Best Food for Old Dogs: Top Picks for Optimal Health

As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. What they eat can have a significant impact on their overall health and well-being. Choosing the right food for your senior dog is crucial to ensure they receive the proper nutrients to support their aging bodies.

When it comes to selecting the best food for old dogs, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, the food should be specifically formulated for senior dogs. This means it will contain the appropriate balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to support their aging bodies.

Another critical factor to consider is the quality of the ingredients. Look for foods that contain high-quality sources of protein, such as chicken or fish, as well as whole grains and vegetables. Avoid foods that contain fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives.

In addition to the nutritional content, the size and texture of the food are also important considerations. Senior dogs may have dental issues or a decreased appetite, so a smaller kibble size or a softer texture may be easier for them to eat.

At We Know Pets, we spent countless hours researching and testing various brands of senior dog food to identify the ones that provide the best nutrition and taste for your furry friend. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and what makes them stand out from the rest.

Best Food for Old Dogs

As our furry friends age, their nutritional needs change. It’s important to provide them with a diet that supports their aging bodies and keeps them healthy and happy. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best food options for old dogs. Our list includes a variety of options to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Read on to find the perfect food for your senior pup.

IAMS Healthy Aging Adult Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a balanced and nutritious food option for your senior dog, IAMS Healthy Aging Adult Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Real farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient promotes healthy bones and joints.
• Antioxidants support a strong immune system.
• Complete and balanced nutrition with high-quality animal protein and no artificial preservatives, flavors, or fillers.

Cons

• Some users have reported difficulty finding the expiration date on the bag.
• A few customers have mentioned that their dogs still seemed hungry after eating this food.
• Not all dogs may enjoy the taste or texture of the food.

We recently started feeding our senior dog IAMS Healthy Aging Adult Dry Dog Food, and we’ve been impressed with the results. The real chicken as the first ingredient gives us peace of mind that our dog is getting the protein she needs to maintain her bones and joints as she ages. We’ve also noticed an improvement in her coat and energy level since switching to this food.

One thing to note is that some users have reported difficulty finding the expiration date on the bag, so it’s important to check carefully before purchasing. Additionally, while most dogs seem to enjoy the taste and texture of the food, a few customers have mentioned that their dogs still seemed hungry after eating it.

Overall, we think IAMS Healthy Aging Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option for senior dogs who need a balanced and nutritious diet. It’s made with high-quality ingredients and doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives, flavors, or fillers. We would definitely recommend giving it a try!

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 11 for Senior Dogs, Small Paws, Chicken Meal, Barley -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 4.5 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a dog food that supports your senior dog’s overall health, Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is worth considering.

Pros

• Supports joint and mobility health with omega-3s from fish oil
• Balanced minerals promote heart, kidney, and bladder health
• Nourishing omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E promote healthy skin and coat

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• More expensive than some other brands
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We recently started feeding this food to our 12-year-old Chihuahua mix, and we’ve noticed a difference in his mobility and overall health. The smaller kibble size is perfect for his little mouth, and he seems to enjoy the taste. We also appreciate that the ingredients are natural and that the food contains an antioxidant blend to support his immune system.

One thing to keep in mind is that this food is more expensive than some other brands, but we believe that the benefits are worth the cost. Additionally, if your dog has specific dietary restrictions, this food may not be suitable for them.

Overall, we recommend Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food for senior dogs who need extra support for their overall health.

Purina ONE High Protein Dry Senior Dog Food Plus Vibrant Maturity Adult 7 Plus Formula

If you’re looking for a dog food that promotes mental sharpness and supports strong muscles, Purina ONE High Protein Dry Senior Dog Food Plus Vibrant Maturity Adult 7 Plus Formula is a great option.

Pros

• The MCT-rich vegetable oil nourishes and promotes mental sharpness.
• The high protein dog food starts with real chicken as the number 1 ingredient and supports strong muscles, including a healthy heart.
• Four antioxidant sources in this Purina dog food support a strong immune system, and natural sources of glucosamine for dogs help support his joints.

Cons

• Some dogs might not like the taste of the food.
• The price is a bit higher compared to other brands.
• The size of the kibble might be too big for smaller dogs.

We’ve been using this dog food for our senior dog and have noticed an improvement in her activity level. The MCT-rich vegetable oil has definitely helped with her mental sharpness. We also love that the dog food is made with 0 percent fillers and features a highly digestible formula. The deliciously crunchy bites and tender meaty morsels provide the Purina ONE dry dog food taste and textures dogs love and work with added calcium to support strong teeth and healthy gums.

The natural sources of glucosamine for dogs help support her joints, which is important for an older dog. We’ve also noticed an improvement in her coat and skin health, thanks to the omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in the dog food.

