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As your dog ages, their food needs may change. Though a dog’s nutritional needs stay fairly consistent through adulthood, mature dogs may need additional sources of protein and nutrients. If you notice changes in your dog’s energy or activity as they grow older, it may be time to reevaluate their food and switch to senior dog food.
Tweaking your dog’s diet can help them maintain a healthy body weight with strong bones and joints to help keep him or her moving and grooving well into their golden years. With senior dog care, there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the best senior dog food.
The Basics of Canine Nutrition
Protein is the foundation of a healthy and balanced diet for dogs. In puppies, the amino acids in protein support growth and development. For adult dogs, protein is essential for maintaining lean muscle mass and healthy body weight. Animal proteins like meat, poultry, and fish are best for dogs because they are complete proteins—they contain all 10 essential amino acids.
Guidelines for the nutritional requirements of dogs have been established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO recommendations state a minimum of 22% protein for canine growth and reproduction (puppies and lactating females) and an 18% minimum for adult dogs. For fat, these numbers are 8% and 5%, respectively.
It’s important to remember that these are bare minimums—most dogs benefit from higher inclusions of protein in their diet. Fat and calorie requirements vary based on breed, size, and activity level.
Though meeting your dog’s minimum nutritional requirements is a must, it’s equally important to consider the quality of the ingredients that provide those nutrients. Any high-quality diet for dogs will be rich in animal protein, balanced with healthy fats, and limited in carbohydrate content.
How Do Senior Dogs Differ?
Nutritional guidelines for humans are generally separated into age groups but adult dogs are considered a single category. Though your dog’s basic nutritional requirements don’t change as they get older, they may benefit from some dietary adjustments.
Here are some considerations for a senior dog diet:
- Older dogs tend to be less active. That may necessitate a reduction in daily calorie intake to prevent unhealthy weight gain.
- Protein is just as important for older dogs—you may even need to increase your senior dog’s protein intake to help them maintain lean muscle mass.
- Senior dogs have a higher risk for kidney disease, which may require a diet lower in phosphorus. (Keep in mind that preemptively reducing phosphorus intake may not prevent kidney disease.)
- If your senior dog develops high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease, your veterinarian may recommend a low-sodium diet.
- Older dogs may be more prone to dehydration. Switching to a premium-quality canned food or fresh food can help with hydration and may be easier for your older dog to chew and digest.
Many veterinarians consider a dog a senior once he reaches 7 years old, but it really depends on the breed. Larger dog breeds don’t live as long as smaller breeds, so a Great Dane may become a senior at 5 or 6 years while a Dachshund reaches seniority closer to 10 years.
These are things to keep in mind when deciding if or when to change your dog’s diet, in addition to the advice of your veterinarian.
The Best Senior Dog Food
Quality nutrition is essential throughout your dog’s life. In seniority, it is the key to smooth digestion, strong immunity, healthy body weight, joint mobility, and more. If you’re concerned about keeping your dog well in their older years, consider switching to a high-quality senior dog food diet.
Here are our top picks for the best senior dog food.
Orijen Senior Recipe Dry Dog Food
Made with 85% animal ingredients, this senior recipe features premium protein from free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs.
It’s biologically appropriate for your dog and formulated with the needs of senior dogs in mind.
Shop on Amazon Shop on Chewy Shop on PetcoAmerican Journey Active Life Senior Dog Food
Formulated specifically to nourish your senior dog’s body from nose to tail, this grain-inclusive diet is enriched with antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin.
This formula features fresh salmon as the main ingredient, supplemented with menhaden fish meal and chicken meal.
Shop on ChewyCanidae Pure Senior Recipe Limited Ingredient Diet
If your dog develops food allergies or sensitivities in his or her senior years, this limited ingredient diet could be the perfect fit.
Made with just nine main ingredients, this senior dog food recipe is packed with protein and other wholesome, highly digestible ingredients.
