As your precious pet begins to age, you’ll notice that, just like humans, they will start to show signs of aging — they become slower, and their body seems to be wearing out. They’ll prefer to stay indoors and may be less active than before, requiring more attention from their humans. This will let you know that it’s time to switch to the best senior dog food — one of the most important factors when it comes to keeping dogs of every breed healthy.
Aging pets may have to deal with a lot of health issues, some common ones are obesity, arthritis, lower immunity, and decreased cognitive function. So it’s important that you choose a food specially tailored to help with these conditions. Plus, it’s also important for you to prioritize high-quality protein in senior dog food, since as dogs get older, it gets harder and harder for them to absorb nutrients.
Keep reading to learn more about how to choose the best senior dog food and how to tell if your pet is ready for a change in their diet.
How to Tell If My Dog Needs Senior Dog Food
There are four common signs that can indicate that you need to switch your pet to senior dog food:
You Notice Visible Signs of Aging
There isn’t a specific age when it comes to determining if a dog is a senior, however, typically, you’ll start to notice some evident changes in your pet when they’re between 5 to 10 years — they may gain weight, sleep more, or their overall physical appearance will start to deteriorate.
There Are Changes in Weight
Older dogs typically may have a larger appetite, which in turn can lead to weight gain. However, this isn’t the case for all aging dogs — some of them may become picky with their food, which will cause them to lose weight. This is why it’s important for you to weigh your furry friend frequently.
Your Pet Is Facing Digestive Issues
Generally, senior dogs begin to face digestive issues such as gassiness or flatulence — watch out for foul smells. This could mean that your dog requires a change in food to address dietary challenges.
There Are Behavioral Changes
You might witness your dog behaving out of the usual — they won’t be as active as they once were and they may prefer to sleep more than usual. We suggest that you let them rest for longer periods, because at this life stage, they require it.
If you notice any or all of these signs, and if your pet is between 5-10 years of age, it may mean that you need to switch to a dog food that’s specifically made for seniors.
How to Choose the Best Senior Dog Food
The following are a few tips to help your pet effortlessly transition to a senior dog food:
Opt for the Senior Version of Your Pet’s Current Food
If your four-legged companion is ready to make the change to senior dog food, we suggest that you first check if the current brand and variant that they’re consuming comes in a senior version. This will prevent any digestive issues from occurring — something that’s very common when you change your dog’s diet.
Choose a Food Similar to Their Current Food
If you’re unable to find the senior version of your dog’s current food, the next best option is to look for a dog food that’s similar. Consider ingredients, nutrient profiles, and the type of food (wet or dry).
Look for a Size-specific Dog Food
Senior dog food comes in options for all breeds and sizes; look for one that matches your dog’s description. This way, you can ensure that the food was crafted with your pet’s requirements in mind.
Talk to Your Vet
If your fur baby has specific needs, health issues, or disease risks, we suggest that you consult your vet to get the best recommendations, tailored to your pooch’s requirements. This way, you can manage their conditions, and sometimes you may have to feed your pet food that may not be available over the counter.
The Best Senior Dog Food to Buy in 2025
If you’re confused about which food to pick, we get it! There are so many brands out there offering different formulas — it can get confusing for any dog parent! We’ve done all of the research for you. Just sit back and scroll away to learn a bit more about our recommendations
BEST OVERALL
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior
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Why We Love
Promotes a better coat
Contains natural prebiotic fiber
Strengthens the bones and teeth
Made with deboned chicken
Made in the USA
Cold-formed to preserve potency
But…
Premium price point
Featuring real chicken as the first ingredient in this formula, you can rest assured that your pet is getting high-quality protein that helps build and maintain healthy muscles. The recipe also contains wholesome grains, garden veggies, and fruits, along with glucosamine and chondroitin that promote good joint health and overall mobility. The best part is that it contains unique LifeSource Bits, which is a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that have been meticulously selected by experts to support immunity, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.
To add on, all of the ingredients are natural and there are no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives present. The perfectly balanced essential proteins and carbohydrates will provide your pet with the energy they require to stay active.
Best Wet Food for Senior Dogs
Purina ONE +Plus Classic Ground Vibrant Maturity
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Why We Love
Made in the USA
Comes in a pack of 12 cans
Priced well
Suitable for picky eaters
Meets the needs of dogs who are 7+ years
Contains visible vegetables
But…
Cans get easily damaged
This wet dog food for seniors contains added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that help promote healthy skin and coat, while MCTs will make your pet more active and alert. Real turkey is the main ingredient in this high-protein recipe, helping support strong muscles. Moreover, it offers 100% nutrition and there are no fillers added — every ingredient serves a purpose.
