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My dog Makai will be entering his golden years next year. It is my number one goal to support his health in this next phase of his life which includes his nutrition.
I set about researching the best senior dog foods available to be ready for when the time comes to switch him over. The last thing any of us want to do is spend tons of money on low-quality dog food. Sadly, I’ve found that many “premium” brands do not offer premium nutrition.
Below are my top recommendations for helping support your dog’s health in their senior years – without breaking the bank.
Brief overview:
If you’re just looking for a quick rundown, here are the top three best senior dog foods I recommend:
- Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Medium & Maxi Senior Dry Dog Food – Best for Active Seniors
- Iams Proactive Health Healthy Aging Mature & Senior Formula with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food – Best Budget Food
- VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food – Best for Overweight Seniors
5 Best senior dog foods
1. Best for active seniors: Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Medium & Maxi Senior Dry Dog Food
Key Features:
- Main Ingredients: Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken, Whole Spelt, Whole Oats, Chicken Fat, Fresh Herring, Dehydrated Herring, Dried Whole Eggs
- Fat Content: 15%
- Protein Content: 27%
- Calories: 371 Kcal/cup
Pros:
- Spelt and oats are easy to digest
- High protein content to maintain muscle mass
- Glucosamine and chondroitin provide joint support
- High in antioxidants to fight inflammation
Cons:
- Small kibble may not work for larger dogs
- Not suitable for dogs with gluten intolerance
- Not suitable for dogs with chicken intolerance
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Medium & Maxi Senior Dry Dog Food is a high-quality and grain-inclusive formula specially designed for senior dogs. Its high protein content makes it great for more active, older dogs, as it can help support their muscles into their twilight years.
I already feed my dog Farmina Adult Dry Dog Food and know that this brand is one of the best kibble brands on the market. It was therefore my first step to see if they also make one for senior dogs.
The Farmina senior dog food has gentle joint support that your older, larger companion needs. Many active, larger dogs have hip dysplasia and arthritis, and this formula can help reduce their symptoms.
Farmina has developed a dog food with an impressively high protein content of 27%, significantly higher than most competitors offer in their dry dog food products. This high protein content comes with numerous benefits, especially for senior dogs who tend to lose muscle mass as they age.
This loss of muscle is because aging often reduces a dog’s ability to absorb protein effectively. By maintaining a high-protein diet, senior dogs can preserve their muscles and stay healthy and active for longer.
This food also contains added glucosamine and chondroitin. These two nutrients can help reduce pain due to arthritis, according to several studies. Older dogs with hip dysplasia, arthritis, or similar conditions may benefit from these nutrients.
If you’re looking for a grain-inclusive formula to support your active dog, Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Medium & Maxi Senior Dry Dog Food is worth a try.
2. Best budget senior dog food: Iams Proactive Health Healthy Aging Mature & Senior Formula with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food
Key Features:
- Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Barley, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum
- Fat Content: 10.5%
- Protein Content: 24%
- Calories: 349 kcal/cup
Pros:
- Real chicken as the primary ingredient
- Meets AAFCO standards to ensure a balanced diet
- Easy on your wallet without compromising quality
- Contains L-carnitine to support heart health
Cons:
- Lower protein content may not be ideal for active seniors
- Not suitable for dogs with grain allergies
Iams Proactive Health Healthy Aging Mature & Senior Formula with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food is a budget-friendly dog food for senior dogs. It contains chicken as the first ingredient, features several vital nutrients, and won’t be too rough on your wallet.
It may not be the fanciest dog food on the market, but this formula works for those on a budget.
This Iams formula includes everything you’d expect from a senior dog food. It contains chicken as the first ingredient to provide high-quality protein, which seniors need to maintain their health. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, supporting joint mobility. L-carnitine is added for extra brain support, too.
You get all of this at a very affordable price tag.
Compared to pricier senior dog foods, Iams Proactive Health might not have the highest protein content or the most novel ingredients. However, it provides all the essential nutrients your dog needs in a palatable and affordable package.
I highly recommend this formula for any dog owner on a budget. It has everything your dog needs at a lower price than most options on the market.
3. Best for weight management: VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
Key Features:
- Main Ingredients: Beef Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Millet, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat, Menhaden Fish Meal
- Fat Content: 11.5%
- Protein Content: 27%
- Calories: 360 kcal/cup
Pros:
- Nutrient-dense formula to support healthy weight loss
- Quality ingredients to support healthy skin and coat
- Added probiotics help prevent digestive issues
- Improved taste to encourage your dog to eat it
Cons:
- Unusually large kibble sizes
- Costlier than some brands
VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food is a specially designed diet to help overweight or obese senior dogs. The low-fat, calorie-controlled formula aims to help your dog shed extra pounds, while the high protein content helps to maintain muscle mass.
Obesity can be a serious problem for dogs. According to VCA Hospitals, obesity can shave years off your dog’s life. It’s hard to find a diet dog food to support your dog’s weight loss without harming your senior dog’s health in the process.
Luckily, I’ve found this formula by VICTOR to be highly effective, as it approaches weight loss through several avenues. It has a lower amount of fat to help your dog lose weight. At the same time, it includes more protein to ensure muscle mass isn’t sacrificed in the process. It also contains added nutrients like L-carnitine, which help encourage weight loss, too.
This multi-pronged approach sets VICTOR Purpose apart from other weight management formulas for seniors.
If your senior dog needs to lose a few pounds, I recommend trying VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food. It’s a comprehensive solution that is hard to find elsewhere.
4. Premium senior dog food: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Key Features:
- Main Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Starch, Pea Fiber, Potato Starch
- Fat Content: 10%
- Protein Content: 18%
- Calories: 342 kcal/cup
Pros:
- Added nutrients to address many areas of concern
- Brown rice and sweet potatoes for added fiber
- Flavorful ingredients encourage eating
- AAFCO certified to provide a balanced diet
Cons:
- High pea content
- Expensive compared to some other brands
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior is a premium dry dog food specifically formulated for the needs of older dogs. Blue Buffalo addresses many common concerns surrounding senior dogs, unlike many other senior dog foods that tend to be specialized. If your canine has several age-related problems, Blue Buffalo may be the best option for them.
Think of this formula more as a premium food that works for sicker senior dogs – instead of focusing on one common senior problem like many other formulas. For dogs who are blind and deaf, a food like Blue Buffalo provides extra support.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection includes real chicken as the first ingredient to provide natural, digestible protein. Brown rice and sweet potatoes are also added for extra fiber, commonly looked over in other formulas. I love that glucosamine and chondroitin are added, as these nutrients can improve joint health.
This formula does not include the high-protein content found in others. However, I’ve found that high-protein diets can be harmful to less-active dogs. For instance, it may lead to more digestive issues and kidney dysfunction. If your dog is not getting much exercise in their condition, a lower-protein diet tends to suit them better.
The only negative I found with this food is the high pea content. Blue Buffalo lists peas several times on the ingredient list, and peas may be associated with certain heart conditions in dogs. However, these issues are largely associated with grain-free foods, and this formula includes two types of grain.
5. Best for dogs with grain sensitivities: ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features:
- Main Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Salmon, Whole Herring, Chicken Liver, Dehydrated Chicken, Dehydrated Sardine, Dehydrated Chicken Liver
- Fat Content: 13%
- Protein Content: 38%
- Calories: 427 kcal/cup
Pros:
- Exceptionally high protein content supports muscles
- Grain-free formula minimizes allergies
- Variety of proteins ensures complete nutrition
- Highly palatable to encourage consumption
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other brands
- May be too high-protein for some dogs
- Grain-free formula is being investigated by the FDA
ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a grain-free, high-protein formula for more active senior dogs. Because there are no grains included, it’s suitable for dogs with gluten intolerances and grain allergies.
Including many fruits and vegetables also helps elevate this kibble beyond what you usually find on the market.
The high protein content in ORIJEN Senior is no joke. It contains twice the amount of protein that most other formulas have, and this protein comes from over 12 different sources. This meat replaces the grains (and legumes) often found in senior dog foods. Grains and gluten are entirely excluded, making this formula an excellent choice for dogs with grain allergies.
The remarkably high protein content sets this brand apart from other foods. While it is more expensive than others, it’s an excellent investment to improve the health of more active seniors.
The high protein content isn’t the best choice for dogs with kidney or liver issues. Dogs not used to high-protein diets may also experience stomach upset, so be sure to transition them to this formula extra slowly.
If your senior dog isn’t as active as they once were, it may be time to try a high-protein diet like ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. It’s also one of the few senior foods dogs with grain allergies can eat.
3 Tips for buying senior dog food
Selecting the appropriate food for your senior dog can be daunting, but it’s a crucial decision that can impact their well-being and contentment. Not to worry; this guide will assist you in navigating the aisles and finding the ideal nourishment for your dog’s golden years.
1. Understand your dog’s needs
Not all dogs are the same, so considering your dog’s needs is essential.
For instance, high-energy seniors need a different food than blind dogs that can’t get around as well anymore. Specific health conditions also call for particular formulas. Overweight dogs may benefit from weight management dog food, like the VICTOR formula I recommended above.
Grain-free formulas may be necessary for dogs with allergies. If your dog is allergic to something else, you must avoid that allergen.
2. Read the label
Never purchase dog food without reading the label on the back. Look at the ingredient list, first and foremost. Prioritize whole foods like meat, fruits, and veggies.
Take a look at protein content, too. Anything under 20% protein would be considered on the lower end, while anything above that would be on the higher end. Select a food based on your dog’s activity level and protein needs. More protein isn’t always better.
You should also look at a brand’s recall history. If a brand gets recalled frequently, it may not be the most trustworthy. The FDA keeps a list of recalls on its website.
3. Check other features
You’ll need to look at a few other features, too. Kibble size is essential and should match your dog’s size. Smaller kibble is easier for senior dogs to eat if they have teeth problems.
Some dogs also have preferences about the food’s taste. However, in my experience, the only way to test this is to try it. Some dogs may seem to enjoy chicken flavors, only to turn their nose to their new chicken-flavored food.
Supplements are vital for senior dog food. The inclusion of things like glucosamine is often what sets senior dog food apart from adult dog food. You’ll need to choose supplements that match your dog’s needs. Here’s a quick list:
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Join health
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Skin and coat health
- Probiotics: Digestive aid
- Antioxidants: Anti-inflammatory and immune booster
- L-carnitine: Heart and brain health, plus weight loss
- Coenzyme Q10: Energy production
- Green-lipped mussels: Anti-inflammatory for joint health
Final thoughts
Now that you know everything you need about senior dog food, it’s time to pick an option for your dog.
I recommend Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate for the average, active senior dog. It’s very high in protein and contains digestible whole grains. If your dog thrives on activity, this food can help them stay active as they age.
Iams Proactive Health is excellent for those on a budget. It features many quality nutrients older dogs benefit from while being much cheaper than the competition. Budget-conscious pet parents should seriously consider it.
If your dog is overweight, choose VICTOR Purpose. It promotes weight loss through various channels, helping your senior dog lose weight healthily.
Remember, each dog is unique, so you should purchase the best senior dog food for your dog. All of the products on this list are the best for certain canines!
