Top 13 Best Senior Dog Foods to Keep Your Pup Feeling Young

I have four dogs, ranging in age from 5 months old to 15 years old. Three of my dogs are all technically seniors, but the reality is that dogs age differently depending on size and activity level.

I have an extremely active 15-year-old that still walks 2 miles in the morning and runs 3 miles a few evenings with me. But I also have a less active 12.5-year-old who doesn’t care if he goes walking or sleeps in, in the morning.  

Because of their different energy levels and health needs, I feed my dogs with different foods. My 15-year-old is on an adult recipe, and my 12.5-year-old was switched to a senior diet two years ago.

Because nutrition is the most significant way, I can keep my dogs healthy. I am always looking for the best foods to meet their ever-changing needs.

At what age is a dog considered senior?

The age of when a dog is deemed a senior depends on the individual dog, breed, weight, and size. Dogs age very differently from one another, especially when considering small dogs versus large dogs. Additionally, some breeds tend to be more high energy than others.

But the general rule is that dogs between 5-10 years old can be considered seniors, with the larger breeds tending towards, the lower end of the spectrum.

However, when discussing aging dogs, two terms are commonly used senior and geriatric. The term senior, used for older dogs, doesn’t always suggest the dog’s overall well-being. 

However, when vets refer to dogs being geriatric, it indicates not only the dog’s age but also the dog’s health.

Top 13 Beest Senior Dog Food Reviews

1. Best Overall: Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Senior Dog Food

• First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Ground Brown Rice
• Type: Contains Grains
• Calories:416 kcal
• Guaranteed Analysis:
  • Crude Protein 22.0% min
  • Crude Fat 10.0% min
  • Crude Fiber 4.25% max
• Other Senior Varieties: CORE Grain Free, Small Breed, and Canned

Wellness Complete Health for Seniors is ideal for most seniors. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin to promote good joint health and mobility.

Additionally, Wellness Complete is a very digestible food that has been enhanced with probiotics. Plus, it’s full of antioxidants to boost the immune system and more than an adequate amount of protein to maintain muscle mass.

And, both barley and brown rice provide a great source of energy.

2. Runner Up: Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran
• Type: Contains Grains
• Calories:316 kcal
• Guaranteed Analysis:
  • Crude Protein 26.0% min
  • Crude Fat 11.0% min
  • Crude Fiber 4.0% max
• Other Senior Varieties: Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Trio Protein Wet Food, Nutro Wholesome Essentials, Nutro Senior Large Breed, and Nutro Senior Small Breed

Nutro Ultra Senior has the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and fat content, making it ideal for most senior dogs. The added chondroitin and glucosamine promote good joint and cartilage health.

The three protein types provide a well-balanced protein profile with white meat (excellent lean protein), red meat (a significant amount of iron), and fish (superior source of fatty acids).

Nutro Ultra Senior also contains 15 superfoods and is made from non-GMO ingredients.

3. Best Grain Free: Nulo Senior Grain Free Dog Food

• First 5 ingredients: Deboned Trout, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, Yellow Peas, Sweet Potato
• Type: Grain-Free
• Calories: 396 kcal
• Guaranteed Analysis:
  • Crude Protein 30% min
  • Crude Fat 12.0% min
  • Crude Fiber 5.0% max
• Other Senior Varieties: Medal Series high-meat kibble for seniors

Nulo Senior is a premium grain-free formula contains yellow peas, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas as carbohydrate sources to give your senior the energy it needs. Additionally, this food also includes several superfoods such as apples and blueberries, which contain antioxidants and are both excellent forms of fiber.

Plus, Nulo Senior has also been enhanced with glucosamine and chondroitin to promote good joint health and aid in reducing discomfort associated with arthritis.

And it is loaded with probiotics to aid in digestive health.

