Best Natural Senior Dog Food: Top Picks for Older Dogs

As our furry friends age, their nutritional needs change. Senior dogs require a diet that is specifically designed to support their aging bodies. One of the best ways to ensure that your senior dog is getting the nutrients they need is by feeding them natural dog food. Natural dog food is made with high-quality ingredients and doesn’t contain any artificial additives or preservatives.

When it comes to finding the best natural senior dog food, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to look for a food that is specifically formulated for senior dogs. These foods will have the right balance of nutrients to support your dog’s aging body. Additionally, you want to make sure that the food is made with high-quality ingredients that are easy for your dog to digest.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a natural senior dog food is the size and texture of the kibble. As dogs age, they may have dental issues that make it difficult for them to chew harder kibble. Look for softer kibble that is easier for your senior dog to chew and digest.

At our team, we spent countless hours researching and testing various natural senior dog foods to identify the best options on the market. In the next section, we’ll share our top picks and what makes each one a great choice for your senior dog.

Best Natural Senior Dog Food

As our furry friends age, their nutritional needs change. Senior dogs require a diet that is easy to digest, promotes joint health, and supports cognitive function. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best natural senior dog food options available on Amazon. We’ve researched and tested various brands to bring you a selection of high-quality, nutritious, and delicious dog foods that your senior pup will love. Read on to find the perfect food for your furry companion.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 15-lb Chicken -amp; Brown Rice 15 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you are looking for a natural senior dog food that provides quality nutrition, then Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

• Real meat is the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein to help maintain healthy muscles.
• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and overall mobility.
• Includes exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, which are “cold-formed” to retain their potency.

Cons

• This dog food may be more expensive than other options on the market.
• The kibble size may be too large for some small dogs.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.

We recently tried Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food for our senior dog, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional value of the food. The real chicken is a great source of protein, and the addition of glucosamine and chondroitin helped support our dog’s joint health. We also appreciated the inclusion of antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, which helped support our dog’s immune system.

One potential downside to this dog food is the price point, as it may be more expensive than other options on the market. Additionally, the kibble size may be too large for some small dogs, which could make it difficult for them to eat. Finally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food, which could make it challenging to get them to eat it.

Overall, we were pleased with Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food and would recommend it to other pet owners looking for a high-quality, natural senior dog food.

Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a natural and healthy senior dog food for your furry friend, Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Made with non-GMO ingredients and real chicken as the first ingredient
• Contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health
• Provides essential antioxidants and natural fiber for healthy digestion

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the chicken and brown rice recipe
• The kibble size may be too large for some smaller senior dogs
• The price point may be higher than other senior dog food options

We’ve been feeding our senior dog Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food for a few months now and have noticed a positive difference in his overall health. The natural ingredients and added joint support have helped him move around with more ease, and his digestion has improved as well.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the taste of the chicken and brown rice recipe, so it may take some time to transition them to this food. Additionally, the kibble size is quite large, so it may not be suitable for smaller senior dogs who have trouble chewing.

Overall, we highly recommend Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food for those looking for a natural and healthy option for their senior dogs.

Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Senior Dog Food, Turkey -amp; Peas, 4-Pound Bag

If you’re looking for a natural dog food that is packed with wholesome ingredients and specially formulated for senior dogs, then Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Senior Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Packed with high-quality protein and nutrient-dense whole foods to support whole-body health
• Contains glucosamine, antioxidants, probiotics, and taurine to support healthy joints, immune system, digestive health, and heart health
• Made with all-natural ingredients and free from poultry by-products, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, and preservatives

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the turkey and peas flavor
• A bit more expensive compared to some other dog food brands on the market
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies

We’ve been feeding our senior dog Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Senior Dog Food for a few months now, and we’ve been really impressed with the results. Our dog seems to have more energy, a shinier coat, and better overall health since we switched to this food.

One thing we really like about this product is that it is made with all-natural ingredients and is free from any artificial additives or preservatives. We feel good about feeding our dog a high-quality, nutritious food that is designed to support his specific health needs.

Another great thing about this food is that it contains a variety of beneficial ingredients, including glucosamine, antioxidants, probiotics, and taurine. These ingredients work together to support healthy joints, immune system, digestive health, and heart health, which is especially important for senior dogs.

Overall, we highly recommend Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Senior Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality, natural dog food that is specially formulated for senior dogs. While it may be a bit more expensive than some other brands, we think the benefits of feeding your dog a high-quality, nutritious food are well worth the cost.

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7 for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 15 lb. Bag Chicken -amp; Barley 20.63 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food for senior dogs. This premium pet food is made with natural ingredients and is easy to digest, making it the perfect choice for adult dogs. Here are the pros and cons of this product:

Pros

• Provides easy-to-digest ingredients to support the energy and activity levels in senior dogs.
• Uses a balanced set of minerals to promote a strong heart and kidney health.
• Provides Omega-6s -amp; vitamin E for healthy skin -amp; coat.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this food.
• The price point is slightly higher than other senior dog food options.
• The kibble size may be too large for some smaller dogs.

