Best Senior Dog Food of 2024

Age, as they say, is only a number—and that’s especially true for dogs! According to a study by Banfield Pet Hospital, our canine companions are living longer, healthier lives thanks to better veterinary care and improved nutrition.

To make the most of your pup’s promising golden years, it’s important to address their changing needs, which may include food. While some pets continue to thrive on the same diet they ate in “middle age,” others benefit from switching to formulas crafted specifically for older pets. 

In the ever-expanding pet food industry, there are countless formulas marketed toward senior dogs—and they vary widely in terms of content and quality. What’s worthy of your pup? What ingredients should you look for? What exactly is senior dog food, anyway? Read on for veterinarian-approved tips and our top picks. 

Our Top Senior Dog Foods

• Best Senior Dog Food: The Farmer’s Dog
• Best Senior Dog Food Dry: Open Farm Senior Recipe
• Best Human-Grade Senior Dog Food: Raised Right
• Best Senior Dog Food for Picky Eaters: Ollie
• Best Whole Grain Dog Food for Seniors: Redbarn Whole Grain Dry Dog Food
• Best Moderate Protein Senior Dog Food: JustFoodForDogs Lamb & Brown Rice
• Best Large Breed Senior Dog Food: Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
• Best Small Breed Senior Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
• Best Senior Wet Dog Food: Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel Canned Dog Food
• Best Senior Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food

Senior Dog Food vs. Regular Dog Food: What’s the Difference?

Just like humans, dogs require different amounts of nutrients and calories at different points in their lives. For this reason, you’ll want to select the correct formula (and serving size!) for your pup’s age. 

“It is very important to feed your dog appropriately for their life stage,” says Dr. Jessica Herman, a Kentucky-based veterinarian at Fuzzy Pet Health. “An adult or senior dog that eats puppy food will be eating too many calories, which in turn may lead to weight gain. Conversely, puppies eating adult food may not be getting enough calories to properly grow.”

There’s no one magical recipe for seniors. Instead, senior dog foods contain nutrition profiles meant to manage conditions commonly associated with aging. Many senior formulas contain the following, says Herman:   

• Less calories: Up to 45 percent of dogs ages 5-11 years are obese, which can impact lifespan and lead to chronic health conditions including diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Senior foods are usually lower in calories to compensate for decreased activity levels and slowing metabolisms. 
• More fiber: Added fiber can help constipation, which is more common in older dogs. 
• Added protein: A hearty helping of high-quality protein can help maintain healthy muscle mass (and, in turn, mobility) as dogs age. 
• Joint health supplements: Supplements including glucosamine and chondroitin are common in senior foods formulated to support joint health. 
• Better taste: Very old dogs and those with certain health conditions, such as cancer, may need help maintaining or gaining weight. Highly palatable formulas with extra fat can make mealtime more enticing. 

Senior Dog Food: What to Consider

Ready to shop for senior dog food? The following are important when selecting an appropriate, high-quality diet for your gray-muzzled bestie:

• Your veterinarian’s approval. It’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before switching dog foods, especially if you think your pet needs aging support. If your dog has certain medical conditions, a prescription diet may be advisable.  “In some instances, the food acts as medicine itself and greatly improves the symptoms,” says Herman. 
• AAFCO standards. All dog foods should meet standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a nonprofit that ensures pet foods contain the necessary nutrient profiles. 
• Quality of ingredients. Lower quality pet foods contain cheap “filler” ingredients to add calories and bulk. If the ingredient list reads more like a science experiment than your own grocery list, consider it a red flag. 
• Your individual pet. No two senior pets are the same. While some dogs slow down and are prone to weight gain, others remain active or even need to gain weight. Your one-of-a-kind pet should inform which formula you choose. 

10 Best Senior Dog Food Formulas to Try

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Selecting a new dog food can be overwhelming, especially when your pet has age-related health conditions. We’re here to help! These are some of our favorite formulas on the market for mature mutts.

Best Senior Dog Food: Fresh

Our pick: The Farmer’s Dog

Get 50% off your first box of fresh dog food (valid for new customers only).

Flavor	Turkey, beef, chicken, and pork
Form	Fresh
Protein (Ingredients)	Turkey: Turkey, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, spinach; Beef: Beef, sweet potatoes, cooked lentils, carrots, beef liver; Chicken: Chicken, Brussel sprouts, chicken liver, bok-choy cabbage, broccoli; Pork: Pork, sweet potatoes, potato, green beans, cauliflower
Protein Analysis	Turkey: 33%; Beef: 39%; Chicken: 12; Pork: 36%
Calories	Each packet’s calories are based on your individual dog’s profile
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Yes

Since the best senior dog food for your pet largely depends on their individual needs, The Farmer’s Dog human-grade dog food delivery service is a great option to consider. Not only are the meals freshly prepared and gently cooked in USDA kitchens, their vet-designed plans are customizable. Whether you’re looking to improve your senior dog’s digestion, help him shed some pounds, or boost his overall health and wellness, there is an option for you. After filling out a short questionnaire that takes your dog’s breed, age, activity level, ideal weight, and sensitivities into consideration, The Farmer’s Dog will recommend the optimal meal plan for your aging canine companion.

Highlights

• Recipes feature all human-grade ingredients, including clean USDA proteins mixed with simple produce 
• Vet-developed recipes are 100% complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards
• Pre-portioned, ready-to-serve meals (though feel free to add a little hot water to warm it up a bit)
• Fresh made and quickly frozen for safe shipping and storage convenience
• Plans start at $2/day and include free shipping
• If your dog doesn’t like the food, they will send you other recipes to try or issue you a refund if you donate the food to a shelter
• Pause, cancel, or reactivate your subscription at any time

Things to Consider

• Food must be kept in the refrigerator or freezer; your box will include a simple guide on proper storing and serving
• Exact meal pricing depends on your dog’s age, weight, activity, etc.
• They currently ship to the 48 contiguous states

Best Senior Dog Food: Dry

Our pick: Open Farm Senior Recipe

20% off first auto-ship order with code VETSTREET

Flavor	Turkey and chicken
Form	Dry
Protein (Ingredients)	Humanely raised chicken, humanely raised chicken, sweet potato, ocean whitefish meal, field peas, garbanzo beans, herring meal, green lentils, coconut oil, pumpkin, flaxseed, salmon oil, red lentils, cranberries, chicory root, apples, vitamins and minerals
Protein Analysis	32%
Calories	3,600 kcal ME/kg
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Yes

Using humanely raised and ethically sourced ingredients, Open Farm sets industry standards when it comes to sustainable pet food. But their premium recipes aren’t only good for the Earth—they’re super nourishing for pets, too! Free from fillers, byproducts, and unnecessary preservatives, each formula is crafted from hormone-free meats and non-GMO fruits and veggies.

For older and wiser canine customers, Open Farm Senior Recipe contains a high-protein blend of Certified Humane turkey and chicken, digestion-friendly pumpkin, antioxidant-rich coconut oil, and glucosamine and chondroitin to help promote healthy joints.

Highlights

• No antibiotics, added artificial flavors or colors
• Meats from audited higher welfare farms
• No rendered poultry or meat meals
• 100% traceable ingredients
• Added glucosamine and chondroitin to promote healthy joints
• Recyclable packaging 

Things to Consider

• Smaller kibble size is suitable for all breeds, but might require adjustment for dogs accustomed to larger bites

Best Human-Grade Senior Dog Food

Our Pick: Raised Right

Get 20% off your first 16 bag box with code PETS20

Flavor	Original Turkey Adult Dog Recipe	Original Beef Adult Dog Recipe	Original Pork Adult Dog Recipe	Original Chicken Adult Dog Recipe
Life Stage	Adult	Adult	Adult	Adult
Form	Fresh frozen	Fresh frozen	Fresh frozen	Fresh frozen
Protein (Ingredients)	Turkey thigh, turkey heart, turkey liver	Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver	Pork, pork heart, pork liver	Chicken thigh, chicken heart, chicken liver
Protein Analysis	19% min	23% min	20% min	20% min
Calories	328 kcals/cup	408 kcals/cup	368 kcals/cup	360 kcals/cup
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Raised Right is a human-grade dog food that is a great option for aging canines. This family-owned human-grade dog food company works with veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker and pet food formulation expert Steve Brown to create limited-ingredient, protein-rich, low-carb recipes. And because the brand doesn’t use unwanted carb-heavy fillers like potato, rice, oats, yam, pasta, barley, parsnips, corn, or wheat, most of their recipes contain less than 2 percent carbs.

Raised Right offers stage-of-life-specific recipes that take the nutritional needs of older dogs into consideration. And the brand’s adult dog recipes are notable for two reasons: They are formulated to meet AAFCO’s requirements for a complete & balanced diet through the use of whole food only…no additional synthetic vitamins or minerals needed. And all of their adult dog recipes have 10 ingredients or less, with some having as few as just 7 or 8 ingredients.

Raised Right offers custom meal plans that use a proprietary algorithm to calculate how many calories your senior dog should eat each day. The total calorie count is based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.

Pet parents can even decide whether they want their aging dog to maintain their weight, increase their weight, or lose weight when ordering Raised Right human-grade dog food.

The last thing pet parents need when choosing a food for their senior dog is to worry about quality and safety. Raised Right can proudly make the human-grade dog food claim, as every ingredient in their food has passed the same standards necessary for human consumption and all their food is lightly cooked in a USDA-inspected human-grade facility. Every single batch they cook gets lab safety tested for pathogens like E.coli, listeria, and salmonella to help ensure their food is safe for dogs to eat. They have a hold release program where they don’t ever ship their food unless it passes the lab safety test. For transparency, they post the test results from each batch on their website for everyone to see, along with a map tracing each ingredient to its source.

Highlights

• Offers limited-ingredient, veterinarian-formulated recipes that are high in protein and low in carbs
• Adult dog recipes meet AAFCO’s requirements for a completed and balanced diet by using only whole foods without any synthetic vitamins & minerals
• Most of their recipes have less than 2% carbs because they don’t use any high-carb fillers like potato, rice, oats, yam, pasta, barley, parsnips, corn, or wheat
• Each recipe is made with human-grade ingredients in a USDA-inspected facility
• Strict laboratory testing with every batch cooked
• Choose from custom meal plans or sample boxes to try first

Things to Consider

• Be sure to follow the packaging and feeding instructions carefully, as each dog’s caloric requirement is unique
• Raised Right formulas are shipped frozen and must be stored frozen.
• Refrigerate each formula to defrost overnight and serve to your dog for 6 days from the refrigerator

Best Senior Dog Food for Picky Eaters

Our pick: Ollie

Subscribe today and get 60% off your first box!

Flavor	Beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb
Form	Fresh
Protein (Ingredients)	Beef: Beef, peas, sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, beef kidney, beef liver, spinach, blueberries, dicalcium phosphate, chia seeds, salt, fish oil, vitamins and minerals; Chicken: Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver, potatoes, spinach, dicalcium phosphate, whole dried eggs, fish oil, blueberries, chia seeds, calcium carbonate, salt, cod liver oil, vitamins and minerals; Turkey: Turkey, kale, lentils, carrots, coconut oil, turkey liver, blueberries, pumpkin, dicalcium phosphate, chia seeds, salt, calcium carbonate, cod liver, vitamins and minerals; Lamb: Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, kale, rice, chickpeas, cranberries, green beans, potatoes, dicalcium phosphate, chia seeds, cod liver oil, vitamins and minerals,
Protein Analysis	Beef: 12% min; Chicken: 10% min; Turkey: 11% min; Lamb: 11% min
Calories	Beef: 1,540 kcal ME/kg; Chicken: 1,298 kcal ME/kg; Turkey: 1,390 kcal ME/kg; Lamb: 1,804 kcal ME/kg
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Yes

If your senior dog is finicky and needs some encouragement to eat, Ollie’s human-grade fresh dog food delivery service is a great option to consider. We’ve seen dozens of reviews from happy pet parents who are relieved to have found a dog food that appeals to their picky pups. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that Ollie works with a veterinary nutritionist to craft nutritionally balanced recipes and that your meal plan will be customized based on your dog’s age, weight, breed, activity level, and allergies or sensitivities. Their recipes feature real chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb as the first ingredient, rounded out by leafy greens, root veggies, and plant-based proteins like chickpeas, peas, or lentils. Plus, the recipes are designed to be interchangeable, so you can mix-up mealtime and keep things interesting for your golden oldie.

