidants, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids
- No artificial flavors, preservatives, or byproducts
What We Don’t Like:
- Only one flavor
Rating:
4.7/5
Price at Time of Publish: $19 (7 pounds)
This senior dog kibble is a budget-friendly option that maintains quality by featuring farm-raised chicken as its primary ingredient. It includes essential senior food supplements such as fiber and prebiotics for digestion, antioxidants to support the immune system, and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Additionally, the formula incorporates supplements to aid in fat metabolism and sustain a healthy metabolism.
Tailored for both regular and large breeds, this food is crafted without artificial preservatives or flavors and avoids the use of fillers. Alongside farm-raised chicken, the ingredients list encompasses whole grains, beet pulp, and carrots.
What We Like:
- Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient
- Relatively inexpensive
- Contains fiber, glucosamine, and antioxidants
What We Don’t Like:
- Only comes in one flavor
- No small breed formula
Rating:
5/5
Price at Time of Publish: $28 (5.5 pounds)
Farmina takes a distinctive approach with its senior dog formula by incorporating “ancient grains,” which are nutrient-dense and rich in fiber. These grains, including heirloom varieties like einkorn, farro, and spelt, have remained largely unchanged over centuries. The N&D Ancestral Grain formula features whole oats and whole spelt, which digest more slowly, providing a gradual release of carbohydrate energy and promoting a sense of fullness.
The primary protein source in this formula is chicken, complemented by dried beets and eggs. Additional wholesome ingredients include fresh and dehydrated herring, along with dried carrots, apples, blueberries, and spinach. Manufactured in Italy, the food is enriched with chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health, omega fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat, and boasts a high protein content.
What We Like:
- Protein sourced from fresh chicken
- Lots of fruits and vegetables
- Supplements for joints and skin and coat
What We Don’t Like:
- Just one flavor
- More expensive than others
Rating:
5/5
Price at Time of Publish: $21 (5 pounds)
As dogs age, arthritis and joint problems are common, prompting the inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin in many senior dog foods to support joint health. This particular food contains elevated levels of both supplements, with a minimum of 800 milligrams of glucosamine and 700 milligrams of chondroitin per kilogram of food, potentially safeguarding joint cartilage.
Deboned chicken serves as the primary ingredient, accompanied by barley, brown rice, peas, and oatmeal in the formula. The food addresses senior needs, including fiber for digestion, omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and calcium for dental care. Importantly, the recipe excludes meat byproducts, fillers, and artificial preservatives, and it is crafted in the United States.
What We Like:
- Has glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Chicken is the main ingredient
- No byproducts, fillers, or artificial preservatives
What We Don’t Like:
- Only one flavor
- No formulas for small dogs
Rating:
5/5
Price at Time of Publish: $46 (15 pounds)
Larger dogs, especially as they age, have unique nutritional requirements, particularly for bone and joint health. This food is specifically designed for large breed adult dogs aged six and above, weighing between 55 and 110 pounds, and giant breeds aged five and older, with an ideal weight of 110 pounds or more. The formulation includes glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility, omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat care, and essential minerals for heart and kidney well-being.
Hill’s provides several large breed food options, each featuring chicken, chicken meal, or lamb meal as the primary ingredient. Importantly, these formulas contain no artificial preservatives, synthetic colors, or artificial flavors.
What We Like:
- Made just for large and giant breeds
- Has glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-6 fatty acids, and minerals
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited flavors
Rating:
5/5
Price at Time of Publish: $17 (2.5 pounds)
Do you have a tiny companion? Royal Canin offers a variety of senior dog formulas tailored to both dog size and age. Options include x-small and small breeds, further categorized by dogs aged eight years and older or 12 and older. The x-small formula is designed for dogs weighing up to 8 pounds, while the small formula is suitable for dogs ranging from 9 to 22 pounds.
