The Best Senior Dog Food Of 2024, With Advice From Vets

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Wet dog food has a higher moisture content, typically 75% to 78%, whereas dry dog food contains only about 10% to 12% moisture. This is a perk for pups prone to dehydration or ones with reduced kidney function, which is common in older dogs, says Dr. Mark Freeman, a veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

Senior dogs who have multiple tooth extractions or dental disease may also benefit from a soft food diet such as canned or fresh food, says Dr. Emily Luisana, a veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC.

While you'll find wet food generally contains more fat per serving than dry food, it tends to have fewer calories per serving than kibble, and the water content can be more filling. When it comes to protein, the AAFCO recommends a minimum of 18% for adult dogs, but Luisana says senior dogs experiencing muscle loss may need more, and pups with renal or liver disease may need less.

If your dog finds wet food easier to eat or your vet recommends it, consider our picks below for the best dog food for seniors. They're full of healthy ingredients, like blueberries and cranberries for antioxidants and healthy carbohydrates like barley and sweet potatoes.

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If your senior dog has eaten kibble all their life and continues to enjoy it, you don't need to switch to wet food unless your vet recommends it. In fact, Luisana says some of her patients with no teeth still prefer kibble. However, she recommends feeding your dog a grain-inclusive senior diet, as long as they aren't sensitive to grains. Freeman says some evidence suggests grain-free dog food can increase the risk of specific types of irreversible heart damage in dogs — namely, canine cardiomyopathy (DCM), which leads to an enlarged heart. "Taking that into consideration, grain-free diets are not recommended for any dog," Freeman says.

Our picks for the best dry dog foods for seniors come from trusted brands that employ animal nutrition experts who formulate the recipes. Purina also conducted feeding trials on its Pro Plan formula, which means the brand has deemed it safe and palatable after feeding it to a group of dogs.

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Luisana says the right food for your senior dog depends on their lifestyle, body condition, and overall health. Since quality options are available at various price points, budget doesn't need to be a limiting factor when prioritizing your dog's nutritional needs. Based on your veterinarian's insight, you may prioritize recipes that include antioxidants from foods such as blueberries or cranberries, lean proteins such as turkey and chicken, or omega fatty acids from fish.

While Freeman doesn't recommend any specific recipe, he says he's an advocate for brands that have done their due diligence to ensure their food meets the nutritional needs of pets. He gives Purina One as an example quality brand. However, all our picks for budget-friendly wet foods meet his qualifications. They also have nutritious ingredients like chicken, liver, brown rice, and blueberries. These foods do have different protein levels, so ask your vet if your dog should eat a high-protein or low-protein diet.

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Contrary to what you may have heard, byproduct meats and meals help make pet foods more affordable, sustainable, and nutritious, Luisana says. That's why many budget foods will contain byproducts — typically organ meat, like liver, says Dr. Nancy Welborn, a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. "Meals are cooked meats or bones, ground up. They provide things like calcium, phosphorus, and protein," Welborn says, adding that pet food companies aren't permitted to include inappropriate animal parts in their products.

Instead of solely relying on the ingredient list to evaluate food quality, Luisana suggests considering other factors. For example, most quality brands will employ veterinary nutritional experts, provide ingredient tracing, maintain quality control measures, and contribute to research efforts. 

High-quality diets, regardless of cost, keep skin and bowel movements healthy. Our budget-friendly picks for the best senior dog food include quality ingredients and healthy additions, like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and pre- and probiotics for healthy digestion.

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Luisana says the age at which dogs are considered seniors can vary based on breed size. Smaller dogs may not reach senior status until age 10 or 11 since they generally have longer life spans than other pups. 

Freeman says it's not unhealthy to transition older dogs to a senior diet based on their age alone. However, a more reliable indicator is overall healthier rather than age. Some dogs remain healthy throughout their senior years, so they may not need or benefit from a senior diet like other dogs might, he says. 

One aspect of health to consider is dental health. Freeman says some senior diets consist of softer kibbles, and Luisana adds that smaller kibble size is the most common feature of a smaller breed diet. Our senior picks for the best dog food for small dogs have extra small kibble that is easier for dogs with smaller mouths to chew. They also have healthy extras like antioxidants, l-lysine, and probiotics.

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Feeding large breed dogs food specifically formulated for their size is crucial to reduce the risk of orthopedic issues. These problems can arise as early as puppyhood and become even more prevalent in their senior years. That's why Luisana recommends senior pup parents take a proactive approach and monitor dogs for early signs of joint and bone diseases. While some changes in behavior, like decreased activity, may be attributed to aging, Luisana says not to overlook the possibility of underlying orthopedic issues such as arthritis.

