Aging is a natural process, and just like humans, dogs experience age-related health changes. As dogs enter their senior years, they may face issues such as weight gain, arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, and weakened immune systems. Choosing the right diet becomes crucial in mitigating these changes and ensuring a comfortable and healthy life for your aging companion. Senior dog food formulas are specifically designed to address these age-related needs.
However, navigating the myriad of dog food options can be overwhelming. This guide is designed to help you choose the Best Dog Food For Senior Dogs, providing expert recommendations and insights to make informed decisions for your furry friend. We’ve analyzed top brands, considered veterinarian advice, and incorporated feedback from hundreds of dog owners to bring you the most comprehensive guide to senior dog nutrition.
It’s important to note, as Dr. Megan McCarthy, DVM, from Best Friends Animal Society advises, that switching to senior food isn’t always necessary or beneficial for every dog. If your dog is on a special diet or has a sensitive stomach, maintaining their current adult food might be preferable to avoid digestive upset. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best dietary approach for your individual senior dog.
To help you find the perfect food, we’ve evaluated a wide range of senior dog food brands, considering various factors like ingredient quality, nutritional balance, and specific needs of senior dogs. We also surveyed 407 dog parents to gather real-world feedback and experiences. Below are our top recommendations for the best dog food for senior dogs, catering to different needs and preferences.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dog Food
- Best Probiotics: Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food
- Best Wet: Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+
- Best Budget: Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food
- Best Subscription: The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
- Best for Large Dogs: Royal Canin Large Aging Dry Dog Food
- Best Refrigerated: FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food
- Best for Small Dogs: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior Dog Food
- Best Sustainable: Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Best Overall
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hsc-7c06ed1211874af2830f954b669a1ff6.jpeg)
PHOTO: Hill’s Science Diet
What We Like:
- Developed in partnership with veterinarians and scientists in the United States
- Animal-sourced protein is the first ingredient
- Available in both wet and dry food formulations for versatile feeding
- Offers specific formulas for small breeds, large breeds, digestive health, and cognitive support
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited flavor options in dry food
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ stands out as the best overall dog food for senior dogs due to its veterinarian-developed formulas and high-quality ingredients. This brand offers a comprehensive range of recipes in both dry kibble and wet food formats, specifically designed to cater to the nutritional needs of dogs aged seven and older. Real animal protein is always the primary ingredient, ensuring high protein quality crucial for senior dogs who may have difficulty absorbing nutrients.
Hill’s Science Diet products are formulated with human-grade ingredients, providing essential vitamins and nutrients in every serving. They meet or exceed AAFCO nutrient profiles and manufacturing guidelines, as well as the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) standards, ensuring nutritional completeness and safety.
Developed by veterinarians and manufactured in the USA, Hill’s Science Diet senior dog food is categorized into Adult 7+ and Adult 11+ age groups, with an Adult 6+ option for large breeds. Within each age range, they offer wet and dry food formulations tailored for small breeds and large breeds, as well as formulas for dogs with digestive issues and those needing cognitive support.
Each recipe features real chicken or beef as the primary protein source and first ingredient. Prebiotic fiber is included to support healthy digestion and a balanced gut microbiome, alongside essential nutrients and vitamins like vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health. Dog owners report consistent positive experiences with Hill’s Science Diet, noting good digestion and fewer dietary issues. The kibble comes in various sizes, and wet food is available in cans and convenient plastic trays. However, the dry food for dogs 7+ is currently only available in a chicken and barley flavor.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken & Barley | Packaging Size: 4, 15.5, or 30-pound bag
Best Probiotics
Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fromm-a2e70f0752734e6a8fb2b16248d1e175.jpeg)
PHOTO: Fromm
What We Like:
- Formulated without fillers like corn syrup, artificial flavors, and white flour
- Contains a blend of probiotics and prebiotics to promote digestive regularity
- Real chicken is the first ingredient, combined with wholesome vegetables, grains, and fruits
What We Don’t Like:
- Includes cheese, which may upset some dogs’ stomachs
- Availability may be limited compared to other brands
Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food is designed to meet the evolving nutritional needs of senior dogs. In our survey of 407 dog parents, Fromm received high praise for its commitment to quality ingredients and overall dog satisfaction. This food is recognized as a best dog food for senior dogs option, particularly for its probiotic content.
