Age, they say, is just a number—and that goes for our canine companions, too. With regular veterinary care, a healthy lifestyle and plenty of love, your senior dog can live their best life and make the most of their golden years.
One of the most important parts of a healthy lifestyle? Nutrition. Just like humans, dogs require a nutritious, high-quality diet to thrive, and their dietary needs change throughout the course of their life. If your four-legged friend is getting older and wiser, it’s time to reevaluate their diet and ensure they’re set up for success with the best senior dog food.
Why Do Older Dogs Need Senior Dog Food?
Some things about your dog will never change—for example, the way they look at you when you walk through the door, or the way their ears perk up when they hear the word “bacon.”
However, dietary needs change as our dogs age, explains Dr. Jessica Herman, DVM, a small-animal veterinarian based in Shelbyville, Kentucky.
“It is very important to feed your dog appropriately for [their] life stage,” says Dr. Herman. “Senior pets require a lower-calorie product that is high in fiber and has a higher-quality protein. Our aging pets do not exert the same amount of energy as they did when they were puppies, nor are they growing, and do not require high-calorie foods.”
At what age is a dog considered a “senior”? Different breeds age at different paces, so there’s no “magic number,” but the breakdown below provides general guidelines:
- Small breeds: 10-12 years old
- Medium breeds: 8-9 years old
- Large breeds and giant breeds: 6-7 years old
Many senior dog food formulas contain joint supplements. For this reason, Dr. Heather Frankfurt, DVM, a veterinarian at Hillside Veterinary Clinic in Dallas, Texas, advises having a conversation with your veterinarian about your dog’s changing dietary needs around age 7, and possibly even younger.
“I recommend all dogs over the age of 7 be on a joint supplement,” she says. “For larger breed dogs, I recommend them starting one at an even earlier age.”
What Is Senior Dog Food?
There’s no single senior dog food that’s best for all aging dogs. Instead, the best dog foods formulated for seniors typically contain a combination of the following features to promote wellness and address age-related conditions:
Fewer calories: Because older pets typically have lower activity levels and exert less energy, senior formulas usually contain fewer calories to help maintain a healthy weight, explains Dr. Frankfurt. In addition to dangerous health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, excess weight can lead to arthritis in aging joints. “Obesity is something I take quite seriously, because of the toll it takes on our pets’ bodies,” she says. “Weight is a topic I discuss quite frequently.”
More fiber: Additional fiber helps promote gastrointestinal health and can be beneficial for pets with a sensitive stomach, while having the added benefit of helping pets feel fuller while consuming fewer calories.
More protein: Muscle mass tends to decrease with age, which is why many senior formulas contain increased amounts of animal protein. “Quality proteins help to maintain healthy muscle mass to keep mobility, and are important for elderly dogs,” says Dr. Herman.
Joint supplements: Senior formulas frequently contain supplements, including glucosamine and chondroitin, to support joint health.
Tastier flavors: Sometimes, it’s important to encourage a senior dog to consume more calories. Dogs undergoing treatment for medical conditions such as cancer may lose their appetite, so highly palatable formulas and meal-enhancing “toppers” can make mealtime more enticing.
Softer textures: Regular dental care can ensure that your dog maintains healthy, happy teeth as they age. However, for dogs who have had multiple tooth extractions or no longer have any teeth, wet formulas, which are softer than kibble, can make mealtimes more comfortable.
While the above-mentioned qualities make senior dog foods appropriate for many older pups, other dogs can continue to eat standard adult formulas, notes Dr. Herman. This differs from growing puppies, she adds, who must eat specially formulated puppy formulas to meet nutritional requirements.
How To Find the Best Senior Dog Food
If shopping for senior dog food feels overwhelming, you’re not alone—the ever-expanding pet market is flooded with options, and not all formulas are created equal. Consider the following when selecting a diet for your aging pooch:
Your Veterinarian’s Input
Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, have a conversation with your veterinarian about your individual dog’s needs and any age-related concerns you may have. Your vet should be able to recommend brands and formulas that suit your one-of-a-kind four-legged friend.
AAFCO Standards
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a private, non-profit organization that sets the nutritional standards for pet food. These AAFCO “nutrient profiles” detail the amount of macronutrients, like proteins and fats, and micronutrients, like vitamins and minerals, dogs need at different life stages. When selecting a product, look on the packaging for a statement that says it meets AAFCO standards. “Anyone can create a food product for pets, market it, then sell it without the food being analyzed for nutritional balance,” cautions Dr. Herman. By feeding a dog food that meets AAFCO standards, “you know that the product your dog is consuming has the correct nutrient content for his or her health.”
Ingredient List
On pet food packaging, ingredients are listed in descending order by weight—meaning the first couple ingredients make up the majority of the formula. Your best bud deserves the best quality ingredients, so make sure the list starts off with the good stuff (such as chicken, salmon or beef) and not cheap fillers (including soy, gluten and wheat).
