8 Best Senior Dog Food for 2022

Best Senior Dog Food, Best senior dog food for arthritis, Best Dog Food for Senior

The best food for senior dogs? It is a very crucial topic. Among the best things you can do to help your senior dog stay healthy and active is to feed him a healthy diet, especially one that meets his specific needs.

Read on to learn more about senior dog nutritional needs and also to get strategies for choosing an excellent senior dog diet.

8 Best Senior Dog Food Review

All dog foods included on this list meet the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet.

1. ORIJEN Dog Original Recipe

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Chicken Liver, Turkey Giblets
• Guaranteed Analysis: 38% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3,940 kcal/kg, 473 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: Grain-Free, High-Protein, Gluten Free, Natural, Raw, No Corn No Wheat No Soy

Reasons to suggest–

• If you are looking for the best quality food for your senior dog then Orijen is the best dog foods , Even though they are the best sellers in the market that’s why we have kept this product number one on our list. 

• Their range of super premium dog offerings offers dog owners the chance to pamper their dogs with a large amount of authentic meat protein throughout their life.

• Orijen’s products are praised for being grain free and having a mutually appropriate solution for quality nutrition. 

• The diet cuts calories in its other formulations by one level to help stop weight gain when your senior dog starts to slow down and becomes less active.

• Plus, it’s considered fermented, low in sugar, and totally corn-free for mature dogs that may have allergies.

•  Top it all off with the fact that Orijen creates her food al France within her own Kentucky kitchen and you have a diet that your dog not only deserves but will also enjoy!

2. Halo Senior Wet Dog Food

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Oat Bran, Pea Flour
• Guaranteed Analysis: 8.5% Crude Protein, 4.5% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 1,084 kcal/kg, 405 kcal/13.2-oz can
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Senior
• Key Feature: Sensitive Digestion, Grain-Free, Non-GMO, High-Protein

Reasons to suggest–

• Pet food company Halo follows a holistic approach to pet nutrition, this helps ensure your senior dog is each getting the healthy nutrients they need with nothing they don’t need. 

• This canned product is created with sustainably raised poultry, cage-free and chicken liver would be the primary components, along with a good number of non-GMO garden vegetables.

• Halos products are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients such as real meats, digestible carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Halo Senior Wet Dog Food is made without corn, and wheat, without adding soy components, and Halo’s products are free of synthetic additives and low-fat fillers. When it comes to their senior-specific dog foods,

• This product is super digestible and high-rich in nutrients which are 8.5% Crude Protein, 4.5% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, and 405 kcal/can.

3. NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Split Peas
• Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3569 kcal/kg, 319 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Senior
• Key Feature: Human-Grade, Molasses-Free, Natural, Sensitive Digestion, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Non-GMO, High-Protein

Reasons to suggest–.

• Your senior dog needs additional feeding care. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Natural Dry Dog Food, Farm-Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe was created together with your sweet senior friend in your mind.

• This tasty tender food includes essential antioxidants to support your dog’s aging immune system, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to advertise his healthy skin and soft, shiny coat.

• Nutro Natural Choice company is famous for producing a wide range of healthy dog ​​foods.

• This product is easily digestible and high-rich in protein which is  24% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, and 319 kcal/cup.

4. Fromm Gold Nutritionals Reduced Activity Senior Dry Dog Food

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Broth, Oat Groats, Pearled Barley,
• Guaranteed Analysis: 23% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, 5.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3,475kcal/kg, 368kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Senior
• Key Feature: Active, Digestion, Coat

Reasons to suggest–

• If you are looking to get a reduced salt diet for the senior dog, this Fromm Family Gold Reduced Activity & Senior formula could be a fantastic alternative. 

• This formulation contains fresh poultry, poultry meal, and chicken among the top few ingredients, which means you can be sure it will meet your dogs’ feeding needs.

• This recipe comes with oatmeal, brown rice, and pearl barley that’s why this recipe is also rich in digestible carbohydrates.

•  For healthful fats, this formulation includes salmon oil, an animal fat rich in omega-3 fatty acids that also helps balance the omega-6 fatty acid material.

• Fromm is a family-owned business dedicated to providing high-quality pet diets to make sure they live a very long and joyful life. Dog food can be divided into three distinct lines.

• The Gold product line includes holistic recipes for dogs at all stages of life and all sizes. It features numerous adult formulations as well as weight control recipes plus one for low-action and senior dogs.