4. Instinct Raw Boost Dog Food

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Chicken, Tapioca, Chickpeas, Peas
• Type: Grain-Free
• Calories: 478 kcal
• Guaranteed Analysis:
  • Crude Protein 36.0% min
  • Crude Fat 16.0% min
  • Crude Fiber 4.0% max
• Other Senior Varieties: None

Instinct Raw Boost is made up of raw freeze-dried meat made specifically to promote good health in seniors. This food contains chicken eggs which is an excellent source of DHA which aids in promoting brain and eye health. Additionally, Instinct Senior has been enhanced with L-Carnitine to help better process fat and help to maintain a healthy weight.

Plus, the high content of chicken is a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine great for dogs with joint issues.

5. Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dog Food

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Egg
• Type: Contains Grains
• Calories:318 kcal
• Guaranteed Analysis:
  • Crude Protein 25.0% min
  • Crude Fat 11.0% min
  • Crude Fiber 3.0% max

Diamond Naturals Senior Formula contains two easily digestible ingredients brown rice and oatmeal. Both of these carbohydrates are a good source of fiber and energy. Also, this recipe is enhanced with probiotics to aid in digestive health.

And the added chondroitin and glucosamine aids in promoting good joint health and mobility. Plus, this formula is also a lower protein option, which is ideal for seniors with liver or kidney issues.

6. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 6+ for Senior Large Breed

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn
• Type: Contains Grains
• Calories:353 kcal
• Guaranteed Analysis:
  • Crude Protein 15.5% min
  • Crude Fat 10.5% min
  • Crude Fiber 4.0% max
• Other Senior Varieties: A variety of Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ formulas, Canned, Small breed, and 11+ year old recipes

Hill’s Science Diet Senior Dry Dog food is specially made for dogs who are 55+ pounds and 6+ years old. Extra attention to joint health and mobility are seen in the form of high levels of chondroitin and glucosamine. Also, Hill’s Large Breed Senior has a perfect balance between the protein and fat content is ideal for helping seniors maintain proper body weight.  

The one drawback of this food is that it is slightly lower in fiber, so not ideal for dogs with chronic constipation.

7. Royal Canin Small Indoor Senior Dry Dog Food

• First 5 ingredients: Brewers Rice, Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Wheat Gluten, Chicken Fat  
• Type: Contains Grains
• Calories: 306 kcal
• Guaranteed Analysis:
  • Crude Protein 22.0% min
  • Crude Fat 12.0% min
  • Crude Fiber 3.3.0% max
• Other Senior Varieties: Small 8+&12+, Medium, Large, canned, extra small, and breed specific options

Royal Canin Small Indoor Senior Dry Dog Food contains high levels of EPA and DHA which supports healthy heart function and aids immune system, aid in joint health, mobility, and decrease symptoms of cognitive dysfunction. Additionally, this formula is specially created to be easily digestible and help support a healthy weight in dogs who have a lower activity level.

The drawback of this food, is that it is less economical than other foods.

8. Fresh Pet Select Home Cooked Healthy & Natural Dog Food

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Cranberries, Carrots, Pea Protein, Pea Fiber
• Type: Contains Grains Fresh Food
• Calories:171 kcal
• Guaranteed Analysis:
  • Crude Protein 17.0% min
  • Crude Fat 6.5% min
  • Crude Fiber 1.0% max

Fresh Pet is a dog food that uses whole ingredients from 100% natural farm-raised beef and chicken. Additionally, the food contains whole vegetables and fruits packed with vitamins and nutrients to ensure a healthy balanced diet.

Though Fresh Pet Select Home Cooked Chicken Recipe is not senior-specific, it is an excellent choice for the senior dogs who are picky eaters.

In addition to the abundance of fresh ingredients, this formula is enhanced with additional vitamins and minerals to ensure it meets the AAFCO’s guidelines for a complete and balanced diet.

The drawback to feeding a fresh diet is that it does require refrigeration and only comes in smaller packages.