Guaranteed Analysis
Perhaps even more important than the ingredient list is the package’s “guaranteed analysis,” which breaks down the food’s nutrient content. Per AAFCO standards, adult dog food must contain a minimum of 18 percent crude protein and 5.5 percent crude fat on a “dry matter basis” (a mathematical calculation that compensates for the varying amounts of water that pet foods contain) to meet nutritional needs. Note that AAFCO does not provide guidelines specifically for senior pets and these percentages can vary significantly, so it’s important to have a conversation with your veterinarian about your dog’s individual needs.
Kibble Size
Kibble size is always important to consider, but especially with senior dogs, who may have had tooth extractions. When selecting a food, ensure that the kibble is the appropriate size for your dog to comfortably chew. This can vary greatly among dog breeds.
Canned Food vs. Kibble
Some dogs thrive on dry kibble, while for others the taste and texture of wet food are preferable. If your dog is a picky eater or experiencing health issues that can cause decreased appetite, a canned formula may be a better option.
Supplements
If joint health is a concern, consider a recipe that includes supplements such as chondroitin and glucosamine, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve mobility in dogs with arthritis.
Humane and Sustainable Ingredients
If you’re an animal lover, you might consider choosing a formula made from humanely raised meats and sustainably caught seafood. While the health benefits for your own furry friend may be marginal, responsible farming and fishing practices improve the lives of farm animals and wildlife.
Best Senior Dog Foods
If you’re considering a senior-specific food for your distinguished dog, you’ve come to the right place. We rounded up the best-selling and top-rated senior dog food brands and recipes among Chewy customers to help you find a quality product that fits your pet’s changing needs. These are the best senior dog foods of 2024, according to senior dog parents like you.
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1
Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity 7+ Formula Adult Premium Dry Dog Food, 31.1-lb... $50 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$50 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
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2
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food, 34-lb ba... $72 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$72 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
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3
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food,... $65 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$65 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
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4
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables Canned Dog... $35 on Chewy
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5
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Rice & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food, 33-lb b... $79 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$79 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
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Best service ever
I never run out of dog food with Chewy and I don't have to lug huge bags of kibble long distances.
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Purina senior dog food
I used to feed my 50lbs senior dog the more expense Purina Pro Plan but it was getting so expensive. I’m so surprised my picky dog will eat this food by itself. Other food I will have to add toppings to it but this one he devours! I like the small bag to keep it fresher for longer. This is one of the only stores I can find the smaller bag. This food works for us so well!
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Dog likes it
I usually put some canned food on top but then he eats it all. He is almost 15 years old and still going strong.
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We Love Chewy
We love everything about your service. The ease of navigating your website, the wide selection of stock, the always competitive pricing, the "one less thing to worry about" Auto-Ship, and should we have the need to reach out by phone or chat. The ever pleasant "Customer Service Crew".. You all are amazing, your compassion at what you do shows. I will never forget when I lost my Chewbacca, in 2019, You were there. It meant a lot. Thank you. (and as far as the Pro Plan and the Oxy Fresh.... they are excellent items... and I recommend them...
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My elderly dog seems to like it
Vegas is 16 and very picky, I always worry when I try a new kind of food, she tires of certain foods after a while. Two weeks in and she's loving it!
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Older dogs love it
We have 2 older dogs that love this food. We also have a puppy that loves the puppy shredded chicken as well. Even our vet approves of Purina Pro Plan
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Blue Buffalo review by pups
Went wanting to change my two beagles food. They've been on the same one foe a few years. So I went with blue Buffalo and they loved. My one beagle can be picky about her food, but she eats it up.
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He loves it!
I’ve struggled to find healthy food for our senior dog that he won’t struggle to enjoy. This one hits the mark! We mix it with canned food and he finishes it!
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He loves it!
I have been feeding Blue Buffalo for many years to my Collie. We just switched to Senior, but he still loves it!!
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Several teeth removed
My little guy was previously eating the Blue Buffalo Small Bites for Seniors however after having to have several teeth removed we needed to make a change. We introduced the Blue Buffalo Chicken DInner with Garden Vegetables for seniors and he took to it right way. I would highly recommend this if you need to introduce soft foods to your dog as well.
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Great customer service
I needed this dog food soon, and chewy always delivers! I love the Blue dog food for my dog. He has a very sensitive stomach, and this food always works for him.
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great wet food
We had our dog on Blue Buffolo hard food. Since she has a middle ear disease, the wet food is easier for her to eat. She loves it, and had no problem changing over.
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Satisfied Beagle Mom and Beagle
Our beagle (now aged 16 1/2 years) was adopted through a college vet tech program. The school made the recommendation 14 1/2 years ago that Hill's Science Diet brand was the best for our beagle. Hill's Science Diet has provided the special nourishment Maddie Beagle has needed to age beautifully. This satisfied Beagle Mom highly recommends Hill's Science Diet brand.
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Consistent, affordable, dependable
I have had my pups on Science Diet since they were adopted. The switch to smaller bites has been seamlessly for my aging dog as his teeth are not what they once were. Great nutrition amd no transition issues. Boys are happy. After 12 years, I. Confident in this brand. Chewy by extension has provided dependable delivery and great cost savings.
