As our furry companions age, their needs change, just like ours. Just as you wouldn’t serve a toddler the same meals as a teenager, senior dogs require special attention to their diets to thrive in their golden years. As their once boundless energy gradually gives way to leisurely strolls and cozy naps, the right food can help keep your aging pooch happy and healthy.
Let’s explore the essential nutritional building blocks your senior dog requires and discover our picks for the top 5 dog foods specifically formulated to cater to their changing needs!
When is a Dog Considered a Senior?
Senior dogs are typically those who have reached the later stages of their lives. Depending on their breed/size, dogs may be considered seniors anywhere from 5 to 11 years old.
Smaller breeds (like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers) generally live longer and may not be classified as seniors until they hit around 10 to 11 years, while larger breeds (like Rottweilers and German Shepherds) enter this stage earlier, around 5 to 8 years.
Before making any changes to your senior dog’s diet, consulting with a veterinarian is advisable. They can help assess your dog’s individual needs and suggest specific dietary adjustments based on health status, activity level, and age. As a dog owner, it’s important to understand nutritional needs at different life stages, too.
Understanding Senior Dog Nutrition
To learn more about the nutritional needs of senior dogs, Sidewalk Dog spoke with Josh Wiesenfeld, CEO of Boxiecat, who consulted with his team of veterinarians. Wiesenfeld said, “As dogs age, their nutritional requirements can change significantly. This is often due to shifts in metabolism, activity levels, and potential health issues that may arise.”
He also provided us with a list from his vet team of key ingredients to look for in senior dog food and why each is key to their health.
High-Quality Protein
Older dogs require more protein to help maintain muscle mass, which can decrease as they get older. Look for dog foods that list good sources of protein, like chicken, beef, or fish, as the first ingredient. These animal proteins provide essential nutrients that help keep muscles strong. Unlike plant-based proteins, animal proteins give dogs all the amino acids they need to stay healthy.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, are good for your dog’s skin, coat, and joints. These fats can be found in ingredients like fish oil or flaxseed. Omega-3s are especially helpful for older dogs with joint pain or arthritis because they can reduce inflammation. Including these fats in their diet can help senior dogs feel better and stay more active.
Digestible Carbohydrates
As dogs get older, they might have sensitive stomachs, so choose easy-to-digest carbohydrates like brown rice. These provide energy without upsetting their stomachs. Be careful with some carbs, like corn and soy, which can be hard to digest and might cause allergies in some dogs. Picking the right carbohydrates can help keep your senior dog energetic and comfortable.
Fiber
Getting enough fiber is important for your dog’s digestive health, especially as they age. Look for dog foods with added fiber from sources like beet pulp or pumpkin. Fiber helps keep digestion regular and can prevent problems like constipation. It can also help your dog feel full without too many calories, which is great for keeping their weight in check.
Antioxidants
Foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries or spinach, can help fight off damage from free radicals and support overall health in older dogs. Antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C help keep the immune system strong and may help prevent some age-related diseases. Adding these ingredients to your dog’s diet can help them stay active and healthy longer.
Joint Support
Many senior dog foods include ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. Glucosamine helps maintain joint cartilage, while chondroitin can help keep joints flexible. You can also find natural ingredients like fish oil or turmeric that can boost joint health. It’s also important to keep senior dogs at a healthy weight, as extra weight can put pressure on their joints.
Better Understanding = Better Choices
With a better understanding of these nutritional needs, let’s explore our top 5 recommended dog foods for senior dogs. Each option is specifically formulated to provide the vital nutrients your aging pup needs for a happy and healthy life. The more you know, the better choices you can make for your dog.
Our Top 5 Senior Dry Dog Food Picks
Selecting the right food for senior dogs is critical to their health and well-being. As dogs age, they may face various health challenges. Look for senior dog foods that are balanced, nutrient-dense, and promote overall health. Foods rich in taurine, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals like glucosamine and chondroitin support heart function, joint health, and overall vitality.
Recently, there has been growing concern about a potential link between diets high in legumes and potatoes and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, which may be linked to low taurine levels. To support heart function, choose formulas without these ingredients, and ensure they contain taurine and other essential nutrients. For more information on the science behind this issue, visit the FDA’s report on DCM and diet.
After careful consideration of these factors, here are our top 5 senior dog foods (in no particular order) that cater to the unique dietary needs of older canines.
#1 Diamond Naturals Senior Dog Chicken & Rice Formula
Why: This formula is designed to meet the specific needs of aging dogs with high-quality ingredients, guaranteed probiotics for digestive health, and joint support through glucosamine and chondroitin. It’s free from corn, wheat, and soy and includes nutrient-rich superfoods.
Protein: 25% from cage-free chicken, chicken meal, egg, chia seed, and quinoa.
Healthy Fats: 11% from chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), flaxseed, and coconut.
Digestible Carbs: Whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice, and oatmeal. No specified percentage is available.
