As dogs enter their senior years, their nutritional needs change. Choosing the best dog food for older dogs can help manage age-related health problems and ensure they live a comfortable, active life. Aging can bring challenges like weight gain, arthritis, hip dysplasia, weakened immune systems, and cognitive decline. Specially formulated senior dog food can address these issues.
When selecting a diet for older pets, factors such as protein quality are crucial since older dogs may have difficulty absorbing nutrients. Some senior dogs may need fewer calories due to decreased activity levels, while others may struggle to maintain weight and shouldn’t reduce their caloric intake.
However, it’s important to note that switching to a senior-specific food isn’t always necessary. According to veterinarian Megan McCarthy, DVM, of Best Friends Animal Society, “If your dog is already on a special or prescription diet, or has a sensitive stomach, you may want to continue feeding the same ‘adult’ dog food instead of a senior dog food to prevent any issues by switching diets.”
We’ve researched various dog food brands for senior dogs and considered feedback from 407 dog parents. Here are our top recommendations, with insights for dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds.
Our Top Picks for Senior Dog Food
- Best Overall: Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dog Food at Amazon
- Best Probiotics: Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food at Amazon
- Best Wet: Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ at Amazon
- Best Budget: Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food at Amazon
- Best Subscription: The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food at Thefarmersdog.com
- Best for Large Dogs: Royal Canin Large Aging Dry Dog Food at Amazon
- Best Refrigerated: FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food at Chewy
- Best for Small Dogs: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior Dog Food at Amazon
- Best Sustainable: Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food at Amazon
- Best for Weight Management: Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight & Joint Support Dog Food at Amazon
Top Senior Dog Food Choices: Detailed Reviews
Let’s delve deeper into why these foods stand out as excellent choices for your aging companion.
Best Overall: Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dog Food
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Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dog Food ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009B87TKG?tag=thesprucepets-onsite-backup-20)
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PHOTO: Hill’s Science Diet
What We Like:
- Developed by veterinarians and scientists in the US
- Animal-sourced protein is the first ingredient
- Wet food and kibble can be mixed
- Formulations for breed size, digestive health, and cognitive support
What We Don’t Like:
- Only comes in one flavor
Hill’s Science Diet offers various recipes—including dry kibble and wet dog food—designed to meet the nutritional needs of maturing canines seven years of age or older. The food is made with real animal protein as the first ingredient with human-grade ingredients providing essential vitamins and nutrients. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ is our top recommendation because dogs seem to enjoy it, and veterinarians highly recommend it. Plus, Hill’s pet food products meet or exceed the nutrient profiles and manufacturing guidelines of AAFCO and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).
Developed by veterinarians and manufactured in the United States, Hill’s Science Diet dog food for seniors is categorized into Adult 7+ and Adult 11+ age groups, and Adult 6+ for large breeds. Within each age group, wet and dry food formulations make the food more advantageous for small breeds and large breeds, and for dogs with digestive issues or those who could benefit from cognitive support.
Real chicken or beef is the primary source of protein and the first ingredient. A serving also provides prebiotic fiber to help support digestive health and a balanced gut microbiome, and nutrients and vitamins like vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
We found that consistently serving Hill’s Science Diet led to straightforward potty sessions and fewer dietary issues. The kibble is available in a variety of sizes, and the wet food is packaged in cans and small plastic trays with lids. However, there is only one flavor of dry food for dogs 7 years and older: chicken, brown rice, and barley.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken, barley, & brown rice | Package Size: 5, 15, or 33 pounds
Best Probiotics: Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food
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Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food ](https://www.amazon.com/Fromm-Classics-Mature-Adult-Food/dp/B000WFNFRS?tag=thesprucepets-onsite-backup-20)
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PHOTO: Fromm
What We Like:
- Free of fillers and artificial flavors
- Blend of probiotics and prebiotics to support regularity
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
What We Don’t Like:
- Includes cheese, which can irritate the digestive system
Fromm Classic Mature Adult Dog Food is formulated to meet the changing needs of dogs as they get older, and among the 407 dog parents we polled, Fromm received top marks for reliable use of quality ingredients along with overall satisfaction, engagement, and enjoyment experienced by their dog.