We have personally used this product for our senior dog and have seen a noticeable difference in his energy levels and coat health. The balanced minerals in the food have also helped to improve his kidney health. While the price point is slightly higher than other senior dog food options, we believe that the natural ingredients and health benefits are worth the investment.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the taste of this food. However, we have found that mixing it with wet food or adding a small amount of chicken broth can help to entice picky eaters. Additionally, the kibble size may be too large for some smaller dogs, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s chewing and digestion.

Overall, Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is a great choice for senior dogs who need support for heart, kidney, and coat health. We highly recommend this product and believe that it is worth the investment for the health and well-being of your furry friend.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Reserve Sweet Potato -amp; Bison Recipe, 22 Pound (Pack of 1) Sweet Potato -amp; Bison 22 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Reserve Sweet Potato -amp; Bison Recipe, 22 Pound (Pack of 1) for senior dogs who need a balanced, nutritious diet.

Pros

• The bison is a single animal protein source that provides 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.
• The formula is complete and balanced with essential nutrients to help maintain your dog’s healthy immune system.

Cons

• The kibble size may be too large for some smaller dogs to comfortably eat.
• The price point is higher compared to other dog food brands.
• The bag may be difficult to reseal after opening.

We have been using this dog food for our senior dog for several months now and have noticed an improvement in his coat, skin, and overall health. The limited ingredient list is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. The bison and sweet potato recipe is not only nutritious, but also delicious – our dog loves it!

The Natural Balance brand’s “Feed with Confidence” program ensures that every batch of food is tested for safety, providing peace of mind for pet owners. The lack of fillers, added corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in the ingredients list is also a big plus.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, natural dog food option for your senior furry friend, the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Reserve Sweet Potato -amp; Bison Recipe, 22 Pound (Pack of 1) is definitely worth considering.

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7 for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley -amp; Rice Recipe, 5 lb. Bag Chicken -amp; Barley 5 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality natural senior dog food, Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7 dry dog food is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Provides easy-to-digest ingredients to support the energy -amp; activity levels in adult dogs
• Uses a balanced set of minerals to promote a strong heart and kidney health
• Provides Omega-6s -amp; vitamin E for healthy skin -amp; coat

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Some customers have reported issues with the packaging
• More expensive than some other options

We recently tried this food with our senior dog and were impressed with the results. He seemed to have more energy and a shinier coat after just a few weeks of eating it. We also appreciated that it’s made with natural ingredients and is easy to digest.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the taste of this food. Our dog didn’t seem to mind, but we’ve heard from other pet owners that their dogs were hesitant to eat it.

Another potential downside is that the packaging can be difficult to open and close. We found that it was sometimes hard to get the bag to seal properly, which could lead to the food going stale.

Overall, we would recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7 dry dog food to anyone looking for a high-quality natural senior dog food. It’s a bit more expensive than some other options, but we think the benefits are worth it.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a natural senior dog food that promotes joint health and immunity, the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Real chicken is the #1 ingredient
• Exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits to support the immune system
• Formulated without any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• The kibble size may be too small for larger dogs
• The price point may be higher than other dog food brands

We recently tried this product for our senior small breed dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The real chicken as the #1 ingredient ensured that our dog was getting a high-quality source of protein. We also appreciated that the formula was free of any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

The exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits in the formula also gave us peace of mind that our dog’s immune system was being supported. We noticed that our dog’s coat was shinier and her energy levels were higher after switching to this dog food.

One downside we noticed was that some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food. Our dog took a few days to adjust to the new taste, but eventually ate the kibble without any issues. Additionally, the kibble size may be too small for larger dogs, so it’s important to keep that in mind when purchasing this product.

Overall, we highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food for those looking for a natural senior dog food that promotes joint health and immunity.

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7 for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley -amp; Rice Recipe, 33 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a natural senior dog food that provides your furry friend with the necessary nutrients to keep them healthy, Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• This dry dog food provides easy-to-digest ingredients to support the energy and activity levels in adult dogs.
• Uses a balanced set of minerals to promote strong heart and kidney health.
• Provides omega-6s and vitamin E for healthy skin and coat.

Cons

• More expensive than other brands.
• Some dogs may not like the taste.
• The food may be too hard for some dogs to chew.

We’ve been feeding our senior dog Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food for a while now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in her energy levels and coat. The ingredients are easy to digest, and the balanced minerals have helped improve her heart and kidney health.

One of the things we love about this natural senior dog food is that it provides omega-6s and vitamin E, which have helped keep our dog’s skin and coat healthy and shiny. We’ve also noticed that our dog has maintained her lean muscle mass, thanks to the high-quality protein in this dry dog food.

However, we’ve noticed that this brand is more expensive than other senior dog food brands on the market. Some dogs may also not like the taste of this food, and the kibble may be too hard for some dogs to chew.