Fiber: 3% from dried plain beet pulp, dried chicory root, chia seed, pumpkin, dried kelp, and coconut.
Antioxidants: Vitamins E (150 IU/kg) and A (10,000 IU/kg), beta-carotene, and phytonutrients from superfoods like kale, blueberries, oranges, spinach, carrots, papaya, and pumpkin.
Joint Support: Glucosamine (720 mg/kg), chondroitin sulfate (240 mg/kg), Omega-6 fatty acids (2.2%), Omega-3 fatty acids (0.3%).
Stand-Out Ingredients: Includes L-carnitine (500 mg/kg) to support muscle health, live probiotics for digestion, and a variety of superfoods for immune support and overall well-being. Contains taurine for heart health (0.12%)
#2 Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Bright Mind Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Why: This formula promotes alertness and mental sharpness in senior dogs by supporting cognitive health with a proprietary blend of DHA, EPA, antioxidants, and B vitamins. It also includes live probiotics for digestive health, along with joint and skin support.
Cost: Approximately $70 for a 34-pound bag
Protein: 29% from chicken, poultry by-product meal, and fish meal.
Healthy Fats: 14% from chicken fat, vegetable oil, and fish oil.
Digestible Carbs: Rice, whole grain corn, corn protein meal, and whole grain wheat.
Fiber: 3% from barley and dried egg product.
Antioxidants: Vitamin E (500 IU/kg), Vitamin A (14,000 IU/kg), Vitamin C (90 mg/kg), and B vitamins (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-9, B-12).
Joint Support: Glucosamine (500 ppm) and Omega-3 fatty acids (0.45%) from EPA and DHA.
Stand-Out Ingredients: Includes live probiotics (600 million CFU/lb) for digestive health. Medium-chain triglycerides from vegetable oil provide brain-supporting energy.
#3 Fromm Classic Mature Adult Dry Dog Food
Why: Designed for senior dogs or less active adult dogs, this formula supports digestive health and provides a balanced diet with high-quality ingredients. It’s ideal for dogs needing weight management or a moderate protein and fat diet.
Protein: 21% (Chicken, chicken meal, menhaden fish meal)
Healthy Fats: 11% (Chicken fat, flaxseed)
Digestible Carbs: Brown rice, pearled barley, white rice, oatmeal (exact % not provided)
Fiber: 4.5% (Beet pulp)
Antioxidants: Vitamin E, ascorbic acid (source not listed; % daily value unavailable)
Joint Support: None specified
Standout Ingredients: Includes probiotics for digestive health (Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus acidophilus), chicken liver for palatability, and cheese for added flavor.
#4 Royal Canin Medium Aging 10+ Dry Dog Food
Why: Formulated for medium-breed senior dogs over 10 years old, this food is designed to support healthy aging, joint health, and skin/coat condition. It includes EPA and DHA, along with antioxidants to promote cellular health in older dogs.
Cost: $104.49 (with subscription) / $109.99 (single purchase); $3.48-$3.67 per pound
Protein: 25.5% (poultry by-product meal)
Healthy Fats: 8% (chicken fat, fish oil)
Digestible Carbs: Rice, wheat, corn, corn gluten meal, and other grains (no percentage given)
Fiber: 3.4% (beet pulp)
Antioxidants: Vitamin E, Vitamin C, lutein, and beta-carotene
Joint Support: EPA/DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) for joint health and mobility
Stand-Out Ingredients: Specialized kibble designed to slow down consumption, improving digestion and supporting weight management. The formula contains prebiotics to help promote healthy digestion and strengthen gut flora.
#5 Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Active Longevity Chicken Recipe
Why: Developed for senior dogs to promote healthy aging, Hill’s Science Diet supports both physical and mental well-being, with high-quality ingredients and specific nutrients for older dogs’ needs.
Cost: $95 for a 30-lb bag
Protein: 22% (Chicken, chicken meal)
Healthy Fats: 14% (Chicken fat, flaxseed)
Digestible Carbs: Whole grain corn, rice, barley, oats
Fiber: 3.1% (Beet pulp)
Antioxidants: Vitamin E (700 IU/kg), Vitamin C (200 mg/kg)
Joint Support: Glucosamine (400 mg/kg), chondroitin sulfate (200 mg/kg)
Stand-Out Ingredients: Includes clinically proven antioxidants, DHA, and prebiotic fiber to support healthy digestion and a healthy immune system.
Conclusion
Each of the top 5 senior dog foods we highlighted is specially formulated to meet the unique needs of aging canines, providing essential nutrients that contribute to their overall well-being. Choosing the best food for your senior dog can make a world of difference in their quality of life.
With careful attention to their nutritional needs—especially when it comes to protein, healthy fats, joint support, and antioxidants—you can help ensure that your dog enjoys a long, active, and happy life in their later years. Remember, a balanced diet tailored to your senior dog’s specific requirements can make all the difference in their happiness and quality of life. When in doubt, ask your vet!