Highlights 

• High-quality, human-grade ingredients. No fillers, by-products, artificial flavors, or preservatives
• Food is minimally processed and gently cooked in U.S. facilities at low temperatures to preserve nutrients 
• You can select up to all four of Ollie’s recipes for your dog’s meal plan (choose from beef, chicken, lamb, or turkey)
• Vet-approved recipes are portioned for your dog and delivered right to your door on a flexible schedule
• Starter box includes a guide to help you safely transition your dog over to Ollie. If your dog doesn’t enjoy it, Ollie will give you a full refund
• Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages
• Ships free anywhere in the contiguous United States

Things to Consider

• This is a subscription-based service only, but Ollie offers a variety of plans with different frequencies to accommodate you and your dog’s needs 
• Money-back guarantee only applies to your starter box 
• Turkey recipe is currently unavailable due to a national turkey shortage and supply chain disruption
• Food will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, opened or unopened. The resealable lid of the puptainer will help preserve freshness. 
• Any food you won’t be using right away can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months unopened. When you’re ready to feed it to your dog, move it to the fridge and let it defrost for 24 hours

Best Whole Grain Dog Food for Seniors

Our pick: Redbarn Whole Grain Dry Dog Food

Get $10 off any 22-lb bag of Redbarn Dry Dog Food with code FOODTENOFF (One purchase per person)

Flavor	Salmon and trout, beef and lamb, turkey and chicken (in grain and grain-free varieties)
Form	Dry
Protein (Ingredients)	Salmon and Trout Whole Grain Formula: Salmon, Trout, Salmon Meal, Ocean Fish Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Barley, Milo, Millet, Sunflower Oil, Flaxseed, Vitamins and Minerals; Beef and Lamb whole grain formula: Beef, Lamb, Beef Meal, Pork Meal, Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Barley, Milo, Millet, Brown Rice, Vitamins and Minerals; Turkey and Chicken Whole Grain Formula: Turkey, Chicken, Duck Meal, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Barley, Milo, Millet, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Flaxseed, Ground Miscanthus Grass, Natural Flavor, Sunflower Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Vitamins and Minerals
Protein Analysis	Salmon and Trout: 27% min; Beef and Lamb: 24% min; Turkey and Chicken: 26% min
Calories	Salmon and Trout: 3,760 kcal/kg; Beef and Lamb: 3,704 kcal/kg; Turkey and Chicken: 3,778 kcal/kg
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Yes

If you’re seeking well-balanced nutrition that will help support your senior dog’s overall health, wellness, and longevity, Redbarn’s whole grain dry dog food recipes are a great option. The first five ingredients are meat, fish, or poultry protein sources, depending on the recipe. For example, the Land recipe puts beef, lamb, beef meal, pork meal, and lamb meal up front. It’s also packed with functional ingredients like oatmeal, sunflower oil, flaxseed, probiotics, and prebiotic fiber to help support your dog’s heart, immune, skin and coat, and digestive health. 

Highlights

• First five ingredients are animal protein sources
• Whole grains include oatmeal, barley, milo, millet, and brown rice
• Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids from ingredients like sunflower oil and flaxseed support skin and coat health
• Contains probiotics, miscanthus grass, and prebiotic fiber to help support digestive health 
• Guaranteed levels of taurine, l-carnitine, and methionine to support heart health
• If your dog prefers fish or poultry, they also offer Ocean (salmon, trout, ocean fish, menhaden fish) and Sky (turkey, chicken, duck) recipes to appeal to varying tastes
• Land recipe is formulated for maintenance; Ocean and Sky recipes are suitable for all life stages
• Available in 4-lb or 22-lb bags
• Subscribe and save and get 15% off your first order

Things to Consider

• Their products are only available directly through Redbarn.com or at select pet specialty stores. Use their store locator to find retailers near you.