The recipe for mature canines is made with chicken as the primary ingredient, whole grains (brown rice and barley), fruits, and vegetables to provide complete and balanced nutrition in each serving. A blend of prebiotics and probiotics developed by Fromm is optimized to keep the digestive system and metabolism functioning properly which also helps prevent unintended weight gain. But the food for seniors only comes in one flavor, chicken, and it includes dairy in the ingredients, which some dogs cannot tolerate—but other dogs really enjoy!
Fromm dog food is sold online and at specialty retailers, and it’s usually more expensive than other foods that made our list.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken | Package Size: 15 or 30 pounds
Best Wet: Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+
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Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XN4WHH3?tag=thesprucepets-onsite-backup-20)
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like:
- Made with real animal protein (chicken, beef, or turkey)
- Antioxidants and probiotics support immune and digestive health
- Glucosamine for joint health and mobility
What We Don’t Like:
- May contain corn starch, protein byproduct meal, and artificial flavors
For dogs of all sizes who are 7 or older, Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Senior Complete Essentials Wet Dog Food serves up 23 essential vitamins and minerals in each recipe to keep fully grown-up pups in optimal health. They also include glucosamine for joint health, and antioxidants and probiotics to keep their immune and digestive systems healthy. The recipes are all made with human-grade ingredients including animal-sourced protein—beef, turkey, or chicken—along with easy-to-digest rice.
Purina Pro Plan’s wet food is free of artificial colors and preservatives and is packaged in 13-ounce cans and 10-ounce tubs with resealable lids. The smaller-size wet food for seniors also includes botanical oils to promote alertness. However, some recipes include corn starch, protein byproducts, and artificial flavors to enhance their appeal to a dog.
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
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Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food ](https://www.amazon.com/Iams-Proactive-Health-Mature-Chicken/dp/B00BD73ZVA/?tag=thesprucepets-onsite-backup-20)
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like:
- Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient
- Easy to find
- Contains fiber, glucosamine, and antioxidants
What We Don’t Like:
- No small breed formula
You don’t have to sacrifice quality when shopping for budget-friendly dog food. Iams Proactive Health Healthy Aging Dry dog Food is priced affordably and made with human-grade ingredients, including farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient. For senior dogs, the food provides fiber and prebiotics for digestion, antioxidants to help the immune system, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, and other supplements to burn fat and work to keep metabolism going.
The kibble is available in formulas for regular and large breeds and is made with no artificial preservatives or flavors and no fillers. Other ingredients include whole grains, beet pulp, and carrots. It is readily available 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
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The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food ](https://www.thefarmersdog.com/)
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PHOTO: The Farmer’s Dog
What We Like:
- Custom plans
- Human-grade ingredients
- Free delivery
- Easy to change plan or delivery times
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be pricey, especially for large dogs
Dog food delivery services let you customize fresh meals for your pet and have them dropped off right at your door. The Farmer’s Dog uses human-grade ingredients including meats and vegetables. There are four recipes featuring chicken, turkey, beef, and pork. You fill out a questionnaire that includes information about your pet’s activity level, age, and any health issues to create a personal plan. You can choose or remove any proteins.
The food arrives frozen and ships free to 48 states. You can make changes to your plan or delivery at any time. Prices range from about $2 a day for small dogs but can get as pricey as $12 per day for larger pets.
Type: Frozen | Flavors: Chicken, beef, pork, turkey | Package Size: Varies
Best for Large Dogs: Royal Canin Large Aging Dry Dog Food
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Royal Canin Large Aging Dry Dog Food ](https://www.amazon.com/Royal-Canin-Health-Nutrition-30-Pound/dp/B00CP1NAU4/?tag=thesprucepets-onsite-backup-20)
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like:
- Made for dogs who are 8 and older
- Supports strong bones and joints with glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-6 fatty acids
- Can be mixed with wet food or rehydrated with water
What We Don’t Like:
- Made with byproduct meal
Bigger dogs tend to put a lot of stress on their heart and joints, so giving them food designed to support their needs with taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids (EPA and DHA)—especially as they get older—can enhance their overall well-being.