Taking action by asking your vet about omega-3 and joint supplements, weight loss, and other dietary modifications can significantly improve the quality and length of your pet's life. Our picks for the best senior dog food for larger breeds include healthy extras like glucosamine to provide joint support. They also contain antioxidants that help fight oxidative damage, which may reduce a dog's risk of degenerative diseases like liver or kidney issues, according to Luisana.

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Some dogs have trouble digesting certain foods or ingredients, which can cause them to have symptoms such as gas, diarrhea, or vomiting. These symptoms likely won't go away with age, so they may need a special senior diet that is gentle on their stomach.

Luisana recommends choosing senior foods made with highly digestible protein sources. A study suggests that pollock and pork are the easiest for dogs to digest and absorb nutrients from, although there's no significant difference in digestibility among pollock, pork, beef, and chicken.

Freeman says some changes occur in older dogs' digestive tracts, such as reduced surface area for nutrient absorption. But generally, he says older dogs can digest foods and absorb their nutrients at nearly the same level as younger pups.

The below picks for the best food for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs include easily digestible proteins, including pork, turkey, and chicken. They also include gut-soothing healthy extras, like probiotics and turmeric.

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Freeman says obesity is an issue for many pets but is particularly problematic for seniors. Older pets face a higher risk of orthopedic problems, such as arthritis and other joint diseases, as well as metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism. Being overweight increases the likelihood of developing these issues and makes managing them more challenging, he says.

During routine checkups, your veterinarian will assess your pup's overall physique by weighing them and scoring their body condition and muscle mass. You can do the same between vet visits using the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) body condition chart and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) muscle condition chart.

"Giving less food can be a successful approach to weight loss, but there is the risk of not providing adequate nutrition," says Freeman. Alternatively, your veterinarian might suggest a specialized weight-loss diet formulated to meet your dog's nutritional requirements in fewer calories. Our recommendations for the best dog food for weight loss are formulated to keep your pup fuller for longer without sacrificing essential vitamins and nutrients.

According to Churchill, maintaining a lean body condition can extend your pup's lifespan by nearly two years and significantly reduces the risk and severity of arthritis and other health issues.

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If your pup always begs for a taste of your meals, you might consider preparing a freshly cooked homemade diet instead of buying processed dog foods. However, Luisana cautions that homemade diets are rarely complete and balanced — unless you formulate them with the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist.

As an alternative, you can try the options we've recommended below. Our top picks for fresh food for senior dogs are formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, made of easy-to-digest human-grade ingredients, and prepared with oversight from an animal nutrition expert.

Our three recommended brands, Ollie, Just Food For Dogs, and The Farmer's Dog, not only have high ratings but they have also undergone thorough testing by Insider Reviews.

Our experts say the following criteria are important to consider when shopping for senior dog food:

AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for adult maintenance or all life stages: The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that recommends nutritional profiles based on an animal's life stage. They don't approve pet foods or establish specific standards for senior dog foods. However, choosing a senior food formulated for adult maintenance or all life stages ensures the recipe fulfills the recommended protein, fat, and nutrient requirements of adult dogs. The best dog foods for senior pups will also contain beneficial extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and have fewer calories per serving than adult dog foods.

Ingredient list: Labels list ingredients by weight, so the first few ingredients generally make up the majority of the food's weight. "There are no particular ingredients that senior dogs should avoid," says Luisana. However, she recommends grain-inclusive foods over grain-free foods due to the potential link between grain-free dog foods, especially those containing peas, and dilated cardiomyopathy.

Guaranteed analysis: Rather than fixating on dog food ingredient lists, our experts say to examine the guaranteed analysis of important nutrients, including protein, fat, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Adult dog food must have a minimum of 18% protein and 5.5% fat to fulfill a dog's nutritional needs. As the AAFCO doesn't set specific standards for senior dog foods, the guaranteed analysis of these foods can vary significantly between recipes. Before selecting a food, our experts recommend asking your vet about the best food for your senior pup. 

Healthy extras: The best senior dog food will contain extra ingredients that support their unique needs. For example, Freeman and Welborn highlight the potential benefits of antioxidants in supporting healthy aging. Welborn suggests a diet rich in antioxidants, such as Purina Bright Minds, if your dog experiences cognitive dysfunction. Other healthy extras for seniors include joint-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin.  

Calorie content: A dog's metabolism typically slows as they age, and many seniors are less active. So, senior dog foods usually contain fewer calories than adult formulations, according to Churchill. Freeman adds that overweight senior dogs are at greater risk of weight-related conditions like arthritis and diabetes. That said, feeding your dog less food could result in a nutritional deficiency. That's why Freeman recommends switching to a low-calorie senior diet or a weight-management diet based on guidance from your vet. 