Overall, we highly recommend Purina ONE High Protein Dry Senior Dog Food Plus Vibrant Maturity Adult 7 Plus Formula for anyone looking for a dog food that promotes mental sharpness and supports strong muscles.

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin, Chicken Recipe, 30 lb. Bag Chicken -amp; Barley 3.75 Gallon (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that promotes digestive health and nourishes skin, Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin, Chicken Recipe, 30 lb. Bag Chicken -amp; Barley 3.75 Gallon (Pack of 1) is a fantastic choice.

Pros

• Promotes digestive health while nourishing skin
• Highly digestible for optimal nutrient absorption -amp; easier stool pick-up
• Packed with vitamin E -amp; Omega-6 fatty acids to help your grown dog get a lustrous coat and healthy skin

Cons

• May not be suitable for all dogs with sensitive stomachs
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Price may be higher than other dog food brands

We’ve been using Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin, Chicken Recipe, 30 lb. Bag Chicken -amp; Barley 3.75 Gallon (Pack of 1) for a few months now and have noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s digestive health and skin. The prebiotic fiber in the dog food has helped to support a balanced gut microbiome, and our dog’s coat is now shiny and healthy.

One of the best things about this dog food is that it’s highly digestible, which means our dog is able to absorb all the necessary nutrients and we don’t have to worry about difficult stool pick-up. We also appreciate that it’s made with natural ingredients and provides an excellent source of vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids.

While we’ve had great success with this dog food, we understand that it may not be suitable for all dogs with sensitive stomachs. Some dogs may not like the taste, and the price may be higher than other dog food brands. Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin, Chicken Recipe, 30 lb. Bag Chicken -amp; Barley 3.75 Gallon (Pack of 1) for anyone looking to provide their dog with a healthy and balanced diet.

NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Bites Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble

If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious food option for your old dog, this NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Bites Adult Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with real lamb for a protein-rich recipe
• Smaller kibble size for dogs that prefer it
• Contains essential nutrients and antioxidants for whole-body health in adult dogs

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the flavor
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions
• A bit pricier than other options on the market

We recently tried this food for our senior dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The real lamb as the first ingredient is a plus, and the smaller kibble size was perfect for our dog who prefers it. We also noticed an improvement in his overall health and energy levels after switching to this food.

However, some dogs may not be a fan of the flavor and it may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions. Additionally, it is a bit pricier than some other options on the market. Overall, we would recommend this food for its high quality ingredients and positive impact on our dog’s health.

NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your small breed adult dog, NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe is worth considering.

Pros

• Real chicken is the #1 ingredient, making it a protein-rich recipe.
• Contains Omega 3 -amp; 6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin -amp; a soft, shiny coat.
• Formulated with calcium to support strong bones and joints.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste.
• The bag’s resealable closure may rip away from the packaging.
• Slightly more expensive than some other dog foods.

We’ve been using this dog food for our small breed dog for a few months now and have noticed a significant improvement in her coat and overall health. The kibble size is perfect for her small mouth, and she seems to enjoy the taste. We appreciate that it’s formulated without chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein, and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or artificial preservatives.

One thing to note is that the bag’s resealable closure may rip away from the packaging, so we recommend transferring the food to an airtight container. Additionally, while it’s not the most expensive dog food on the market, it is slightly more expensive than some other options.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your small breed adult dog, NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option to consider.

NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal for your small breed senior dog, NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the first ingredient, providing a protein-rich meal for your dog.
• Contains essential antioxidants to support your dog’s aging immune system, helping them stay healthy and active.
• Formulated with calcium to support strong bones and joints, helping your dog stay mobile and comfortable.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the kibble size is too small, making it difficult for larger dogs to eat.
• A few customers have reported that their dogs did not enjoy the taste of this food.
• The price point may be higher than some other dog foods on the market.

We recently tried this food with our senior Chihuahua, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional value of the food. Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste, and we noticed that he had more energy and seemed more comfortable after eating this food regularly.

One thing to note is that the kibble size is quite small, which may be a downside for larger dogs or those who prefer larger kibble. However, for small breed dogs, this size is perfect and easy to eat.

Overall, we would recommend NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe to anyone looking for a high-quality, nutritious food for their small breed senior dog.

NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble, 30 lb. Bag Chicken 30 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your senior furry friend, we highly recommend NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Senior Dry Dog Food. Made with non-GMO ingredients and real chicken as the #1 ingredient, this dog food is perfect for dogs aged 7 and older.

Pros

• The high-quality protein source helps to support your senior dog’s muscles and overall health.
• This dog food is made with natural fiber to aid in healthy digestion.
• NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Senior Dry Dog Food contains essential antioxidants that are crucial for supporting your senior dog’s immune system.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the price is a bit high compared to other dog foods on the market.
• A few customers have noted that their dogs did not enjoy the taste of this dog food.
• The kibble size may be a bit large for some smaller breeds.