Featuring small kibble for easy consumption by petite mouths, this food blend incorporates fiber for digestive support, the L-carnitine amino acid for a healthy metabolism, and antioxidants. Notably, the main ingredient is corn, with chicken byproduct meal serving as the primary protein source.
What We Like:
- Several formulas for tiny and small dogs of all ages
- Small kibble
- Contains fiber, amino acids, and antioxidants
What We Don’t Like:
- Main ingredients are corn and chicken byproduct meal
Rating:
5/5
Price at Time of Publish: $36 (13 pounds)
Numerous senior dog foods are designed with reduced calorie content, acknowledging that aging dogs are often less active. This particular formula contains only 319 calories per cup, presenting a lighter option compared to several others on this list, with around 100 fewer calories. Similar to other options, it is enriched with additional calcium for strong bones and joints, fiber to aid digestion, and antioxidants to promote a robust immune system. The primary ingredient varies between chicken and lamb, depending on the specific recipe.
Moreover, this food is crafted without the inclusion of corn, wheat, soy protein, or GMOs. It is also available in specialized small breed senior and large breed senior formulations, catering to the distinct requirements of aging dogs of various sizes.
What We Like:
- Main ingredient is chicken or lamb
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Also available in large and small breed sizes
What We Don’t Like:
- Only comes in two flavors
Rating:
5/5
Price at Time of Publish: $52 (8.5 pounds)
Also referred to as therapeutic diets, prescription foods are specifically designed to address particular health conditions or life stages and can only be obtained with a veterinarian’s prescription. This Hills diet focuses on the specific needs of senior dogs, incorporating limited amounts of sodium, phosphorus, and protein to safeguard the heart and kidneys. The formulation is tailored to promote urinary health, making it a suitable choice for dogs with sensitivity to excessive fat in their diet.
Available in a single chicken flavor, the main ingredient in this formula is chicken byproducts meal. It’s important to note that veterinary diets are generally more costly than mainstream foods and necessitate vet approval for purchase.
What We Like:
- Formulated for heart, kidneys, and urinary health
- Small kibble is easy to chew
- Attractive to even picky eaters
What We Don’t Like:
- More expensive than most
- Uses chicken byproduct meal
Rating:
5/5
Price at Time of Publish: $38 (90 pounds)
These supplements come in the form of small heart-shaped soft chews, packed with a variety of ingredients to support overall healthy aging in dogs. They address multiple functions, including hips and joints, skin health, gut health, immunity, heart, brain, liver, eye health, and urinary and kidney health. For instance, they contain chondroitin and glucosamine to address joint stiffness, cod liver fish oil and vitamin E for skin health, and cranberry extract, psyllium husk, and vitamins A and C for gut, immune, and bladder function.
Free from artificial flavors or preservatives, these chews are suitable for dogs of all sizes. The recommended dosage is one chew for dogs up to 25 pounds, two chews for those weighing between 26 and 75 pounds, and three chews for dogs over 75 pounds. The chews are not only beneficial but also tasty, making them an easy addition to a dog’s treat or mealtime routine.
What We Like:
- Promotes 11 different functions
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- For dogs of all sizes
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be expensive, particularly for large dogs
Rating:
5/5
Price at Time of Publish: $2 day and up
Dog food delivery services offer the convenience of customizing fresh meals for your pet, delivered right to your doorstep. The Farmer’s Dog stands out by using human-grade ingredients, including quality meats and vegetables. Their menu comprises four recipes with chicken, turkey, beef, and pork options. To tailor the plan to your pet’s needs, you complete a questionnaire covering factors such as activity level, age, and health conditions, allowing for a personalized feeding plan. You also have the flexibility to select or exclude specific proteins.
The food is delivered frozen, with free shipping available to 48 states. You can modify your plan or delivery preferences at any time. While prices start at around $2 per day for smaller dogs, they can go up to $12 for larger pets.
What We Like:
- Custom plans
- Human-grade ingredients
- Free delivery
- Easy to change plan or delivery times
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be pricey, especially for large dogs
- Final Verdict
A top choice for overall senior dog nutrition is Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind, designed to meet the mental and physical requirements of aging dogs. If you’re considering canned food, Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior stands out as a flavorful option, particularly suitable for picky eaters or seniors with chewing difficulties.
Feeding Mature and Senior Dogs
Older dogs have specific nutritional needs that dog owners should be aware of and respect. Dr. Hölter reveals how your dog’s metabolism changes with age and how proper feeding can contribute to keeping senior dogs healthy in their later years.
Preventing Excess Weight
As dogs age, they tend to become less active, preferring a leisurely stroll and a nap over vigorous play. However, reduced activity means fewer burned calories. With the overall slower metabolism of older dogs, their energy needs decrease significantly compared to younger, less sedentary dogs. Therefore, it’s crucial not to fill your senior dog’s food bowl as generously as before, as indulging in excess may lead to unwanted weight gain.
While some may think that a few extra pounds in old age are acceptable, researchers have shown that excess weight shortens a dog’s life expectancy and significantly impairs their quality of life, especially as arthritic joints bear more weight.
Reducing calorie intake is necessary, but it doesn’t mean leaving the food bowl half-empty. Avoid putting your older dog on a crash diet, as this would also reduce essential vitamins and trace elements, harming their health, including the immune system. Suitable senior dog food typically contains less fat and more fiber, which not only keeps them satiated but also supports digestive health.
However, weight loss can also be a concern in very old dogs, often due to decreased appetite caused by factors like diminished sense of smell, painful teeth, or internal illnesses (e.g., kidney disease with nausea). In such cases, consult your vet to determine the cause and switch to a nutritionally rich diet tailored to the specific condition.
Supporting the Immune System
As your dog ages, its immune system becomes less robust and may require support. This natural process, known as immunosenescence, makes older dogs more susceptible to infections and cancer. Factors such as decreased tolerance to oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial function contribute to this decline.
To counter the weakening of immune defenses, good senior dog food typically contains higher levels of B-vitamins, zinc, and antioxidants compared to food for younger dogs (based on caloric content). This ensures that even with reduced calories, the senior dog’s plate still provides enough vitamins and other nutrients to strengthen the immune system. The increased fiber content in senior dog food also contributes to reinforcing the intestinal barrier, reducing the workload on the immune system.
Keeping Joints Supple
Joint wear and tear pose a significant problem for many aging dogs, impacting their quality of life. The right dog food or supplement can help alleviate arthritic pain and slow down the progression of joint degeneration. Nutrients like glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the food aid in building joint fluid and cartilage, while anti-inflammatory ingredients like green-lipped mussel extract, frankincense, or turmeric counteract further cartilage damage caused by typical arthritis-related inflammation.
It’s important to note that the positive effects of joint-friendly nutrition take time to show and are usually visible after several weeks. While some owners may hesitate to give pain medication to their older dogs, these are often necessary to manage painful acute arthritis episodes. A consistent joint-friendly diet can complement the effects of anti-inflammatory pain medications (NSAIDs) and, in the long run, may contribute to reducing their frequency, dosage, or even eliminating the need for them.
Maintaining Muscles
The saying “Use it or lose it!” applies to all body tissues, especially muscles. Reduced activity leads to muscle atrophy, becoming a significant problem as dogs age. Many older dogs become unsteady on their feet and more prone to injuries, back problems, and other issues due to weakened muscles. Combined with excess weight, this can create a vicious cycle of weakness, pain, reluctance to move, and further muscle wasting.
Moderate but regular exercise is crucial for older dogs. Equally important is the right nutrition because the dog’s metabolism burns muscle protein to supply energy when the food lacks sufficient protein or contains poor-quality protein (in proportion to caloric content).