Breed-size formulation: The best food for your senior pup may depend on their size. Our experts say small and large breed seniors have different health risks and may also require different calorie amounts and kibble sizes. Buying food specific to your pup's size helps ensure they get a recipe formulated for their needs.

Feeding-trial tested versus formulated foods: The best senior dog foods have been formulated — and in some cases, feeding-trial tested — to meet the AAFCO's nutritional standards for adult maintenance or all life stages. If your dog's food has an AAFCO label, you'll know the recipe fulfills the recommended protein, fat, and nutrient requirements for adult dogs. A label indicating feeding trials confirms the food's safety and palatability based on testing with a group of dogs.

Expert formulations: The dog food brands we recommend meet quality control standards. In other words, the brand employs a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist and potentially a PhD-level animal nutritionist, as recommended in the WSAVA guidelines.

Next-level ingredients: Next-level ingredients refer to those farmed or caught through humane and sustainable farming or harvesting practices. Although these ingredients may not offer extra nutrition to your pet, choosing pet food with ingredients like farmed raised meats, cage-free eggs, and sustainably caught fish helps you support a pet food company that prioritizes both animal welfare and sustainable practices. 

To select foods for this guide, we spoke with two board-certified veterinary nutritionists and two small animal veterinarians. They helped us understand the unique dietary needs of senior dogs and what makes the best senior dog food. 

We've also had the chance to get input from our dogs by feeding them many different brands and types of food, some of which we included in this guide. 

Dr. Nancy Welborn is a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine. Welborn practiced private veterinary medicine for livestock and companion animals before transitioning to emergency small animal critical veterinary and then returning to LSU to develop and teach community practice at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.  

Dr. Emily Luisana is a board-certified nutritionist and practicing clinical veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC. Luisana is a graduate of North Carolina State University (NCSU) College of Veterinary Medicine. After several years of general practice, she pursued a clinical nutrition residency at NCSU and a fellowship in clinical nutrition at Blue Pearl Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas. Her clinical areas of interest include critical care nutrition, weight loss, homemade diets, and disease-state nutrition.  

Dr. Julie Churchill is a board-certified nutritionist, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine-Nutrition, and a professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing veterinary training at Michigan State University, Churchill pursued Internal Medicine and Nutrition residencies and earned her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Her interests include seeing patients in the clinic, mentoring students, and finding more effective ways to teach nutrition and facilitate the integration of nutrition into the care of all patients by healthcare teams.

Dr. Mark Freeman is a board-certified veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Freeman earned his BS in Biology at Morehead State University and earned his DVM at Auburn University. His research interests include animal behavior and molecular biology. 

Our experts don't recommend any pet food recipes that don't meet AAFCO nutritional standards. They also don't recommend pet food manufacturers that don't comply with WSAVA guidelines.This guide only includes complete and balanced foods that meet the nutritional needs of adults or all life stages. 

What is the best food to give an older dog? 

Because dogs age differently and senior dog food diets vary significantly, there's no single best senior dog food. Adult dogs should eat complete and balanced food formulated for adult maintenance or all life stages. The AAFCO doesn't set standards for senior pet foods, so senior dog food recipes can vary significantly. This makes it important to talk to your vet about the most appropriate food for your dog's specific needs.

Should older dogs eat senior dog food? 

Our experts recommend feeding older dogs senior dog food because these recipes are tailored to their lifestyle and nutritional needs. Senior diets generally contain fewer calories than other adult dog foods due to the slower metabolic rates and decreased activity levels of senior dogs. Additionally, our experts suggest choosing senior dog foods that incorporate beneficial ingredients like antioxidants, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids.

Should senior dogs eat wet or dry food? 

Both wet and dry foods offer nutritious options for senior dogs. While some older pets who have had teeth extracted may prefer wet food, others prefer kibble — whether they still have their teeth or not. If your dog won't eat wet food but has trouble chewing, you can always soften their kibble with some water. Your veterinarian may recommend feeding a wet food diet if your dog has a medical condition or tends to get dehydrated easily.

At what age should a dog be put on senior food?

According to our experts, dogs are considered seniors at different ages based on their breed size. Giant breeds may be considered seniors as early as 5 years old, while toy breeds may reach their senior years closer to age 10. It's not unhealthy for an older dog to switch to a senior diet based on age. However, Freeman recommends taking your dog's overall health into account. Senior dogs in good health may not need a senior diet. 

Does senior dog food make a difference?

Switching to a senior diet with more omega fatty acids, and joint-supporting ingredients can make a big difference in the quality and length of your pet's life. If you notice your older dog slowing down, checking in with your vet is always a good idea. They can assess your dog's health and recommend the best dog food for your senior pup.