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Hills science senior 7 plus
Well I'm thankful my little 17 and a half year old Dachshund seems to like this. She gets Gerber baby food with her medications in the morning and in the evening and she gets the dry food whenever she wants it. Usually eats at least a good bowl of it a day.
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Great food at the best price delivered!
After switching to give my dog some variety with many other dry food blends and brands, we have returned to Iams and my senior dog was visibly more happy and energetic. She eats like a puppy again and loves her new/original food!
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Iams review
My ol' girl likes this by itself and/or mixed with my homecooked dog food. She's never liked dry dog food by itself.
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Donation
My neighbor was telling me about the lack of food at the local humane society. So I chose to make a donation. We always have fed are pup Iams from the time they wee pup till old age I figured these pups were food insecure this was the best diet they could have .
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Best kibbles on the market today
It was great to get a discount coupon to be able to purchase this overpriced kibbles. Granted it's the best but who can afford the regular high price? Thanks Chewy for the coupon.
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So far so good!
My girls are transitioning to this at the moment and so far their stomach hasn’t been upset and my oldest girl is up and about more than usual and looks like she’s walking around in less pain. We use to get taste of the wild til I realized my dogs were old and need senior food lol oopsie!
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Love this my dog loves it
My dog loves this esp when it’s a fresh bag he will acc eat all the dry food. Only thing I hate is that the small size comes with a seal (not a zipper) and it’s kind of crappy. The big bags don’t have any sort of seal or zipper so if you cut it open you can’t reseal ?! Should be for a bigger size better quality bag to preserve it.
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Vet recommended
My vet recommended this food for our senior dog. She gets easily overheated and this "cooling" food can help with that, and also regulated some of the other issues in a senior blood test panel.
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Yummy and Healthy
Found this most highly rated on Dog Food Advisor. Four years later my pup loves it. Must be concentrated because she needs less than previous brands to maintain her weight.
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Healthy
My 12 year old likes this food. The kibble is not too big or too small. My senior had sporadic diarrhea on another dry kibble. The Nulo actually stopped that.
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This is a better one
After tasted for the wild change their dog food it's been real hard to find a good dog food. I had try the candle dog food in the red for 3 months and my dog stated eating grass. Every walk. It just messed up his stomach. So we tried this flavor lot better. We had to mix the bag half and half and it's gave him the ruins. He like this flavor better and it dose cost more well worth it
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Best senior food for my dog
It’s extremely difficult to find a senior grain free dry dog food for dogs with kidney issues who need to decrease their protein intake. This food fits the bill. It took me many hours of research to finally find this food. Thank you Canidae.
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Healthy and yummy
My nine-year old St. Bernard/herding mix absolutely loves this food. He was protesting the previous senior dog healthy weight food we had him on. When that got recalled, we decided to try this. He’s absolutely loving meal times again and maintaining a healthy weight and joints! Only downside is the cost.
Senior Dog Food FAQs
Q: At what age is a dog considered a senior?
A: Dogs age at different rates depending on their size and breed, so there’s no “magic number” to denote the beginning of the senior years. However, senior dog foods are typically formulated for canines 7+ years old. If your dog is a large or giant breed, you may want to consider diet-related changes sooner; conversely, smaller dogs may wait longer. Your veterinarian can help you determine when your one-of-a-kind pup is approaching their golden years.
Q: How do you transition dog food?
A: When changing foods, it’s important to slowly introduce the new formula to avoid gastrointestinal problems. Slow and steady is the name of the game: Begin by mixing a bit of the new food into your pet’s current food, for a ratio of 25 percent new food to 75 percent current food. After two to three days, if your pet isn’t experiencing any adverse effects, increase the ratio to 50/50. Increase the ratio to 75/25 after another two to three days, and then finally fully transition to the new formula. For step-by-step tips and troubleshooting, consult our veterinarian-written guide to switching foods.
Q: How often should I feed my senior dog?
A: Feeding schedules vary from pet to pet. However, for most dogs, twice a day is optimal, says Dr. Frankfurt. Leaving a full bowl of food for all-day grazing is almost never a good idea, she adds. “That is a surefire way to end up with an overweight animal,” she advises. If your pet seems to overeat because they simply eat the food too fast, she recommends purchasing a slow-feeder bowl that has obstructions built into.
Q: What food is good for senior dogs with digestive problems?
A: If your dog is experiencing digestive problems, first consult your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. As the digestive tract ages, many seniors experience issues such as constipation and diarrhea, which may be alleviated with a high-fiber dog food.
The Bottom Line
Caring for a senior dog requires a little extra effort, but is rewarded with a lot of extra love. Thanks to advances in nutrition and veterinary care—as well as good old-fashioned TLC!—our four-legged friends can enjoy happier, healthier golden years by our side. Ready to make the most of your days together? Check out these 12 expert tips for helping your senior dog live their best doggone life!
Expert input provided by Dr. Jessica Herman, DVM, a small-animal veterinarian based in Shelbyville, Kentucky, and Dr. Heather Frankfurt, DVM, a veterinarian at Hillside Veterinary Clinic in Dallas, Texas.
Get more advice for caring for senior dogs:
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