Royal Canin Large Aging 8+ Dry Dog Food is formulated for large dogs (56-100 pounds), and of the participants in our panel who feed their dog Royal Canin food, the majority attribute their dog’s continued health to their diet, which is suited for their specific size, age, and needs.
This nutritionally balanced food provides protein and fiber to keep a dog’s digestive system running smoothly. But the food’s first ingredient is chicken byproduct meal, which some pet parents prefer to avoid. If your mature dog is missing any teeth or needs more motivation to eat, this chicken-flavored kibble can be mixed with water to make it easier to chew and give them more hydration with each meal. You can also mix Royal Canin Mature 8+ Wet Dog Food in their bowl for more variety.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken | Package Size: 30 pounds
Best Refrigerated: FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food
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FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food ](https://www.chewy.com/freshpet-vital-chicken-recipe-fresh/dp/519150)
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PHOTO: PetSmart
What We Like:
- Made with non-GMO, human-grade ingredients sourced from US farms
- No preservatives, meat meals, or byproduct meals
- Appeals to picky eaters
What We Don’t Like:
- Difficult to make cost-effective for large dogs
FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food offers the freshness, flavor, and nutritional value of making home-cooked meals for dogs all conveniently packaged and stored in the refrigerator. If your senior dog is a picky eater or has oral sensitivities, they will likely find the soft texture and meaty flavor to be satisfying and appealing. The brand’s quality ingredients received high marks among our home testers, putting FreshPet on par with our Best Overall pick, Hill’s Science Diet.
There isn’t a specific line for senior dogs, but all recipes are suitable for adult dogs of any age. The refrigerated dog food is made with human-grade ingredients, including farm-raised chicken, fish, beef, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, all sourced and manufactured within the United States. There are grain-free recipes along with formulations for joint and mobility and digestive support, but they may not be available in all flavors.
The food is packaged in resealable bags and is shaped into bite-sized pieces resembling meatballs.
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
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior Dog Food ](https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Buffalo-Protection-Formula-Natural/dp/B09K8SDVMN?tag=thesprucepets-onsite-backup-20)
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PHOTO: Blue Buffalo
What We Like:
- Contains no poultry byproduct meals
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and mobility
- Smaller-sized kibble pieces
What We Don’t Like:
- Not suitable for dogs sensitive to poultry
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for Small Breed Seniors is designed to help keep little dogs’ energy levels up, their joints pain-free, and their minds sharp as they age. Among our 407 dog parent panelists who feed their dog Blue Buffalo, the majority praised the brand for its consistent and reliable use of high-quality, human-grade ingredients.
The dry food consists of smaller pieces of kibble to make it easier for small-breed dogs to consume and digest. The recipe is manufactured in the United States using deboned chicken as the first ingredient along with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins. But there is only one flavor, chicken and brown rice, so it’s not suitable for small senior dogs with sensitivities to poultry.
The kibble is sold in two sizes, 5- or 15-pound resealable bags, to keep the freshness intact.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken & brown rice | Package Size: 5 or 15 pounds
Best Sustainable: Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
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Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ38WRYQ?tag=thesprucepets-onsite-backup-20)
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PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like:
- Antibiotic-, hormone-, and steroid-free ingredients
- No articial ingredients or additives
- Includes glucosamine and chondroitin for healthier joints
- Meticulous tracing of sources and ethical partnerships
What We Don’t Like:
- Only one recipe optimized for senior dogs
Open Farm’s line of dog food includes one dry food recipe optimized for older dogs. The Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is suitable for dogs of any size with small kibble pieces that are easier to consume and digest. The nutrient-rich kibble is made with humanely raised turkey and chicken as the primary sources of protein and the first two ingredients. All ingredients are free of GMOs and never raised using hormones, antibiotics, or steroids.