9. Dogswell Happy Hips Chicken & Oats Recipe Dry Dog Food

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oats, Barley, Peas
• Type: Contains Grains
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Guaranteed Analysis:
  • Crude Protein 24.0% min
  • Crude Fat 12.0% min
  • Crude Fiber 5.5% max

Dogswell Happy Hips Chicken & Oats formula dry dog food is made with cage-free chicken raised without hormones or antibiotics. And though chicken is an excellent source for chondroitin, the food has been enhanced with both additional glucosamine and chondroitin.

Additionally, the recipe has an abundance of superfoods such as apples, blueberries, and sweet potatoes. Plus, the food includes probiotics to aid in digestive health.

10. Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND Adult Dry Dog Food

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Poultry By-Product, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Wheat
• Type: Contains Grains
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Guaranteed Analysis:
  • Crude Protein 29.0% min
  • Crude Fat 14.0% min
  • Crude Fiber 3.0% max
• Other Senior Varieties: Savor Shredded, Bright Mind Large Breed, Smart Blend, Canned

Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND 7+ Adult Dry Dog Food, specially formulated to aid in reducing symptoms and associated with cognitive dysfunction, as well as promoting alertness in seniors. The food uses botanical oils as both an additional energy source as well as increasing awareness and memory.

This chicken and rice formula is also rich in antioxidants that help boost your dog’s immune system. And finally, Purina Bright Mind also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to promote good joint health and mobility.

11. Orijen dog food for underweight seniors

• First 5 ingredients: Fresh chicken meat, fresh cage-free eggs, fresh turkey meat, fresh whole herring, fresh chicken liver
• Type: Grain Free
• Calories:435 kcal
• Guaranteed Analysis:
  • Crude Protein 38% min
  • Crude Fat 15% min
  • Crude Fiber 8% max
• Other Senior Varieties: None

Orijen Senior is rich in nutrient-dense proteins and includes freeze-dried ingredients. Though the food is high in protein, it still contains adequate fiber. Orijen Senior, packed with superior-quality ingredients, is full of vitamins and antioxidants.

Also, the high glucosamine and chondroitin content is perfect for seniors with arthritis. Orijen Senior is the ideal choice for active or for those in need of gaining a few more pounds.

The drawback of Orijen senior is that it does not contain grains, so it would not be recommended for dogs with heart issues, specifically DCM.

12. Solid Gold Young at Heart Dog Food for Overweight Seniors

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas, Peas
• Type: Grain Free
• Calories: 325 kcal
• Guaranteed Analysis:
  • Crude Protein 27% min
  • Crude Fat 9% min
  • Crude Fiber 6% max
• Other Senior Varieties: None

Solid Gold Young at Heart is a powerhouse of superfoods to help boost your dog’s immune system. This food is also enhanced with probiotics to promote proper digestion and is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs. 

Additionally, since Young at Heart is grain-free, it is ideal for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. And, the lower fat content, will help your dog maintain a healthy weight.

13. CANIDAE PURE Limited Ingredient Senior Dog Food

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Garbanzo Beans
• Type: Grain Free
• Calories:409 kcal
• Guaranteed Analysis:
  • Crude Protein 28.0% min
  • Crude Fat 10.0% min
  • Crude Fiber 5.0% max
• Other Senior Varieties: None

CANIDAE PURE Limited Ingredient Senior, the grain-free formula contains sweet potatoes, which are low glycemic, providing a steady source of energy. The recipe is limited to nine key ingredients ensuring a well-balanced diet comprised of minimal ingredients. Plus, one of the primary nine ingredients is a mix of probiotics to promote and boost GI health.

Because this is a limited ingredient formula, it also works well for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies.

Things to Think About when Choosing a Senior Dog Food

All dogs are unique, and many have special dietary needs, so it’s essential to understand what you’re looking for before you run to the pet supply store.

Is your dog already on supplements? 