Shop on Amazon Shop on Chewy Shop on PetcoChicken Soup for the Soul Mature Chicken, Turkey, and Duck Recipe
This flavorful pâté recipe features a medley of proteins including chicken, turkey, salmon, and duck to nourish your senior dog’s body.
It’s also made without byproduct meals, wheat, corn, or soy.
Shop on Amazon Shop on ChewyVictor Senior Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Food
Formulated to help senior dogs maintain healthy body weight, this dry food formula is packed with protein with limited fat and calorie content.
You’ll also be glad to know it’s supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin for long-term joint health.
Shop on Amazon Shop on ChewyNulo Grain-Free Senior Dog Food
This grain-free recipe is formulated to provide for your senior dog’s unique nutritional needs.
It is made with 82% animal protein for lean muscle mass and L-carnitine to support the metabolism of fats. Plus, it’s supplemented with probiotics to support digestive health.
Shop on Amazon Shop on ChewyCanidae All Life Stages Chicken and Rice Formula Canned Food
Your senior dog doesn’t necessarily need a senior-specific recipe, but they do need a high-quality diet.
This all life stages formula from Canidae is made with premium natural ingredients and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of all breeds and life stages.
Shop on Amazon Shop on Chewy Shop on PetcoSpot and Tango Fresh Food
Packed with real animal protein and other whole-food ingredients, Spot and Tango’s fresh dog food formulas deliver balanced nutrition for dogs of all breeds and ages.
What makes Spot and Tango unique is that they create a personalized meal plan specific to your senior dog’s requirements for protein and calories then deliver it right to your door.
Shop at Spot and TangoSolid Gold Young at Heart Grain-Free Senior Dog Food
Many dogs develop digestive issues and food sensitivities as they age which makes this Solid Gold recipe a perfect fit.
It features wholesome, highly digestible ingredients including fresh chicken, sweet potatoes, and spinach as well as prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health.
Shop on Amazon Shop on Chewy Shop on PetcoBlue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Canned Food
This homestyle chicken dinner with garden vegetables is uniquely formulated for senior dogs.
Made with wholesome natural ingredients in a moisture-rich formula, this recipe is ideal for picky eaters and for dogs who have trouble eating dry food.
Shop on Amazon Shop on Chewy Shop on PetcoWellness Complete Health Small-Breed Senior Dog Food
Small breed dogs have fast metabolisms compared to those of larger breeds.
Even though your small-breed senior may slow down with age, they may still require a higher concentration of fat and calories in their diet to maintain weight. This recipe is specifically designed for small breed seniors.
Shop on Amazon Shop on ChewyNutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Senior Dog Food
Obesity and joint problems are two of the primary concerns for large-breed senior dogs.
This Wholesome Essentials recipe is specially formulated with these needs in mind, made with premium natural ingredients like farm-raised chicken and brown rice.
Shop on Amazon Shop on Chewy Shop on PetcoWellness Core Natural Senior Grain-Free Recipe
Made only with the finest natural ingredients, this grain-free senior dog food is the perfect fit.
It features plenty of lean animal protein to support your dog’s muscle mass and healthy body weight with omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
Shop on Amazon Shop on Chewy Shop on PetcoMore Tips on Feeding Senior Dogs
According to Dog Food Advisor, switching to senior dog food is not always necessary. As long as your older dog is eating a healthy, high-quality diet you may not need to change recipes. You will, however, have to adjust your dog’s calorie intake and you should always consult your veterinarian about your dog’s specific dietary requirements.
Completely changing your dog’s diet may not be necessary for your senior pet; you should ask your vet whether they recommend dietary supplements. Dietary fiber supplements can be beneficial for dogs with digestive issues as an alternative to commercial high-fiber diets that are often low in calories. Some older dogs also benefit from omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat issues or glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for bone and joint problems.
If you do change your dog’s diet, it’s important to make the transition slowly. Changing your dog’s food too quickly can lead to digestive upset. Transition your dog onto the new food by mixing it with the old food in increasing amounts over the course of five to seven days.
If you’re wondering how much to feed your dog, we have a quick video for you here: