Best Natural Dog Food for Older Dogs: Top Picks for Optimal Health

As our furry friends age, they may require a change in their diet to accommodate their changing nutritional needs. This is where natural dog food for older dogs comes in – a type of dog food that is specially formulated to provide aging dogs with the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.

Natural dog food for older dogs is made from high-quality, natural ingredients that are easy to digest and provide the right balance of nutrients. These foods are typically lower in calories and fat, which is important for older dogs who may be less active and prone to weight gain. They also contain higher levels of protein to help maintain muscle mass and support overall health.

When choosing the best natural dog food for older dogs, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients list and ensure that it contains high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Look for options that are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, and consider any specific dietary needs or restrictions your dog may have.

We spent hours researching and testing various natural dog food options to identify the best options for older dogs. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and what makes them stand out from the rest.

Best Natural Dog Food for Older Dogs

As our furry friends age, their dietary needs change. Senior dogs require a balanced diet that caters to their unique nutritional needs. With so many dog food brands and options available, it can be challenging to find the best natural dog food for older dogs. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top natural dog food brands that cater to senior dogs. Our list includes a variety of options that are sure to meet your furry friend’s dietary needs.

NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a natural dog food option for your small breed senior dog, NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the first ingredient for protein-rich nutrition
• Contains essential antioxidants to support your dog’s aging immune system
• Formulated with calcium to support strong bones and joints

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food
• Higher price point compared to some other dog food brands
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies

We recently switched our senior chihuahua to NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food and have been impressed with the results. The kibble is small and easy for her to chew and digest, and we appreciate that it contains real chicken as the first ingredient and no artificial flavors or preservatives.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction when making the switch. Additionally, the higher price point may not be feasible for all pet owners, but we believe that the quality ingredients and nutritional benefits make it a worthwhile investment.

Overall, we highly recommend NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food for small breed senior dogs who need a nutritious, natural diet to support their aging bodies.

Blue Buffalo Senior Dog Food

If you are looking for a high-quality natural dog food for your older dog, Blue Buffalo Senior Dog Food is worth considering.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient
• Contains immunity-boosting LifeSource Bits
• Supports health of senior dogs

Cons

• Packaging may vary
• Somewhat pricey
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

Blue Buffalo Senior Dog Food contains high-quality deboned chicken as the first ingredient, along with blueberries and vegetables to provide a protein-rich diet that maintains energy requirements to keep older dogs active. The food is made with premium ingredients and contains no chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.

In addition to providing essential proteins and carbohydrates to help keep older dogs feeling lively and youthful, Blue Buffalo Senior Dog Food contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and overall mobility. The food also contains immunity-boosting LifeSource Bits, which contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

While the packaging of Blue Buffalo Senior Dog Food may vary, each bag contains nourishment for your dog. The food is somewhat pricey compared to other options on the market, but many customers find that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. However, it may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions, so be sure to check with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

In conclusion, if you want to provide your older dog with a high-quality natural dog food that supports their health and vitality, Blue Buffalo Senior Dog Food is a great choice.

Hill’s Science Diet

We highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Adult 11 dry dog food for older dogs who need tailored nutrition to support healthy aging during their golden years.

Pros

• Provides balanced minerals that support heart, kidney, and bladder health
• Promotes joint health with omega-3s from fish oil
• Nourishes skin and coat with omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• The kibble size may be too small for larger dogs
• It is more expensive than some other brands

We have been using Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Adult 11 for our senior dog for several months now and have noticed a significant improvement in her overall health and well-being. The kibble is small and easy for her to chew, and she seems to really enjoy the taste.

One of the standout features of this dog food is the balanced set of minerals that support heart, kidney, and bladder health in toy breed dogs. Additionally, the omega-3s from fish oil promote joint health, which is especially important for older dogs.

We also appreciate that this dog food is made with natural ingredients and a special blend of antioxidants to promote lifelong health. While it is more expensive than some other brands, we believe that the benefits are well worth the cost.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Adult 11 dry dog food for older dogs who need tailored nutrition to support healthy aging.

IAMS Healthy Aging Adult Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a natural dog food for your senior pup, IAMS Healthy Aging Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is worth considering.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient
• Formulated to support healthy bones and joints
• Blend of fiber and prebiotics promotes healthy digestion

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Some owners report digestive issues
• Contains grains (may not be suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities)

We’ve been feeding our older dog IAMS Healthy Aging Adult Dry Dog Food for a few months now, and we’ve noticed a positive difference in his overall health and energy levels. The real chicken as the first ingredient is a huge plus, and we appreciate that it’s formulated specifically for senior dogs’ nutritional needs.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the taste, so it may take some trial and error to find a food that your pup enjoys. Additionally, some owners have reported digestive issues, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction to the food closely.

Overall, we recommend giving IAMS Healthy Aging Adult Dry Dog Food a try if you’re looking for a natural dog food for your senior pup. Just be sure to pay attention to your dog’s individual needs and preferences.