Each bowl of Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food includes glucosamine and chondroitin to help your senior dog’s joints stay strong and healthy, along with pumpkin, peas, chickpeas, carrots, and coconut oil. Open Farms offers meticulous tracing and transparency into all of the ingredients used to create their foods for dogs.
Type: Kibble | Flavors: Turkey & chicken | Package Size: 4 or 22 pounds
Best for Weight Management: Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight & Joint Support Dog Food
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Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight & Joint Support Dog Food ](https://www.amazon.com/Hills-Science-Diet-Perfect-Support/dp/B0C133N3PF?tag=thesprucepets-onsite-backup-20)
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PHOTO: Hill’s Science Diet
What We Like:
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Supports hip mobility
- Includes omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin
What We Don’t Like:
- Not formulated for small dogs
If you’re concerned about your senior dog’s weight gain, Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight & Joint Support Dog Food is formulated to help your dog achieve and maintain a healthy weight. This dry food features a balanced blend of high-quality ingredients, and the first one is chicken. Enriched with antioxidants and prebiotic fibers, this dry dog food aids in digestion and helps your dog feel full between meals. This particular product has a large kibble and is made for medium to large dogs, so it isn’t appropriate for small breeds.
In addition to managing your dog’s weight, this food includes omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health and glucosamine and chondroitin to promote flexibility, hip mobility, and healthy cartilage.
Type: Dry | Flavors: Chicken | Package Size: 3.5, 12, and 25 pounds
Choosing the Right Food: Key Considerations
When selecting What Is The Best Dog Food For Older Dogs, keep these factors in mind:
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement
Ensure the food has an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement indicating that it is nutritionally complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage.
Health Issues
Senior foods often contain fewer calories than other adult dog foods because most senior dogs aren’t as active as they were before. Other dogs have trouble keeping weight on as they age so they don’t need to cut back on calories. Consult with your vet to determine the appropriate caloric intake for your dog.
Senior formulas may have up to 50 percent more protein than other adult diets to help maintain muscle mass, according to veterinarian Megan McCarthy, DVM. However, some older dogs have medical issues that require a low-protein diet, so ensure the nutrition is right for your pet.
Common Ingredients
Many senior foods contain ingredients added specifically to address the needs of older dogs. Read the label and consult with your vet to see which ingredients might be helpful. These can include:
- Fiber – for easier digestion
- Glucosamine and chondroitin – for joint health
- Omega-3 fatty acids – for healthy skin and coat
Grain-Free Debate
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating a potential link between heart disease in dogs and certain diets, specifically grain-free foods. Consult your veterinarian about the appropriateness of a grain-free diet for your dog.
Wet Food or Dry Food
Dry foods for dogs usually contain 10 to 12 percent moisture content, while wet foods on average contain 75 to 78 percent moisture. Wet food can help keep your dog hydrated, but it may also increase tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth. Consider alternating between wet and dry food to balance the benefits. Wet food is also a good choice for dogs who are finicky or have dental issues.
FAQ About Senior Dog Food
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When should you start feeding your dog senior food? Small dogs are generally considered to be “mature” or “senior” when they are about 8 years old. Large breed dogs are often considered senior by the time they are 5 or 6 years old. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best time to switch based on your dog’s individual needs.
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Is wet food better for older dogs? Not necessarily, but it can be beneficial for dogs with dental issues or those who need extra hydration. According to Hodges, wet food is easier to digest and generally more palatable for older dogs.
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Is high-protein food better for older dogs? Moderate-to-high protein is often recommended for older dogs to help maintain muscle mass, says McCarthy. However, dogs with kidney disease may require a low-protein diet.
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Should you buy wet or dry food for older dogs? It depends on your dog’s individual needs and preferences. If your dog has trouble chewing, wet food or moistened kibble may be easier for them to eat.
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Should all older dogs be on a senior food diet? Not necessarily. If your dog is already on a special diet or has a sensitive stomach, it may be best to continue feeding their current food.
By considering these factors and consulting with your veterinarian, you can choose what is the best dog food for older dogs to support their health and well-being.