Best Moderate Protein Senior Dog Food

Our pick: JustFoodForDogs Lamb & Brown Rice

Flavor	Lamb and Brown Rice
Form	Fresh
Protein (Ingredients)	Ground lamb, long-grain brown rice, spinach, cauliflower, carrots, lamb liver, blueberries, safflower oil, Icelandic premium fish oil, JustFoodForDogs nutrient blend
Protein Analysis	7.5% min
Calories	1,482 ME as fed (kcals)
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Yes

Formulated by veterinarians, JustFoodForDogs is freshly made from human-grade, whole-foods ingredients. Their fan-favorite recipes are packed with all thriller (nutrient-rich superfoods and premium proteins!) and no filler (such as preservatives, dyes, starches, and synthetic nutrients).

For seniors in need of extra calories or an ultra-tempting meal, we love their Lamb & Brown Rice Fresh Frozen recipe. High in calories and moderate in protein, it’s an excellent source of essential vitamins including zinc and iron, as well as B vitamins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It’s frozen and vacuum-sealed immediately after preparation, keeping the nutritional integrity (and delicious taste!) intact. 

Highlights

• Vet-trained consultants are available to help build your dog’s nutritional plan
• Preservative-free
• Meats are inspected and approved by the USDA for human consumption
• JustFoodForDogs uses the same premium suppliers as the restaurant industry
• JustFoodForDogs recipes are crafted by hand in open-to-the-public kitchens as well as in their own kitchens in Irvine, California, and New Castle, Delaware
• May be frozen for up to a year

Things to Consider

• Dogs who are currently eating processed kibble or canned food require between 5 and 10 days to transition to JustFoodForDogs in general
• Requires frozen storage in transport
• Available for home delivery packed on dry ice, so ensure it is not left in the sun or front porch for extended periods of time

Best Large Breed Senior Dog Food

Our pick: Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Flavor	Chicken and brown rice
Form	Dry
Protein (Ingredients)	Chicken Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate) Brewers Rice Rice Bran Split Peas Whole Brown Rice Whole Grain Oatmeal Natural Flavor Dried Plain Beet Pulp Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols) Sunflower Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols) Soybean Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols) Pea Protein Fish Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Vitamins and Minerals
Protein Analysis	24.0% min
Calories	3,569 kcal/kg
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Yes

Although arthritis affects dogs of every size, it’s more common in some large and giant breeds, which are genetically predisposed to joint problems. With this in mind, Nutro’s formula for large breed seniors is infused with natural glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, as well as an extra boost of antioxidants. Made with non-GMO ingredients, it includes no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy.

Highlights

• Formulated for senior dogs 6 years and older

• Contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin 
• Made with non-GMO ingredients
• No corn, wheat, or soy
• Added antioxidants to support immune health
• Natural fiber to support digestion

Things to Consider

• Large kibble size may be difficult for some dogs to chew 

Best Small Breed Senior Dog Food

Our pick: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Flavor	Chicken and brown rice
Form	Dry
Protein (Ingredients)	Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Peas, Pea Starch, Pea Fiber, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein, Fish Oil (source of DHA- Docosahexaenoic Acid), Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Vitamins and Minerals
Protein Analysis	23.0% min
Calories	3,559 kcal/kg
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Yes

Adult dogs have 42 teeth, which Great Danes have no problem accommodating in their spacious jaws. But smaller breeds often have cramped and crooked teeth, leading to dental disease and gum inflammation. Designed specifically for petite pups and tiny teeth, Blue Buffalo’s formula uses small-bite kibble specially shaped to remove tartar.

Additionally, the company’s senior formulas are enhanced with a “Super 7” infusion of antioxidant superfoods, including apples, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, pomegranate, pumpkin, and spinach. 

