As senior dogs age, they require a diet change. It’s important to switch your pup to a food for senior dogs as they enter their golden years because their needs and digestion changes. Sometimes senior dogs even struggle to chew, and it’s crucial to provide an appropriate meal.
In this post we’ll discuss a number of excellent food options for senior dogs, including fresh refrigerated food, kibble, and raw diets. Let’s dive right in to the best food for senior dogs in 2022!
Best Food for Senior Dogs in 2022
Brand | Budget | Type |
Freshpet | $$ | Fresh |
Nom Nom | $$$ | Fresh |
JustFoodForDogs | $$$ | Fresh |
Hill’s Science Diet | $$ | Kibble |
Purina Pro Plan | $ | Kibble |
Blue Buffalo | $$ | Kibble |
Stella & Chewy’s | $$ | Raw |
Instinct | $$ | Raw |
For dogs over 11 years old, it’s important to look for the following ingredients in their food:
- Taurine
- L-Carnitine
- Omega 3 PUFA, EPA, DHA
- L-Arginine
All of these supplemental ingredients have been shown to benefit canine cardiac health. The FDA currently warns that there is a link between grain-free diets and heart problems. If your pup has a heart murmur or heart disease, you will want to stay away from a grain-free diet, and offer wholesome grains instead.
Often times, senior dogs require a soft food, such as a pate consistency, due to their lack of teeth or other particular health issues. First we’ll cover a few excellent foods for senior dogs that may have only a few teeth to work with!
Additionally, Royal Canin and Hill’s Science Diet both offer low sodium diets that work well for heart disease.
Freshpet All Natural Dog Food
Notable Features:
- Refrigerated
- Balanced recipes to meet nutritional needs of dogs at any life stage
- Small breed recipes available
- A variety of consistencies available, including pate.
Freshpet is all natural dog food made with ingredients sourced in the USA. It’s made with farm-raised meats and vegetables to bring your senior dog (or pup at any life stage) a balanced meal. You can purchase Freshpet online, or at retailers such as PetSmart, Target, and Walmart. Freshpet is affordable, and it’s what I personally feed my senior Rat Terrier.
Nom Nom
Notable Features:
- Personalized meal plans for your dog
- Delivered to your door
- Recipes formulated by Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists
- Soft, chunky, and easy for senior dogs to eat
I’ve been a long time fan of Nom Nom dog food. Each balanced recipe is carefully crafted by board certified veterinary nutritionists, who work in house with Nom Nom staff. The recipes exceed AAFCO standards for all life stages, so they are appropriate for a puppy or your senior dog! Meals are prepared in USA kitchens, then delivered straight to your door. I highly recommend giving Nom Nom a try! Get 50% off your first order by clicking the banner below.
JustFoodForDogs Joint & Skin Support
Notable Features:
- Made with fresh, human-grade ingredients
- Contains a Joint Care Plus supplement to support aging joints
- Formulated by veterinarians within AAFCO protocols
- Ready to serve, and easy for senior dogs to digest
JustFoodForDogs offers a variety of recipes for dogs, but the Joint & Skin Support formula is a great choice for senior pups. This pantry-fresh food contains delicious ingredients such as pork, kale, carrots, and apples. It’s formulated to support healthy skin and joints of aging pups. JustFoodForDogs is free of preservatives and available for purchase on Chewy.com.
Dry Food for Senior Dogs
Kibble can be a good option for senior dogs, depending on their needs. Some pups simply prefer kibble, and it can be coupled with a flavor or nutritional topper to add a boost of deliciousness. Let’s take a look at some of the best dry food options for senior dogs.
Hill’s Science Diet Senior Vitality
Notable Features:
- Chicken & rice recipe for easy digestion
- Made with powerful antioxidants to support healthy brain function
- Contains Vitamins C and E for immune system health
- Phytonutrients and L-carnitine to promote movement and healthy joints
Hill’s Science Diet is one of the most trusted kibble brands on the market. This food is recommended by veterinarians (especially since it contains cardiac supplements and healthy grains), and it’s made with ingredients to promote activity, play, and movement. The Senior Vitality recipe is fantastic for dogs over 7 years of age, as it is formulated to support brain health, energy, and overall vitality. Hill’s Science Diet Senior Vitality can be purchased on Chewy.com, veterinary offices, and many big box retailers. It is also available in small and large breed varieties.