Made by a veterinarian-recommended brand, you don’t have to worry about the safety of this product. It is specially crafted with mature dogs in mind and is devoid of any poultry by-products.
Best Senior Dog Food for Large-breeds
Royal Canin Large Aging
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Why We Love
Low in fat
Suitable for sensitive digestive systems
Increases energy
Savory aroma
Satisfying texture
Unique kibble shape
But…
May not be suitable for picky eaters
This dry dog food from Royal Canin offers precise nutrition for large dogs that are 8 years or older, weighing around 56-100 lbs. The recipe contains a unique blend of antioxidants that supports long-life vitality, helping your pet remain healthy as they age. Furthermore, it also improves the bone and joint health of large senior breed dogs — something that’s very important as they age.
Additionally, since it contains easy-to-digest proteins and balanced fiber, you don’t have to worry about your pooch facing digestive issues. The best part is the large-sized rehydratable kibble — it’s easy to chew and perfect for senior dogs’ jaws.
Best Premium Senior Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet Savory Stew With Beef & Vegetables Adult 7+
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Why We Love
Comes in a pack of 12
Highly nutritious
Contains high-quality ingredients
Ensures optimal nutrient absorption
Contains Keeps your dog fit
Triple Easy to digest
But…
Hard to open the cans
Formulated with high-quality protein, this wet dog food is ideal for helping your senior pooch maintain lean muscle. All of the ingredients present in this recipe are natural and serve a purpose. It’s very easy to digest, too – your mature pet will love this food.
Additionally, it contains a balanced set of minerals that helps promote a healthy heart, kidneys, and bones in aging dogs. Here’s what a customer has to say on Amazon — “My fur baby absolutely loves this food. He has a sensitive stomach and with this food, his stomach doesn’t get upset”.
Best Senior Dog Food for Strong Muscles
Nutro Ultra The Superfood Plate Senior
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Why We Love
Made with chicken, lamb, and salmon
No chicken by-product meal
No artificial flavors or preservatives
No corn, wheat, or soy protein
Promotes radiant skin and coat
Made with renewable electricity
But…
Some dogs may not like the upgraded formula
Super high in protein, this dry dog food contains premium ingredients such as a trio of animal proteins and an exclusive blend of 14 superfoods – it’s both flavorful and nutritious at the same time. Real chicken is the first ingredient in the recipe, and it helps support strong muscles and a lean body. Plus, you can rest assured that the formula is tailored to meet your senior pet’s health needs.
To add to the goodness, it contains essential antioxidants that support healthy immunity. With natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, it also helps promote healthy joints.
Best High-protein Senior Dog Food
Nulo Freestyle Grain-free Senior Trout & Sweet Potato Recipe
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Why We Love
Contains no corn, wheat gluten, or soy
Made with no artificial additives
Supports weight control
Grain-free formula
Made with high-quality ingredients
But…
Some dogs might not like the taste at first
Nulo’s Freestyle Grain-free Senior Dog Food takes care of your aging pet — it contains BC30 probiotics and chondroitin sulfate that offers hip and joint support. The formula is high in protein and low in carbohydrates — it contains 74% animal-based protein, high levels of amino acids, fewer carbs, and a low glycemic index. Additionally, there’s no chicken or egg present — most dogs don’t digest these proteins well.
Furthermore, GanedenBC30 biotic promotes healthy gut flora which aids digestion, enhances the metabolism, and increases immunity. Plus. The recipe also features L-Carnitine for weight management, and it is manufactured right here in the USA.
Best Senior Dog Food for Energy
Eukanuba Senior Mature Large Breed
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Why We Love
Keeps your dog healthy and active
Cleans the teeth
Promotes healthy gums
Contains vitamin E
Maintains mobile joints
50% more glucosamine than regular senior dog food
But…
May not be safe for dogs with sensitivities
As one of the best senior dog foods for large breeds, this dry dog food offers complete and balanced nutrition for pets over 7 years weighing 55 lbs or more. The formula contains chondroitin sulfate and 50% more glucosamine, both of which help keep the joints mobile and support lean muscle maintenance. Moreover, the DHA and antioxidants present aid in healthy brain function.
What’s great is that it features optimal levels of fats and carbohydrates to help fuel your senior pet’s daily activity levels. The guaranteed antioxidant levels also ensure that your pooch’s natural defenses stay up.
Best Vet-recommended Senior Dog Food
IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Aging
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Why We Love
Promotes mental and visual sharpness
Boosts immune response
Supports healthy digestion
Formulated with essential nutrients
The crunchy kibble scrubs the teeth
Provides energy
But…
Creates foul-smelling gas
Formulated to support healthy bones and joints, this dog food contains a balance of key nutrients for senior dogs — real, farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient in the recipe. Recommended by veterinarians, the kibble is made with a wholesome blend of fiber and prebiotics that promotes a healthy digestive system. Additionally, added antioxidants help strengthen the immune system.
The best part is that it offers complete and balanced nutrition to your pooch — it features high-quality animal protein with no artificial preservatives, flavors, or fillers. Lastly, it’s made in the USA with ingredients sourced from across the globe.
Best Complete And Balanced Nutrition for Senior Dogs
Diamond Naturals Senior Dog Chicken, Egg, & Oatmeal Formula
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Why We Love
Made in the USA
Crafted with high-quality ingredients
Good flavor
Value for money
Contains superfoods
Brightly colored vegetables and fruits are present
But…
Packaging isn’t great
Crafted with cage-free chicken, along with chia seeds and quinoa, this senior dry dog food provides optimal protein for your pet’s bones and muscles, helping them stay fit and active. Guaranteed levels of glucosamine and chondroitin help support their joints and cartilage. Moreover, antioxidants and phytonutrients from superfoods strengthen the immune system, helping your pooch lead a healthy lifestyle.
To top it all off, the recipe contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers that help keep your pet’s digestive system in good shape. Lastly, omega fatty acids keep their skin healthy and their coat shiny.
Best Grain-free Senior Dog Food
Orijen Senior
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Why We Love
Offers hip and joint support
Contains fresh and raw ingredients
Improves immunity
Provides biologically appropriate nutrition
Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
But…
Expensive
This grain-free, nutrient-dense dry dog food will help your senior pet maintain a healthy weight while also offering support to their joints. It’s crafted with succulent and nutrient-rich animal ingredients that mimic what your dog’s ancestors probably consumed in the wild. The first five ingredients in the recipe are raw chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, and chicken liver — together, they provide your pooch with a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Furthermore, the formula is devoid of soy, corn, tapioca, or wheat ingredients. Plus, it’s made in the USA with ingredients that are internationally sourced.
WE ALSO RECOMMEND
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Recommended by veterinarians
Proprietary blend of ingredients
No chicken by-product meal
Made with clinically proven antioxidants
First ingredient is chicken
Good flavor
But…
Aroma isn’t great
This Senior Vitality dog food from Hill’s Science Diet works to improve your pet’s everyday ability to get up — it’s one of the best senior dog foods for small breed dogs that are over 7 years old. The formula supports brain health while improving your pooch’s energy, vitality, and the way they interact. Moreover, the vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids present help promote a healthy and shiny coat.
All of the ingredients present are natural and very easy to digest — the formula also contains added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Plus, it’s made in the USA using some of the finest ingredients from around the world.
WE ALSO RECOMMEND
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Real lamb is the main ingredient
Strengthens the bones
Contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin
Contains calcium and phosphorus
Supports skin and coat health
Taurine supports good cardiovascular health
But…
Some dogs do not like the smell
If you’re looking for a dog food that’s specially formulated to meet the needs of your aging pet, then this one is worth the try! It has a nutrient-dense formula and is made with whole grains such as rice, barley, and oatmeal that contain fiber, which in turn promotes healthy digestion. Apart from that, the formula also strengthens the joints and immune system of older dogs that are 7 years and over.
Most importantly, it contains real, protein-rich lamb — perfect to help your pet maintain strong muscles. The formula is natural and features added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, while also being free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
WE ALSO RECOMMEND
Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Age Advantage
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Why We Love
Offers complete nutrition
Stimulates the appetite
Recommended by vets
Provides energy
Made with wholesome grains
Contains calcium
But…
Might not be suitable for sensitive stomachs
Rich in protein and nutrients, this crunchy kibble is made with ingredients like turkey and peas that are good for your pet’s overall health. The formula is all-natural and is created by nutritionists, veterinarians, and animal lovers, to help sustain your dog’s wellbeing. Moreover, it contains glucosamine to strengthen the joints, antioxidants to promote an improved immune system, prebiotics for digestive health, taurine for a healthy heart, and omega fatty acids to ensure healthy skin and coat.