The senior-specific recipe prioritizes chicken as the main ingredient, complemented by whole grains (brown rice and barley), fruits, and vegetables to provide complete and balanced nutrition in each serving. Fromm’s unique blend of prebiotics and probiotics is specifically formulated to support a healthy digestive system and metabolism, helping to prevent unwanted weight gain in less active senior dogs. However, it’s worth noting that the single chicken flavor option contains dairy, which could be an issue for dogs with dairy sensitivities, although many dogs find the cheese appealing.
Fromm dog food is available online and at specialty pet retailers, and it generally falls into a higher price range compared to some other brands on our list.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken | Packaging Size: 15 or 30-pound bag
Best Wet
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PurinaProPlanClassicAdult7CompleteEssentialsWetDogFood-d3d6cba13048455897e74a0efb048bcc.jpg)
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like:
- Made with real animal protein sources: chicken, beef, or turkey
- Enriched with antioxidants and probiotics for immune and digestive health support
- Contains glucosamine to support joint health and mobility
What We Don’t Like:
- Some recipes may include corn starch, protein by-product meal, and artificial flavors
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Senior Complete Essentials Wet Dog Food is an excellent wet dog food for senior dogs, providing comprehensive nutrition for dogs aged seven and up, regardless of size. Each recipe is packed with 23 essential vitamins and minerals to support optimal health in older dogs. The inclusion of glucosamine promotes joint health, while antioxidants and probiotics contribute to a healthy immune system and digestive function. The recipes are formulated with high-quality, human-grade ingredients, featuring animal-sourced protein like beef, turkey, or chicken along with easily digestible rice.
Purina Pro Plan wet food avoids artificial colors and preservatives, and is available in 13-ounce cans and convenient 10-ounce tubs with resealable lids. The smaller tub format for seniors also includes botanical oils to promote mental alertness. However, some recipes may contain artificial flavors to enhance palatability.
Type: Wet | Flavors: Chicken & rice; beef & rice; turkey & rice | Package Size: 10 or 13 ounces
Best Budget
Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food
What We Like:
- Farm-raised chicken is the primary ingredient
- Affordable price point and widespread availability
- Contains fiber, glucosamine, and antioxidants for senior dog health
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited to a single flavor option
- No specific formula for small breeds
Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food proves that you don’t need to compromise on quality when looking for a budget-friendly dog food for senior dogs. This option is affordably priced and made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients, including farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient. Specifically formulated for senior dogs, it provides fiber and prebiotics for healthy digestion, antioxidants to bolster the immune system, and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. It also includes supplements designed to support fat burning and maintain a healthy metabolism in senior dogs.
The kibble is available in formulas for both regular and large breeds and is made without artificial preservatives, flavors, or fillers. Other beneficial ingredients include whole grains, beet pulp, and carrots. Iams ProActive Health is widely accessible at most pet food retailers.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken | Package Size: 7, 15, or 29.1 pounds
Best Subscription
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-farmers-dog-d2c732f8089746368751f6c53dc0bb5c.jpg)
PHOTO: The Farmer’s Dog
What We Like:
- Offers customized meal plans tailored to individual dog needs
- Uses human-grade ingredients for superior quality
- Convenient home delivery service included
- Flexible plan adjustments and delivery scheduling
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be expensive, especially for larger dog breeds
Dog food delivery services offer a convenient way to provide fresh, customized meals for your senior dog delivered directly to your door. The Farmer’s Dog stands out as the best subscription dog food for senior dogs, using human-grade ingredients like high-quality meats and vegetables. They offer four recipes featuring chicken, turkey, beef, and pork. To create a personalized meal plan, you complete a questionnaire detailing your dog’s activity level, age, and any health concerns, allowing for protein preferences and exclusions.