Highlights

• Kibble shape helps promote healthy teeth and gums
• Added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
• Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coats
• Essential vitamins for strong bones and teeth
• No corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-product meals

Things to Consider

• Formulated specifically to meet the dietary needs of small and extra-small dogs

Best Senior Wet Dog Food

Our pick: Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel Canned Dog Food

Flavor	Chicken and pork
Form	Wet
Protein (Ingredients)	Water sufficient for processing, chicken, pork liver, chicken by-products, pork by-products, corn meal, brewers rice, brewers rice flour, salmon, powdered cellulose, dried plain beet pulp, pork plasma, guar gum, vegetable oil, carrageenan, vitamins and minerals
Protein Analysis	7.5% min
Calories	896 kcal ME/kg
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Yes

Fussy eaters, meet your match. This senior-specific wet food from Royal Canin is designed to stimulate appetites with a super yummy (by dog standards!) sauce and easy-to-chew loaf consistency. B vitamins and fish oil help to maintain nourished skin and coats, while biotin supports a healthy nervous system.   

Highlights

• Extra tasty
• Good for dogs with missing teeth
• Formulated for dogs over 5 years
• Added fish oil and B vitamins

Things to Consider

• Although dogs love it, the gelled loaf consistency and strong smell is off-putting to some human customers

Best Senior Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs

Our pick: Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food

Flavor	Chicken, egg, and oatmeal
Form	Dry
Protein (Ingredients)	Whole grain brown rice, chicken, chicken meal, peas, egg, oatmeal, rice bran, dried beet pulp, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural flavor, flaxseed, potassium chloride, choline chloride, glucosamine hydrochloride, dried chicory root, L-Carnitine, kale, chia seed, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, quinoa, dried kelp, coconut, spinach, carrots, papaya, yucca schidigera extract, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, vitamins and minerals
Protein Analysis	25% min
Calories	3,400 kcal/kg
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Yes

If your senior has digestive issues, a diet made for sensitive stomachs could help. This gentle formula from Diamond Naturals contains a gut-friendly probiotic blend to help support your pup’s digestive tract. The whole-foods recipe contains plenty of natural fiber in the form of peas, kale, blueberries, oatmeal, and coconut, as well as lean protein from cage-free chicken and egg. 

Highlights

• Highly digestible recipe with added probiotics
• Added vitamins and antioxidants from real fruits and veggies
• No corn, wheat, filler, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health
• Budget-friendly price point 

Things to Consider

• Large dogs might need to adjust to smaller kibble size

Senior Dog Food: Tips and Advice

As pet parents, we want to do everything we can to make meals as healthy—and enjoyable!—as possible. With that in mind, consider these senior-specific tips. 

Wet Food vs. Dry Food?

It’s an age-old pet parent debate: wet food, or dry? While kibble is appropriate for many seniors, wet food is easier to chew, making it a better choice for some dogs with missing teeth. It also has a higher water content, which is helpful for dogs with kidney disease, and is more palatable for reluctant eaters. 

Safe Storage

Most pet parents know how to properly store kibble. (For the record: in the original bag, placed in an airtight bin!) But if you’re switching your senior to wet food, there are some dog food storage tips to keep in mind. After opening, canned food should be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to use the remaining portion within three days to avoid contamination. 

Portion Size

Aging dogs may have different caloric needs, or benefit from smaller, more frequent meals. Consult your veterinarian to ensure your pup is receiving the right amount of food at the right times! 

Senior-Friendly Bowls 

If your dog has mobility issues, raised feeding bowls can make eating more comfortable.  

Switching Foods

When switching dog foods, take things slow, especially with older pups who have sensitive stomachs or digestion issues. Choose a diet transition timeline, and talk to your vet about incorporating a probiotic as needed. 

Senior Dog Food: Bone Appetite! 

To know a senior dog is to love a senior dog! As our pups age, we want to do everything we can to make their golden years twinkle a little brighter. Along with regular veterinary care, a nutritious, age-appropriate diet can help ensure you enjoy many more years together.

Senior Dog Food FAQs