• This recipe helps your dog to digest his food easily and it’s high-rich in protein which is 23% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, 5.5% Crude Fiber, and 368kcal/cup.

5. Instinct Raw Boost Senior Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces Dry Dog Food

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Chicken, Tapioca, Chickpeas, 
• Guaranteed Analysis: 36% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 4,169 kcal/kg, 478 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: All Breeds
• Lifestage: Senior
• Key Feature: High-Protein, Grain-Free, Gluten Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Raw, Natural

Reasons to suggest–

• Instinct by Nature’s Variety is a great alternative for your senior partner. This recipe contains high-protein kibble combined with freeze-dried raw chunks. 

• The raw pieces are real chicken that has been freeze-dried and processed to maintain a high concentration of protein.

• There is also DHA to encourage eye and mind health. Raw nutrients include freeze-dried chicken which gives all your ripe ones all the benefits of raw meat.

• L-carnitine is included to aid in dogs’ weight management and metabolism. To keep your joints and bones healthy, natural nutrition is also included. This recipe consists of poultry meals, tapioca, peas, chickpeas, and real chicken.

6. Victor Super Premium Dog Food 

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Millet, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat 
• Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 11.5% Crude Fat, 4.5% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3385 kcal/kg, 360 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Senior
• Key Feature: Weight Control, Sensitive Digestion, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free, With Grain

Reasons to suggest–

• Victor Senior can help you keep an eye on your senior pet’s weight loss. Using their improved formulation, you can still feed the amount the puppy is used even without worrying if it’s getting too much.

• This can be useful in the transition period from adult to elderly. Not only that, you will also find enough minerals and vitamins that encourage joint, tooth, and bone health to keep your dog healthy and happy.

• This nutrient-rich formulation includes glucosamine and chondroitin for long-term joint health and L-carnitine to help convert fat into energy for lean muscle growth. 

• This diet is great for much less energetic paws and adult dogs who will need to reduce their total weight.

• Made from fermented grains, Victor Purpose Senior Healthy Weight dry dog ​​food is a great option for breeds that are vulnerable to joint difficulties.

• This recipe helps your dog Weight Control & super digestible recepie with 27% Crude Protein, 11.5% Crude Fat, 4.5% Crude Fiber, and 360 kcal/cup.

7. Diamond Naturals Senior Real Meat Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice
• Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3,400 kcal/kg, 347 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Senior
• Key Feature: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, With Grain

Reasons to suggest–

• If you’re interested in finding a sensible new dog food that still offers a decent grade, Diamond Naturals might be a choice to consider. 

• The Diamond Pet Food Company is among the largest manufacturers of pet food in America.

• Unfortunately, this activity is often criticized for being included in many pet food memories. The Diamond Naturals brand, however, appears to offer decent quality, and you’ll find an assortment of selections to choose from.

• For senior dogs, in particular, Diamond Naturals provides their senior dog formula which is high in protein with limited fat for a reduced calorie material.
• it is supplemented with probiotics for healthier nutrition and glucosamine and chondroitin for support.

• Diamond Naturals also has their own mild formulation for adult dogs which is great for less active and overweight dogs this choice could also be a fantastic choice for your senior dog.

• Diamond Naturals Senior Real Meat Recipe features a protein-rich steak meal and digestible rice as key ingredients along with several superfoods and valuable supplements for nutritional balance and vitality.

8. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food,

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Chicken Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: 18% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 7% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3,403 kcal/kg, 342 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Senior
• Key Feature: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, With Grain

Reasons to suggest–

• When it comes to quality and number, Blue Buffalo is hard to beat. This pet food manufacturer is among the best brands available on the market and for good reason.

• Blue Buffalo uses only the highest quality ingredients readily available, inventing their products around fats that are premium quality carbohydrates and healthy, healthy fats. and fresh fruit and vegetables.

• This new one offers a wide range of products for dogs at all stages of life, such as some specific recipes for seniors. For dry dog ​​food, Blue Buffalo provides a couple of different recipes made specifically for senior dogs.

• There are four meals in the Life Protection Formula range that contains high protein and whole carbohydrates using 2 choices in the Wilderness range of grain-free and high protein formulas.

Buying Guide

Old age is a period that involves complications due to ailments given by the passing years, but it is still part of the cycle of life. In order for your dog to go through his happy “years of wisdom”, there are some changes you need to make. 

His needs are no longer the same as when he was young and neither is his food. In this guide, we answer the most common questions on this topic.