The food arrives frozen and is shipped free to 48 states. You can easily modify your plan or delivery schedule at any time. Pricing starts around $2 per day for small dogs, but can increase to approximately $12 daily for larger breeds.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sps-the-farmers-dog-anna-mejorada-5-2e5fe1b3bb34454184a8beedf3687f90.jpeg)
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Anna Mejorada
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sps-the-farmers-dog-anna-mejorada-1-31777e906765469f95e6b5d7c78c5933.jpeg)
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Anna Mejorada
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sps-the-farmers-dog-anna-mejorada-17-d898d90ea0a141a88e58660f4fa0ab0c.jpeg)
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Anna Mejorada
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sps-the-farmers-dog-anna-mejorada-18-05ed037904344a8caed743a1061c848b.jpeg)
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Anna Mejorada
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sps-the-farmers-dog-anna-mejorada-23-c4745c1978244448a15e92a5ca565338.jpeg)
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Anna Mejorada
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sps-the-farmers-dog-anna-mejorada-20-92a26e5d52bd47569d61b084ae830447.jpeg)
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Anna Mejorada
Type: Frozen | Flavors: Chicken, beef, pork, turkey | Packaging Size: Varies
Best for Large Dogs
Royal Canin Large Aging Dry Dog Food
What We Like:
- Specifically formulated for large breeds (56+ pounds) aged eight and older
- Supports bone and joint health with glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-6 fatty acids, and minerals
- Kibble can be mixed with wet food or water for palatability and easier chewing
What We Don’t Like:
- Contains by-product meal
Royal Canin Large Aging 8+ Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for senior large dogs, addressing the unique needs of bigger breeds as they age. Large dogs are prone to increased stress on their heart and joints, making targeted nutrition essential. This formula is enriched with taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids (EPA and DHA) to support cardiovascular and joint health in aging large dogs.
Royal Canin Large Aging 8+ is formulated for dogs weighing 56-100 pounds. Dog owners surveyed who feed Royal Canin often credit the brand for maintaining their dog’s health through size, age, and breed-specific nutrition. This balanced food provides protein and fiber for smooth digestion. However, the primary ingredient is chicken by-product meal, which some owners prefer to avoid. By-product meals, while less appealing to some owners, are often made from nutrient-rich animal parts and can contribute to reducing food waste.
The chicken-flavored kibble can be moistened with water to soften it for dogs with dental issues or to increase hydration. For added variety, consider mixing in Royal Canin Mature 8+ Wet Dog Food.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken | Package Size: 30 pounds
Best Refrigerated
FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vital-93447d183d0c49dc8566564f7309d0d9.jpeg)
PHOTO: PetSmart
What We Like:
- Made with non-GMO, human-grade ingredients sourced from US farms
- Free of preservatives, meat meals, and by-product meals
- Highly appealing to picky eaters
What We Don’t Like:
- No specific senior formula available, though suitable for senior dogs
- May not be cost-effective for large breeds
FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food offers the freshness and nutritional benefits of homemade dog food in a convenient, refrigerated format, making it the best refrigerated dog food for senior dogs. Its soft texture and savory, meaty flavor are particularly appealing to senior dogs who may be picky eaters or have oral sensitivities. In home testing, FreshPet’s quality ingredients were rated on par with our Best Overall pick, Hill’s Science Diet.
While FreshPet doesn’t offer a dedicated senior line, all recipes are suitable for adult dogs of all ages. This refrigerated food is made with human-grade ingredients, including farm-raised chicken, fish, beef, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, all sourced and manufactured in the United States. They offer grain-free recipes as well as formulas for joint and mobility and digestive support, although some flavors can be harder to find.
FreshPet is packaged in easy-to-slice sausage-shaped rolls and resealable bags containing bite-sized, meatball-like pieces.
Type: Refrigerated | Flavors: Chicken; beef with lamb; chicken, beef, salmon, & egg | Package Size: 1.5 or 4.5 pound bags; 1 pound roll
Best for Small Dogs
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bb-a35f5af8877c4687ad6c777d132c1405.jpeg)
PHOTO: Blue Buffalo
What We Like:
- Formulated without poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and mobility
- Features smaller kibble pieces, ideal for small breeds
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited to one flavor option
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dog Food is the best dog food for senior small dogs, specifically designed to support the unique needs of aging smaller breeds. It’s formulated to help maintain energy levels, joint comfort, and cognitive function in senior small dogs. In our survey, Blue Buffalo received positive feedback for its consistent use of high-quality, human-grade ingredients.
The dry food features smaller kibble pieces, making it easier for small breed dogs to chew and digest. Manufactured in the USA, the recipe starts with deboned chicken as the first ingredient and includes antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and essential nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, phosphorus, and vital vitamins. However, the single flavor option, Chicken & Brown Rice, may not be suitable for senior small dogs with poultry sensitivities.