• If yes, many dog foods made explicitly for seniors already include specific supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and probiotics. Although additional supplements may only aid in promoting good health, some may exceed recommended doses, so be sure to check the labels.
• If your dog has any chronic health issues such as heart or liver disease, you will likely want to consider a diet containing whole grains or lower protein. 
• If you have either a large or small breed dog, it is best to look for one that will meet their specific needs.
• If your dog is under or overweight, it is vital to find a dog food that will aid in them reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. 

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Senior Dog Food

All dogs have different dietary needs. However, there are several factors to take into consideration when looking for the perfect senior dog food.

• Protein – The type of protein best for your dog is very individual, though common lean proteins high in nutrients are poultry and fish, both of which are natural sources for chondroitin and amino acids.
• All Life Stages – All Life Stages foods are not always geared towards seniors; there are a few brands such as Dogswell that list their food as such but are still perfect for older dogs.
• Super Foods/Antioxidants – Foods rich in antioxidants will aid in boosting our dog’s immune system
• Fiber – Fiber aids in ensuring a healthy digestive system, as well as aiding in maintaining a healthy weight.
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin – It’s best to choose dog foods enhanced with glucosamine and chondroitin to promote healthy joints and mobility.
• Omega-3 & 6 Fatty Acids – Fatty acids are essential to a dog’s overall health, and will aid in heart health, joints, and immune system.
• Low Glycemic Foods – Low glycemic foods such as sweet potatoes or brown rice are a good source of energy but at the same time won’t spike your dog’s blood sugar levels.

Nutrition Guide: What nutrients does a senior dog need?

There are 6 core nutrients all seniors need to aid in ensuring optimal health:

• Water
• Proteins
• Fats
• Carbohydrates
• Minerals
• Vitamins

These six nutrients help our dog’s basic body functions and are the minimal dietary requirements for all seniors.

Why Switching to a Senior Dog Food is Important and when?

It is essential to switch your dog’s food to meet the changes associated with aging. Seniors often require less calories and benefit from supplements in foods such as Omega-3&6 fatty acids, chondroitin, glucosamine, and probiotics. All of these added supplements will better support your dog’s health as they age.

There are multiple factors to consider before changing your dog to senior dog food. Chronological age

• The condition of their skin and coat
• Changes in their activity level
• Signs of arthritis such as stiffness or soreness when walking or getting up
• Weight changes
• Eating habits – many seniors don’t eat as much as they once did
• Cognitive changes such as confusion or anxiety

You should consult your vet if you see any of the above changes in your dog. Some of these changes are related to natural aging, but could also be symptoms of a disease. 

Senior dog food vs. regular dog food

As dog’s age, their dietary needs change as well, which is why it is vital to ensure they are eating the best diet possible. Some of the differences between senior food versus adult or all life stages foods are:

• Lower calorie and fat content due to the decrease in activity levels and to avoid obesity
• Proper protein levels to maintain muscle mass but not overtax the liver.  
• Balanced fiber to aid in a healthy digestive system, yet not impact the absorption of nutrients.
• Enhanced with antioxidants, DHA, & EPA to boost the immune system, aid in mobility, and cognitive function

FAQs

As dog’s age, it isn’t unusual if they become pickier. 

Sometimes soft foods or fresh foods, like Fresh Pet, are more appealing to seniors, especially if you heat it first.

At what age does my dog enter his senior life stage? Dogs age differently and several factors play a role such as size, weight, breed, and overall health.

No, carbohydrates are as important as protein. Dogs get their energy from carbs, plus they are often a great source of fiber.

Conclusion

As a parent of senior dogs, it is my goal to ensure their golden years are as enjoyable as all of the years that led us to this point. I know that as my dogs have aged, their bodies have changed and require added supplements such as glucosamine and superfoods.

Even Sophie, the one that is still very active requires more protein and calories than she did before, to ensure she can maintain a healthy weight. As dog’s age, they often lose muscle mass, and if your dog suffers from certain diseases, such as Cushing’s as Sophie does, proper nutrition is all the more vital.