When should you start feeding your dog senior food?

As a general rule, a dog reaches its old age stage at the age of seven, but this varies from one breed to another. Not all dog’s age at the same age. 

You can ask your vet about your pet’s physical condition to see if it’s time to change their diet. Other clues to know if your dog has already reached old age are these:

• The size of the animal affects. Size and breed play an important role in the stages of the animal’s life. Some large dogs begin to age from the age of five. Small breeds become elderly after the age of ten. Medium-sized dogs do this around the age of seven.

• Race conditions the stages of life. There are breeds that reach old age later and also tend to live longer. As an example, we find beagles, Shih Tzus, and chihuahuas, among others

• There are physical characteristics that appear over the years. The dog’s hair can become gray, arthritis can occur, and the fingertips on his paws can dry out. In a more advanced state, urinary incontinence can occur and vision and hearing can be lost.

• There are exceptions. If you know your dog is old in age but has no health problems, has maintained his weight, and has remained just as active as he was in his adulthood, you can continue feeding him the same food until his state is in this state. it changes.

Why do I need specific food for senior dogs?

There are many changes that the dog’s body undergoes over the years. The power supply should vary according to the situation. 

For this reason, some “little aids” in the form of vitamins and dietary supplements in daily food can be very helpful for your beloved dog to able to deal with age-related ailments, such as joint pain.

In addition, the metabolism slows down, activity decreases and the dog requires fewer calories. In fact, it is recommended that these be between 8% and 12% lower than when the animal is younger. 

In addition, the “old” have a tendency to be constipated, so a little ‘more fiber will not do them any harm to improve intestinal transit.

What happens if my senior dog ignores his food?

In case your dog reaches a point in his life where he is apathetic towards food, the first thing to keep in mind is that it is more natural for him to eat less than when he was an adult who spent hours a day running around. and play.

 Obviously, you have to make sure that the problem is not given by the type of food chosen, which for whatever reason may not like it.

If your beloved pet is very old, he may not see or smell food. Approach and hand it to him if necessary. If you notice that she has trouble chewing on it, be sure to choose moist, soft food. 

Depression can also lead to dogs not eating. Continue to walk with him as you did before, even though you realize that for him it is a problem. 

If the urge to eat passes from one day to another, even though he hasn’t changed the type of food, talk to your vet and he will advise you what to do.

Is senior dog food better wet or dry?

Both types of food are suitable for both young and older dogs. Their characteristics complement each other in order to offer different benefits to the body of our furry lovers. Whenever possible it is recommended to combine both. In the following table, you will be able to know the advantages that one type of food offers over the other:

Frequent questions

When is a dog considered a senior?

First of all, when we talk about senior dogs we need to know what we mean. There is no fixed age to consider our friends “old”. Generally speaking, an elderly (or senior) dog is considered to be over 8 years old. Large dogs are “early” in the aging process, while small dogs can be considered elderly from the age of 10.

It is not an exact science, because in addition to the breed and size, factors such as genetics, environment, and the type of diet that the animal has had determined an acceleration or a delay in the aging process.

What does good senior dog food have to look like?

You don’t have to choose just any product, the food for your senior dog must be of high quality. Also and you need to be strict in your friend’s food planning as it will be critical to increasing his life expectancy. Obesity, diabetes, and heart problems can all be prevented by having little discipline.

We will talk later about the specific choice of food for your senior dog, but in general, each type of diet must have 4 characteristics.

1. It must contain a greater amount of protein

Older dogs can lose the protein in their urine. In addition, their ability to harness nutrients is lower, so it is of utmost importance to offer food that contains sufficient levels of protein and is easily digested.

2. It should contain fewer carbohydrates

Our friends who are no longer very young have a lower ability to burn excesses and have less energy expenditure. For this reason, a balanced diet from the age of 8 should contain a low caloric intake (about 20% less than the adult canoe) and carbohydrates.

3. Must have a good supply of “good” fats

Fats are a type of nutrient that is essential in all stages of life. Specifically, unsaturated fats are particularly important in older animals, as they protect their brains from age-related decline. However, it is also important that fats are not abundant, as pancreatic and biliary secretions decrease in older dogs.

4. Other important nutrients

Vitamins, minerals, and omega 3. These are some of the nutrients that should be contained in good senior dog food. While the first two are almost always included, omega 3s may be missing and so you may want to supplement with salmon oil for dogs , which will help your friend stay fitter in more ways than one. Also keep in mind prebiotics and probiotics, which among other things help improve your immune system, maintain optimal body condition and balance your mood.