The kibble is available in 5 or 15-pound resealable bags to maintain freshness.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken & brown rice | Package Size: 5 or 15 pounds
Best Sustainable
Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/81agmT-dsL._ACSL1500-40246081c66f4e6c992e8846d5d570c0.jpg)
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like:
- Ingredients are antibiotic, hormone, and steroid-free
- Free of artificial ingredients and additives
- Includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
- Emphasizes ingredient traceability and ethical sourcing
What We Don’t Like:
- Only one recipe specifically for senior dogs
Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the best sustainable dog food for senior dogs, aligning nutritional quality with environmental responsibility. Open Farm offers a single dry food recipe optimized for senior dogs, suitable for all sizes with small kibble pieces for easy consumption and digestion. The nutrient-rich kibble features humanely raised turkey and chicken as the primary protein sources and first two ingredients. All ingredients are non-GMO and raised without hormones, antibiotics, or steroids.
Each serving includes glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health, along with beneficial ingredients like pumpkin, peas, chickpeas, carrots, and coconut oil. Open Farm prioritizes transparency, offering detailed traceability for all ingredients used in their dog foods, ensuring ethical sourcing and sustainability.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Turkey & chicken | Package Size: 4 or 22 pounds
Final Verdict
For optimal overall health in senior dogs, we recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food. Available in both dry and wet food formats, it’s formulated with high-quality, human-grade ingredients and developed by veterinarians and scientists to meet the specific needs of aging dogs. If you prefer fresh food for your senior dog, FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food is our top fresh food recommendation, offering high protein content, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and appealing to picky eaters or dogs with oral issues.
What to Look for in Dog Food for Older Dogs
Choosing the best dog food for senior dogs requires understanding their specific nutritional needs. Here are key factors to consider:
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement
Always ensure the dog food you select has an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement confirming it is “nutritionally complete and balanced.” This statement indicates that the food has undergone laboratory testing and feeding trials to ensure it provides complete and balanced nutrition for a dog’s specific life stage.
Senior dog foods often contain fewer calories than adult formulas to account for reduced activity levels in older dogs. However, some senior dogs struggle to maintain weight and may not need calorie restriction. Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate caloric intake for your senior dog.
Dr. Megan McCarthy, DVM, notes that senior formulas often include up to 50% more protein than regular adult diets to help maintain muscle mass, which naturally declines with age. However, some senior dogs may have health conditions requiring a low-protein diet. Always verify the appropriate protein level with your veterinarian.
Health Issues
Senior dog food formulations often consider common age-related health issues. However, individual health needs vary greatly. It’s crucial to discuss your senior dog’s specific health status with your veterinarian to identify any dietary requirements related to conditions like kidney disease, arthritis, or cognitive decline. Your vet can recommend specific ingredients or nutrient levels to support your dog’s health management.
Common Ingredients
Many senior dog foods include specific ingredients to address age-related health concerns. Reviewing the ingredient label and consulting your veterinarian can help you determine which ingredients are most beneficial for your dog:
- Fiber: Aids in easier digestion and can help with bowel regularity, common concerns in older dogs.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Support joint health and mobility, crucial for senior dogs prone to arthritis and joint pain.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Promote healthy skin and coat and can have anti-inflammatory benefits, important for overall senior dog health.
Why We Don’t Currently Recommend Grain-Free Dog Foods
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating a potential link between grain-free dog foods and heart disease in dogs, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Since 2014, the FDA has received numerous reports of DCM in dogs, with a significant portion linked to grain-free diets, particularly those containing peas and/or lentils.
While the investigation is ongoing, it’s recommended to discuss with your veterinarian whether a grain-free diet is appropriate for your senior dog, especially if you have concerns about heart health. For most dogs, grain-inclusive diets formulated with high-quality grains are considered safe and nutritious.
Wet Food Versus Dry Food
Dry dog food typically contains 10-12% moisture, while wet food averages 75-78% moisture content. Wet food can help keep your senior dog better hydrated, which is especially important if they don’t drink enough water or have kidney issues. However, wet food may contribute to increased tartar buildup on teeth. Alternating between wet and dry food can offer a balance of hydration and dental benefits.