No poultry by-products, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives have been added. Plus, it’s made in the USA with non-GMO ingredients that are specifically chosen for their nutritional benefits.
WE ALSO RECOMMEND
Merrick Senior Grain Free
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Why We Love
Grain-free formula
Contains real chicken
L-carnitine supports the metabolism
Suitable for all dog breeds
No corn, wheat, or soy
But…
Expensive
Made with real chicken and sweet potato, this wholesome and natural dog food contains added vitamins and minerals. Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient, and this special recipe is formulated to help older dogs maintain a healthy weight. The food features a holistic blend of 54% healthy fats and protein to help dogs maintain lean muscle mass while also keeping their energy levels up, while the other 46% comprises produce, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and more.
High in animal-based protein, the recipe is devoid of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Plus, it contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that nourish the skin and coat, while glucosamine and chondroitin promote healthy hips and joints.
WE ALSO RECOMMEND
Open Farm Grain Free Senior Turkey & Chicken Recipe
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Why We Love
Origin of every ingredient can be traced
Grain-free formula
Contains certified humane poultry
Made with non-GMO superfoods
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Contains natural antioxidants
But…
Has a strong fishy smell
The Open Farm Grain Free Senior dog food is made with prime cuts of real turkey and chicken that don’t contain any additives — the poultry is sourced from high-welfare American farms. The science-based formula makes use of meaty protein to help your pooch maintain its muscles, and prebiotic fiber is added to enhance digestion. Additionally, glucosamine and chondroitin are added to strengthen your pet’s joints.
Dogs’ natural instinct is to crave meat, and that’s why it is the first ingredient in the recipe — there are no grains, corn, wheat, or soy added. Instead, the formula contains superfoods like pumpkin, carrot, and coconut oil to ensure that your pet’s diet is balanced.
WE ALSO RECOMMEND
Blue Buffalo Basics Senior Dog Skin & Stomach Care
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Why We Love
Comes in a pack of 12
Supports gentle digestion
Made with real turkey
Contains no chicken or beef
Made with high-quality ingredients
But…
Cans get dented very easily
Formulated with a limited list of ingredients, this grain-free wet dog food features a single source of protein — turkey helps maintain healthy muscles. Glucosamine and chondroitin are present to help support your pet’s joints while promoting increased mobility. You can feed this canned food to your dogs as a treat, add it to their dry food, or serve it by itself as a meal.
The best part is that it’s made with natural ingredients and is enhanced with vitamins and minerals. The formula is devoid of chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs, and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.
WE ALSO RECOMMEND
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Complete Essentials
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Why We Love
Manufactured in the USA
Comes in a pack of 12
Comes in a dry food variant as well
Available in other flavors
Features a rich and creamy gravy
Rich in protein
But…
Doesn’t look very appealing
This senior dog food in gravy is specially formulated to meet the requirements of dogs that are 7 years or older. Made with real beef, it delivers a lip-smacking flavor that dogs cannot get enough of while also being high in protein and helping maintain lean muscles. It also contains rice, which is easy to digest and gentle on the stomach, promoting better immunity and nourishing the skin and coat.
Most importantly, it offers 100% complete and balanced nutrition for senior dogs and is made with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Plus, it features 23 essential vitamins and minerals that will help your pooch thrive.
How We Chose the Best Senior Dog Food?
While choosing the best senior dog food, our team kept in mind an aging dog’s requirements and the common conditions that most of them face. They also spoke to vets and dog nutritionists to get a better idea of what ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid. This narrowed down the list, allowing our experts to take their research to the next level.
Moreover, we also conducted surveys among pet parents, getting some insight into the likes and preferences of senior dogs. All the recommended options have been praised in the pet community and are sure to meet your aging pet’s needs.
FAQ
What is the best food for an elderly dog?
The best food for an elderly dog is one that’s specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs at that particular life stage. This could include low-calorie, joint support, and easy-to-digest formulas.
What is the healthiest dog food in America?
The answer to this question is subjective and may depend on each dog’s specific needs; however, some top-rated brands include Blue Buffalo, Taste of the Wild, and Orijen.
What is the best dog food for longevity?
Pet food that is made with high-quality sources of proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals can help support a dog’s longevity.
What is Vet’s Choice senior dog food?
This is a brand of dog food that’s crafted with elderly dogs in mind. The ingredients present in this dog food meet the needs of senior dogs, offering support to keep them healthy.