Hill’s Science Diet Senior 11+
Notable Features:
- Great for dogs 11+ years old
- Small breed formula available, which contains tiny kibble pieces
- Made to support kidney, heart, and bladder health
- Contains Taurine, L-Carnitine, and L-Arginine
This is the dog food that my veterinarian recommended for my senior Chihuahua, who has a very slight heart murmur. I offer him a mixture of this kibble, as well as some Freshpet, and veggies. The Hill’s Science Diet Senior 11+ Small Paws is blended with heart healthy ingredients meant to keep your mature dog thriving long into their golden years. You can purchase this brand at veterinary offices, PetSmart, Amazon, and other retailers.
Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend for Adults 7+
Notable Features:
- Real chicken is the #1 ingredient
- Fortified with probiotics to support healthy digestion and immune health
- Hard kibble mixed with tender shredded pieces for a tastier mealtime
- EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, and glucosamine help promote joint health and mobility
Purina Pro Plan offers several outstanding formulas for dogs at all life stages. The chicken and rice shredded recipe is great for our senior dogs, thanks to it’s helpful ingredients that promote digestive and joint health. With real chicken as the number 1 ingredient, this immune system support formula delivers outstanding nutrition your senior dog needs to maintain a healthy body. You can purchase this kibble for small breeds, large breeds, and everything in between. Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend for senior dogs is widely available online via Chewy.com, Amazon, and retail stores.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Notable Features:
- Made with high-quality protein and L-Carnitine for to promote healthy muscles and movement
- Contains glucosamine/chondroitin for joints and mobility
- Vitamins, chelated minerals and antioxidants to boost the immune system
- Formulate with LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of nutrients
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is appropriate for senior dogs ready to enjoy their golden years. This budget-friendly food is made with chicken and brown rice for easy digestion, and it supports the overall health of our aging canine companions. Blue Buffalo dog food is widely available online and in retailers!
Raw Food for Senior Dogs
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw
Notable Features:
- Various proteins available, including beef, chicken, duck, rabbit and more
- Serve as-is or rehydrate with water
- Contains organic-certified fruits and vegetables
- Balanced nutrition with probiotics to aid in digestion
My dogs love Stella & Chewy’s freeze-fried raw patties. They are a versatile option for meal time, and you can even crumble them as a meal topper. Stella & Chewy’s offers a variety of protein options, and they can be fed dry or with water for a softer meal. This dog food is appropriate for adults and senior pups, as it’s minimally processed and all natural. Stella & Chewy’s is a great option if you’re interested in a raw diet without the hassle of preparing it yourself!
Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw
Notable Features:
- Made with cage-free chicken
- Add water to soften, serve as-is, or use as a meal topper
- Manufactured in the USA with no artificial colors, preservatives, grain, corn, wheat, or soy
- A mix of 85% protein-packed chicken meat and 15% non-GMO fruits and veggies
Instinct makes full and balanced freeze-dried raw meals, as well as toppers to jazz up your pup’s mealtime. This particular formula can be fed as a complete meal as is, or served with water to make it a bit easier for your senior dog to enjoy. Instinct raw meals are made in the USA so pet parents can rest easy knowing your furry friend is getting the quality nutrition they deserve.
Senior dogs show us unconditional love up until the day they earn their wings. During their life on earth, our pups deserve the very best nutrition we can offer them.
In order to adapt to their aging needs, we need to ensure we’re offering our senior dogs food that they can easily chew, digest, and enjoy. I hope you found a food on this list that will work for your incredible dog!
Pam says
Very informative post. Thank you for all this valuable information!
Thedog sale says
Thank you for this incredibly insightful article! As a dog parent to a senior furry companion, finding the right food is always a priority. Your detailed breakdown of the best food options for senior dogs in 2022 is truly invaluable. The comprehensive analysis and clear recommendations make it easier to make informed choices for our aging pups’ nutritional needs. Your dedication to providing such valuable information is commendable and greatly appreciated! Keep up the fantastic work!