Good senior dog food, therefore, contains easily digestible protein with all essential amino acids in the right ratio. The digestibility helps protect the digestive system by reducing poorly digested protein reaching the colon, where it ferments into intestinal gases, causing discomfort for the dog and its surroundings. A favorable amino acid profile, known as high biological protein value, also helps fulfill the dog’s needs with relatively little protein, easing the burden on the liver and kidneys.
L-carnitine is often added to senior dog food to prevent the burning of muscle protein for energy. It helps preserve muscle mass by shuttling fats into cells for energy, offering an alternative fuel source to muscle protein. Dr. Hölter Pro Senior, for instance, includes additional L-carnitine.
Supporting Liver and Kidneys
The protein content in senior dog food must strike a balance—neither too low to prevent muscle wastage nor too high to burden the liver and kidneys. As organs that detoxify and excrete excess proteins, the liver and kidneys become less efficient with age. Since all organ functions gradually decline with age, it’s sensible not to overload the liver and kidneys. If these organs can’t process all dietary proteins efficiently, protein breakdown products accumulate in the blood. In cases of kidney or liver impairment, this can lead to serious problems like nausea, gastric ulcers, or impaired brain function (e.g., disorientation, apathy).
For kidney and liver health, senior dog food adjusts certain nutrient, vitamin, and mineral levels to the changing needs. These include phosphorus content or the amount of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. A slightly increased fiber content also helps relieve the liver and kidneys (see the next section on gut health).
Tip: If your dog smells like urine, it may be a sign of kidney weakness. Since dogs with kidney disease often drink a lot
FAQ
When should you start feeding your dog senior food?
When to transition your dog to senior food depends on various factors such as size, activity level, lifestyle, and any existing medical conditions. Small dogs are typically considered “mature” or “senior” around seven years old, while larger breeds may reach senior status by five or six. However, individual considerations are crucial, and involving your veterinarian in discussions about your senior pet’s evolving dietary needs is essential.
Veterinarian Barbara Hodges emphasizes the importance of tailoring the diet to your dog’s specific requirements. Some older pets may face mobility challenges, making a lower-calorie diet suitable to manage weight issues. Others might have medical conditions like kidney insufficiency, requiring a specialized renal diet with protein restrictions. It’s crucial to consult your veterinarian to address your senior pet’s unique needs.
Is wet food better for older dogs?
Although dry and wet dog foods must meet the same nutritional standards, the choice between them depends on factors like dental health, preferences, and specific health conditions. Dry food is popular due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness, with some vets recommending it for dental benefits. However, Hodges suggests that wet food might be preferable for older dogs, as it is easier to digest, more palatable, and offers hydration. Wet food closely resembles fresh food and can be a good option, especially for pickier eaters.
Is high protein food better for older dogs?
The question of high-protein food for older dogs is contingent on individual health, weight, lifestyle, and medical conditions. While moderate to high protein is generally considered beneficial for preventing muscle loss in aging dogs, specific health issues like kidney disease may require a low-protein or protein-restricted diet. Nutrition should be tailored to each dog’s unique needs.
Should you wet dry food for older dogs?
Regarding wetting dry food for older dogs, it can be beneficial, especially for those with dental issues. Feeding canned food or adding water to dry kibble can ease chewing difficulties and provide additional hydration. Hodges recommends adding low/no-sodium broth or water to dry kibble, creating a low-fat “gravy” if dry food is the preferred option for your dog. Ultimately, the decision should align with your dog’s preferences and health requirements.
Why Trust iHugDogs?
In compiling this collection, we consulted various veterinary experts and extensively examined nutritional information to conduct a comprehensive analysis of senior dog foods. We scrutinized numerous labels of senior dog food, delved into reviews, and engaged with pet owners to gain insights into the foods they prefer for their furry companions.
The research and composition of this article were undertaken by Sarah Johnson, a seasoned professional with decades of experience in animal and pet coverage. Johnson has cared for over three dozen puppies and dogs through fostering and consistently seeks out the healthiest and most efficient products for their well-being.