IAMS Healthy Digestion Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken

We highly recommend purchasing IAMS Healthy Digestion Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for your older dog’s dietary needs.

Pros

• This dog food is 100% complete and balanced, containing essential nutrients for whole-body health.
• The recipe supports regularity and healthy stools with a blend of natural fiber and prebiotics, promoting digestive health.
• Made with real farm-raised chicken as the #1 ingredient, this dog food is formulated without wheat, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food.
• The kibble size may be too large for smaller dogs to eat comfortably.
• The price may be higher than other dog food brands.

IAMS Healthy Digestion Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is a great everyday solution for supporting your dog’s whole-body health throughout their life. The recipe supports regularity and healthy stools with a blend of natural fiber and prebiotics, promoting digestive health. Made with real, farm-raised chicken, this dog food is formulated without wheat, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

We have noticed that some dogs may not like the taste of the food, but this can be resolved by gradually introducing the new food into their diet. Additionally, the kibble size may be too large for smaller dogs to eat comfortably, so it’s important to take this into consideration when choosing a dog food. Lastly, the price may be higher than other dog food brands, but we believe the benefits of this product outweigh the cost.

In summary, we highly recommend IAMS Healthy Digestion Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for older dogs in need of digestive support.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Salmon -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) Salmon -amp; Sweet Potato 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that is perfect for older dogs, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice. This salmon and sweet potato recipe is made with real salmon as the first ingredient and features limited, easily digestible, carbohydrate sources. Here are the pros and cons of this product based on our experience:

Pros

• Salmon is the first animal protein source providing essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles.
• Sweet potatoes are included as a grain-free source of fiber to help support digestive health.
• Nutrients from our salmon -amp; sweet potato recipe crafted with nutritious ingredients such as sweet potatoes and flaxseed.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of salmon.
• The price may be higher than some other dog food brands.
• The kibble size may be too large for smaller dogs.

In our experience, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for older dogs. The limited ingredient formula is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs, irritable skin, or allergies. The recipe is crafted with nutritious ingredients such as sweet potatoes and flaxseed, making it a complete and balanced meal for your dog.

One of the best things about this dog food is that it is made with limited animal protein sources and no added grain, soy, gluten, or artificial colors or flavors. This makes it an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

We also appreciate that Natural Balance’s ‘Feed with Confidence’ program tests every batch of food from start to finish, ensuring safety with every bite. You can validate the bag on their site or call their Customer Care Team of Registered Veterinary Technicians to ensure that you’re feeding your dog a safe and high-quality product.

Overall, we highly recommend Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for older dogs. It’s a high-quality, nutritious, and safe option that will help keep your dog healthy and happy.

Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your senior furry friend, Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Provides high-quality ingredients like real chicken, lamb, and salmon for abundant flavor and gourmet nutrition.
• Tailored and designed specifically to meet the unique needs of senior dogs.
• Contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this food.
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.
• Some customers have reported issues with the packaging.

Our senior dog loves Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food. The high-quality ingredients, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient, provide him with the nutrients he needs to stay healthy. We appreciate that this food is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of senior dogs, and that it contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints.

One downside is that some dogs may not like the taste of this food, so it may take some trial and error to find the right food for your furry friend. Additionally, this food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Overall, we highly recommend Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food for any senior dog in need of a high-quality, nutritious diet.

IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Weight Control Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken, 15 lb. Bag

If you are looking for a natural dog food that helps maintain a healthy weight for your older furry friend, IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Weight Control Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is a great option.

Pros

• Contains L-carnitine and less fat to support healthy weight in adult dogs
• Wholesome grains provide essential nutrients and carbohydrates for healthy energy
• Supports strong, firm muscles with protein sourced from chicken and egg

Cons

• May cause gas in some dogs
• Not suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste

We have been using this product for a few months now and have noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s weight and energy levels. The premium nutrition with L-carnitine and less fat has helped maintain a healthy weight for our older dog without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

The wholesome grains provide essential nutrients and carbohydrates for healthy energy, which has helped our dog stay active and playful. We have also noticed an improvement in our dog’s muscle strength and firmness, thanks to the protein sourced from chicken and egg.

However, we have noticed that this product may cause gas in some dogs, so it may not be suitable for all furry friends. Additionally, if your dog has certain dietary restrictions, this product may not be the best option for them. Lastly, some dogs may not enjoy the taste, so it may take some time to transition them to this food.

Overall, we highly recommend IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Weight Control Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for older dogs who need help maintaining a healthy weight and energy levels.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend the Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food for older dogs. This dog food is made with real beef, peas, and brown rice, which provides a balanced and nutritious meal for your furry friend.

Pros

• Contains real beef as the first ingredient, which supports healthy organs and maintains lean muscle mass.
• Includes Nutrish’s Whole Health Blend, which helps support a healthy mind, body, and energy level.
• A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this product will be donated to The Rachael Ray Foundation, which helps animals in need.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the beef, pea, and brown rice recipe.
• The kibble size may be too big for smaller dogs.
• The 40-pound bag may be too heavy for some pet owners to lift.