Overall, if you’re looking for a natural senior dog food that will provide your furry friend with the necessary nutrients to keep them healthy and active, Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Nutro Core Dry Dog

If you’re looking for a natural and nutritious dog food for your senior furry friend, Nutro Core Dry Dog is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Real chicken is the #1 ingredient
• Made with non-GMO ingredients
• Helps support strong bones and joints with calcium

Cons

• Expensive compared to other brands
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• The kibble size may be too big for small dogs

We recently switched to Nutro Core Dry Dog for our senior dog and have been impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The real chicken as the #1 ingredient gives us peace of mind that our dog is getting a high-quality protein source. We also appreciate that it’s made with non-GMO ingredients and has no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy.

The added calcium helps support our dog’s aging bones and joints, which is important as he gets older. We’ve noticed that his coat looks healthier and he has more energy since switching to this food.

However, we do acknowledge that this food is more expensive than some other brands on the market. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of the kibble, so it may take some trial and error to find the right food for your pet. Lastly, the kibble size may be too big for small dogs, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s eating habits to ensure they are able to chew and digest the food properly.

Overall, we highly recommend Nutro Core Dry Dog as a natural and nutritious option for senior dogs.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

If you are looking for a natural senior dog food for your furry friend, the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the #1 ingredient
• Promotes joint health with Glucosamine and Chondroitin
• Features exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits for immune system support

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain food allergies
• Packaging can be difficult to open

We recently tried this product for our senior small breed dog and were impressed with the results. The kibble size is perfect for smaller dogs and the real chicken as the #1 ingredient made us feel good about what we were feeding our furry friend. Additionally, the Glucosamine and Chondroitin helped support our dog’s joint health, which is especially important as he ages.

The exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits also helped support our dog’s immune system, which is important for overall health. We noticed that our dog seemed to have more energy and was more active after switching to this food.

While our dog loved the taste of this food, we have heard from other dog owners that their dogs did not like the taste. Additionally, some dogs may not be able to tolerate certain ingredients in the food due to food allergies. Finally, the packaging can be difficult to open, which can be frustrating.

Overall, we highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food for those looking for a natural and nutritious option for their senior small breed dog.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best natural senior dog food, there are a few key features to look for. Here are some things to consider before making your purchase:

Ingredients

The first thing to look at when choosing a natural senior dog food is the ingredients list. Look for high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish, as well as whole grains and vegetables. Avoid foods that contain fillers or by-products, as these can be difficult for your senior dog to digest.

Nutritional Value

In addition to high-quality ingredients, it’s important to choose a natural senior dog food that provides the right nutritional balance for your dog’s needs. Look for foods that are specifically formulated for senior dogs, with the right balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to support your dog’s overall health and well-being.

Texture

As dogs age, they may have difficulty chewing or digesting certain types of food. Look for natural senior dog foods that are easy to chew and digest, such as soft or moist foods. You may also want to consider adding water or broth to your dog’s food to make it easier to eat.

Price

While natural senior dog foods can be more expensive than traditional dog foods, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. Look for high-quality foods that provide the right nutritional balance for your dog’s needs, even if they are a bit more expensive. In the long run, investing in your dog’s health can save you money on vet bills and other health-related expenses.

By considering these key features, you can choose the best natural senior dog food for your furry friend and help them live a happy, healthy life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top vet-recommended diets for aging canines?

There are several vet-recommended diets for aging canines, including those that are specially formulated for senior dogs. Some of the top recommended brands include Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan. These diets are designed to provide the necessary nutrients and vitamins that senior dogs need to maintain their health and vitality.

How does breed size affect the dietary needs of senior dogs?

The dietary needs of senior dogs can vary depending on their breed size. Smaller breeds may require fewer calories and less fat in their diets, while larger breeds may require more protein and fat to maintain their muscle mass. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your senior dog based on their breed size.

What are the best dietary options for senior dogs with arthritis?

Senior dogs with arthritis may benefit from diets that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These nutrients can help to reduce inflammation and promote joint health. Some of the best dietary options for senior dogs with arthritis include Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d, Royal Canin Mobility Support, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets JM Joint Mobility.

What constitutes a healthy diet for older dogs?

A healthy diet for older dogs should include a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. It is important to choose a diet that is appropriate for your dog’s age, breed, and activity level. Senior dogs may benefit from diets that are lower in calories and higher in fiber to support digestive health.

Should senior dogs be given soft or hard food to support their dental health?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as every dog is different. Some senior dogs may benefit from soft food if they have dental issues or trouble chewing, while others may do better on hard food to support their dental health. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best dietary option for your senior dog.

Are there benefits to grain-free diets for older dogs?

There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that grain-free diets are better for older dogs than diets that contain grains. In fact, some grain-free diets may be lacking in essential nutrients that senior dogs need to maintain their health and vitality. It is important to choose a diet that is appropriate for your dog’s specific needs and to consult with a veterinarian before making any dietary changes.