Do older dogs need more protein… or less?

Proteins differ in their amino acid content and the best for your dog are those of animal origin. Vegetable ones also contain amino acids, but meat and eggs have all amino acids in adequate concentrations, while vegetarian sources must be combined to provide the full spectrum of these amino acids. Two types of protein qualities are generally recommended for dogs of all ages.

High-quality protein sources

• Eggs are an excellent source of protein and contain all the essential amino acids your dog needs. They are also very easy to digest.

• Fish is an important source of protein, is rich in Omega 3 (which has many benefits for dogs with dry skin), and should always be included in senior dog food. However, as it can also contain high levels of toxins, it is recommended that you vary your protein sources from time to time.

• Meat is a major source of protein for dogs, and their digestive system is designed to digest it easily. Among the meats most used in dog foods are beef, chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, and venison.

• Cheese is another important source of protein, but as it also contains a large amount of fat, your dog should only consume small portions and not as a daily treat. Also be careful, as some dogs are lactose intolerant.

Medium-quality protein sources

• Meat flours, of which the most widely used is chicken, are produced with the skin and bones of animals and, in principle, are a good source of concentrated protein. The problem is that flour undergoes a high-temperature cooking process which can break down proteins. However, usually, the foods that contain them also have all the necessary amino acids, but they are a little more difficult to digest than the high-quality sources mentioned above.

• By- products are ground animal proteins, which do not include high-quality meat. In them, there are offal, bones, and entrails or undeveloped eggs. It is very difficult to know the true nutritional value of the by-products, as it can vary greatly, so it is best not to rely on these as the primary source of protein for your dog, to avoid possible malnutrition.

• Soy is a legume with a high biological value and contains all the necessary amino acids, but your dog does not assimilate them as well as those of meat. It’s not the worst possible source of protein, but if a manufacturer uses it as one of the main ingredients, it means they’re using cheap ingredients and their feed won’t be of great quality. The same happens with other legumes, such as lentils and chickpeas. They can be in your dog’s food, but they shouldn’t be listed as the main ingredient.

• The most commonly used plant protein sources in dog food are potatoes, peas, and grains such as rice, oats, quinoa, barley, and flaxseed. These are healthy ingredients for dogs and almost all feeds contain one of the top 6 ingredients. As long as it is not the main ingredient, it is beneficial, as it supplements the proteins of the meat, increasing the biological value of the feed.

Wet or Dry Dog Food: What Should I Feed My Senior Dog? | 

We have all wondered at least once if our dog should eat dry or wet food. In fact, both types are useful and recommended for all age groups. As far as possible, you should therefore combine the two variants because:

• Dry senior dog food usually contains more protein and can help strengthen teeth which tend to weaken a lot over the years.

• Wet senior dog food has a lot of water and helps our friends stay hydrated. It is also ideal for dogs who already have dental problems and cannot chew properly.

In the event that your senior dog has a serious tooth problem and can only be fed wet food, we advise you not to be tempted by products that are inexpensive, but also substandard. 

This is because you run the risk of getting into nutritional imbalances and deficiencies. Always look for formulas that include as many nutrients as possible and use specific supplements if needed.

What’s the best food for senior dogs suffering from arthritis and/or joint problems?

As you have seen, in the list of recommended products we have not included this type of problem. This is because proteins aside, substances that can help improve joint health generally break down in the food production process. If your dog has this problem, you should consider a diet that does not weigh it down, to which you can add special supplements.

The alternative is if you can feed it at home with raw food, in order to ensure the maximum of the nutrients it needs.

My senior dog doesn’t want to eat, what do I do?

Do you have an inappetent elderly dog ​​who eats little or nothing? You can try to motivate him in the following ways:

• use interactive toys to get him to get food;
• use balanced foods that are very palatable:
• add homemade chicken broth to food;
• season the food with a little extra virgin olive oil;
• distribute the recommended daily amount in several doses throughout the day.

If your lack of appetite is prolonged, it is advisable to visit your vet to rule out a health problem (such as oral problems, kidney disease, or other).

Warning: Our reviews on the Best Senior Dog Food are mostly based on information from experts and manufacturers. We test many products, but it is impossible to test them all. That said, we ask that you remember that the recommendations above are opinions, and before using a treatment, we recommend that you consult with your veterinarian.

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