Wet food is also a good option for senior dogs who are finicky eaters or have dental problems like missing teeth, making it easier to chew and swallow. If your senior dog has orthopedic issues and reduced mobility, wet food can also contribute to their daily fluid intake.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sps-the-farmers-dog-anna-mejorada-24-c6a8ebfa9ae34a1ebcb1f2b9e027b156.jpeg)
The Spruce Pets / Anna Mejorada
How We Found The Best Dog Foods For Older Dogs
Our recommendations for the best dog food for senior dogs are based on a thorough evaluation process. We developed a comprehensive questionnaire to understand dog owners’ priorities when choosing food for their senior dogs. We considered veterinarian recommendations, ingredient quality, brand trustworthiness, value for money, and retailer availability.
We also collected detailed information about dogs’ size, breed, age, and health history to provide tailored recommendations. Our survey included 407 dog owners who shared their experiences and feedback on various dog food brands, using both numerical ratings and detailed comments. This extensive data helped us identify the top-performing senior dog foods for a wide range of needs and preferences.
FAQ
-
When should you start feeding your dog senior food?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, small dogs are generally considered senior around age seven. Large breed dogs, with shorter lifespans, are often considered senior by five or six years old. However, the ideal time to switch to senior food depends on individual factors like activity level, lifestyle, and health conditions, as noted by veterinarian Dr. Barbara Hodges, DVM.
Dr. Hodges emphasizes that many older pets benefit from maintaining a lean body condition, and a lower-calorie senior diet may be appropriate for overweight senior dogs. Senior pets with medical conditions like kidney insufficiency may require specialized diets with protein restrictions. It’s essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine when and if to switch to senior dog food.
Dr. McCarthy cautions that switching to senior food is not always necessary or advisable. If your dog is already on a special or prescription diet or has a sensitive stomach, continuing their current adult food may be better to avoid digestive issues.
-
Is wet food better for older dogs?
Both dry and wet dog foods must meet the same nutritional standards. Dry food is popular for its convenience and lower cost. Some veterinarians recommend dry food for dental health benefits, although these benefits may be minimal unless you are feeding a specific tartar-control formula, according to Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. However, wet food can be more appealing to some dogs and beneficial for certain health conditions.
Dr. McCarthy states that wet food is not inherently better for healthy senior dogs maintaining a good body weight on dry food. However, wet food can be beneficial for dogs with dental disease or missing teeth, making it easier to chew. Certain health conditions like diabetes or kidney disease may also benefit from wet food, but veterinary consultation is recommended.
Dr. Hodges believes wet food is generally better for all dogs, including seniors, as it more closely resembles fresh food and provides hydration. She notes that wet food is often easier to digest and more palatable for older dogs, who may become pickier eaters. Dr. Hodges suggests rotating among various high-quality wet food options to maintain interest in senior dogs’ diets.
-
Is high protein food better for older dogs?
Dr. Hodges emphasizes that individual nutritional needs vary. Optimal protein, fat, and calorie levels for senior dogs depend on their overall health, body condition, lifestyle, activity level, and any medical conditions.
Dr. McCarthy suggests that moderate to high protein is generally beneficial for senior dogs, as they are prone to muscle loss with age. Low-protein diets may be detrimental unless a dog has a condition like kidney disease requiring protein restriction. Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate protein level for your senior dog.
-
Should you wet dry food for older dogs?
This depends on your dog’s needs. If your senior dog has chewing difficulties due to dental issues, wetting dry kibble or feeding canned food can make eating easier. It also increases hydration, ensuring adequate water intake.
While Dr. Hodges prefers wet food for its digestibility and palatability, she acknowledges that many owners prefer dry food. If dry kibble is the only option, she recommends adding low or no-sodium broth or water to create a low-fat “gravy,” enhancing palatability and hydration.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This guide to the best dog food for senior dogs was updated by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets with extensive experience researching and reviewing pet products. Anna is dedicated to helping pet owners find the best products for their animals.
Our research also includes a comprehensive survey of dog owners and insights from veterinary professionals. We consulted with Dr. Megan McCarthy, DVM, of Best Friends Animal Society, and Dr. Barbara Hodges, DVM, of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, for expert guidance on senior dog nutrition. Our recommendations are based on a combination of expert advice, owner feedback, and thorough product analysis, ensuring you receive trustworthy and helpful information to choose the best food for your senior dog.
The 10 Best Dog Food Brands, According to More Than 400 Dogs
The Spruce Pets relies on high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the factual accuracy of our articles. For more information about our editorial process, please see our editorial guidelines.