We’ve been using NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Senior Dry Dog Food for our senior dog for several months now, and we’ve been extremely pleased with the results. Our dog seems to enjoy the taste of the chicken and brown rice recipe, and we’ve noticed an improvement in her overall health and energy levels.

One thing we love about this dog food is that it’s made with non-GMO ingredients, which gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re feeding our dog high-quality, healthy food. We also appreciate that this dog food contains natural fiber, which has helped to regulate our dog’s digestion.

Overall, we highly recommend NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Senior Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food for their senior furry friend. While it may be a bit pricier than some other options, we believe that the benefits are well worth the cost.

Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Senior Dogs, Life Protection Formula, Natural Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Flavor, Senior Dry Dog Food, 30 lb Bag Chicken -amp; Brown Rice 30 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you have an old dog, you know how important it is to feed them with the right food. Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Senior Dogs is specially formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of senior dogs. We highly recommend this product for its high-quality ingredients, immunity-boosting LifeSource Bits, and support for joint and hip health.

Pros

• Real chicken as the first ingredient provides a protein-rich diet to keep older dogs active.
• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and overall mobility.
• LifeSource Bits contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

Cons

• A bit pricey compared to other senior dog food brands.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The packaging may vary.

Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Senior Dogs is made with premium ingredients and contains no chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy. It’s a high-quality, balanced recipe that you can both feel great about. The immunity-boosting LifeSource Bits are cold-formed to retain their potency, making them an excellent source of essential nutrients for your senior dog.

The glucosamine and chondroitin in this diet help support joint and hip health for overall mobility. This is especially important for senior dogs who may have trouble getting around. The essential proteins and carbohydrates in this food also help keep older dogs feeling lively and youthful.

We love that real chicken is the first ingredient in this dog food, providing a protein-rich diet to keep older dogs active. The natural ingredients in this food are also great for your dog’s coat, heart, and eyes. However, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food, so it’s important to introduce it gradually.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Senior Dogs for its high-quality ingredients and support for joint and hip health. It’s a bit pricey compared to other senior dog food brands, but the benefits are well worth it. Give your senior dog the balanced nutrition of BLUE Life Protection Formula today.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein, Natural Senior Dry Dog Food, Red Meat with Grain 28 lb bag

We highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein, Natural Senior Dry Dog Food for owners of senior dogs who want to provide their furry companions with a high-quality diet that meets their unique nutritional needs.

Pros

• Packed with real red meat to satisfy your dog’s innate cravings
• Includes wholesome grains for a truly balanced diet that meets your senior dog’s unique energy needs
• Contains antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance

Cons

• May cause gas in some dogs
• Expensive compared to other senior dog food options
• May not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies

We recently switched our senior dog to the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein, Natural Senior Dry Dog Food, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. Our dog loves the taste of the real red meat and wholesome grains, and we love that it contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, no corn, wheat, or soy, and no artificial flavors or preservatives.

One of the standout features of this dog food is the antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, which provide a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance. We’ve noticed that our dog’s coat is shinier and her overall health has improved since we made the switch.

While the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein, Natural Senior Dry Dog Food is more expensive than some other senior dog food options, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the health benefits it provides are worth the extra cost. However, we do want to note that it may not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies.

Overall, we highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein, Natural Senior Dry Dog Food for owners of senior dogs who want to provide their furry companions with a high-quality diet that meets their unique nutritional needs.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying food for your old dog, there are a few things that you should keep in mind to ensure that you are making the best choice for your furry friend. Here are some features that you should look for when choosing the best product for your senior dog:

Nutritional Requirements

Older dogs have different nutritional requirements compared to their younger counterparts. They require a diet that is lower in calories but higher in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Look for dog food that is specially formulated for senior dogs as it will contain the right balance of nutrients to keep your dog healthy.

Ingredients

The quality and source of ingredients in dog food are crucial. Always check the ingredient list before making a purchase. Look for high-quality protein sources like chicken, turkey, or fish. Avoid dog food that contains fillers, artificial preservatives, and colors.

Texture

Older dogs may have dental issues, making it difficult for them to chew hard kibble. Soft and moist food may be a better option for them. However, it’s important to note that soft food can stick to their teeth, leading to dental problems. Consider a mix of both soft and hard food to provide a variety of textures for your dog.

Brand Reputation

Choose a reputable brand that has a good track record of producing high-quality dog food. Research the brand’s history and read reviews from other dog owners to ensure that you are making the best choice for your dog.

By keeping these features in mind, you can choose the best food for your old dog that will keep them healthy and happy.