We have been using the Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food for a few months now, and our older dog loves it. The real beef, pea, and brown rice recipe provides a balanced meal that supports his overall health and well-being. We also appreciate that a portion of the proceeds goes to help animals in need.

The Nutrish’s Whole Health Blend is a great addition to this dog food. It includes omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, antioxidants from superfoods, and whole grains that help maintain balanced energy levels. Our dog seems to have more energy and is more active since we started using this dog food.

One downside is that some dogs may not like the taste of the beef, pea, and brown rice recipe. We recommend starting with a small bag to see if your dog likes it before purchasing the 40-pound bag. Additionally, the kibble size may be too big for smaller dogs, so it’s important to consider your dog’s size before purchasing.

Overall, the Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food is a great choice for older dogs. It provides a balanced and nutritious meal that supports their overall health and well-being.

Blue Buffalo Small Breed Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality natural dog food for your small breed senior dog, Blue Buffalo Small Breed Dog Food is a great option. Our experience with this product has been fantastic and we highly recommend it.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient, providing a protein-rich diet that maintains higher metabolisms of small breed dogs.
• Contains essential proteins and carbs to support higher energy requirements of small breed dogs.
• Contains immunity-boosting LifeSource Bits, which are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

Cons

• The kibble size is small, which may not be suitable for larger breed dogs.
• The price point is higher compared to other dog food brands.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food.

Blue Buffalo Small Breed Dog Food is made with premium ingredients and contains no chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy. The LifeSource Bits contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance. We have noticed a significant improvement in our senior dog’s energy levels since switching to this product.

The formula is specifically tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of small breed dogs. The packaging may vary, but each bag contains 15 pounds of dry dog food. We appreciate that the manufacturer makes slight adjustments to their formulas from time to time without impacting the guaranteed analysis or introducing new allergens.

Overall, Blue Buffalo Small Breed Dog Food is a great choice for senior small breed dogs. The natural ingredients and immunity-boosting LifeSource Bits make it a healthy option for your furry friend.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best natural dog food for older dogs, there are a few key features to keep in mind. Here are some things to consider when making your selection:

Nutritional Needs

Older dogs have different nutritional needs than younger dogs, so it’s important to choose a food that is specifically formulated for their age group. Look for a food that is high in protein and low in fat, with added vitamins and minerals to support joint health and overall well-being.

Ingredients

The ingredients in your dog’s food can make a big difference in their overall health and well-being. Look for a food that is made with high-quality, whole-food ingredients, such as real meat, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid foods that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.

Grain-Free Options

Some older dogs may have trouble digesting grains, so it’s worth considering a grain-free option. Grain-free foods are made with alternative sources of carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes or peas, which can be easier on your dog’s digestive system.

Size and Texture

As dogs age, they may have trouble chewing and swallowing larger pieces of food. Look for a food that is easy to chew and has a texture that your dog can easily handle. You may also want to consider a smaller kibble size or a wet food option.

Price

While price shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision, it’s important to choose a food that fits within your budget. Keep in mind that higher-priced foods may be made with higher-quality ingredients, but that doesn’t always mean they are the best option for your dog. Consider your dog’s individual needs and choose a food that provides the best value for your money.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the best natural dog food for your older dog and help them live a healthy, happy life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top recommended natural diets for aging dogs?

We recommend natural diets that are high in protein, low in fat, and contain essential vitamins and minerals. Look for diets that include lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish, as well as vegetables and fruits like sweet potatoes, carrots, and blueberries. Avoid diets that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.

How can a homemade diet benefit my senior dog?

A homemade diet can provide your senior dog with a personalized, balanced diet that meets their specific nutritional needs. Homemade diets can also be tailored to address any health issues your senior dog may have, such as arthritis or dental issues. However, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to ensure that your homemade diet is nutritionally balanced and meets your dog’s needs.

What are the best soft dry food options for older dogs?

Soft dry food options are a good choice for older dogs with dental issues or difficulty chewing. Look for soft kibble that is easy to chew and digest, and contains high-quality protein sources and essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid soft dry foods that contain fillers or artificial preservatives.

Which natural foods promote joint health in senior dogs with arthritis?

Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, and flaxseed, can help promote joint health in senior dogs with arthritis. Additionally, foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin, such as chicken and beef, can help reduce inflammation and improve joint health.

What is the ideal diet for senior small breed dogs with dental issues?

Senior small breed dogs with dental issues may benefit from a diet that is soft and easy to chew, such as wet food or soft dry food. Look for diets that contain high-quality protein sources and essential vitamins and minerals, and avoid diets that contain fillers or artificial preservatives.

How should I adjust my older dog’s diet to help with weight management?

To help with weight management, we recommend reducing the amount of food you feed your older dog and increasing the amount of exercise they get. Look for diets that are low in fat and calories, and high in protein and fiber. Additionally, consider feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to help keep them feeling full.