If your dog is entering the golden years, it's important to find a food that meets their unique needs. Senior dogs are at higher risk for obesity, joint pain, and other health issues that can affect their quality of life.
The best foods for senior dogs are those that meet their nutritional needs while providing fewer calories and lower sodium and phosphorous levels. These foods should also contain high-quality proteins and wholesome ingredients.
1. Blue Buffalo Freedom Senior
If you're looking for a high-quality dog food that is also grain free, Blue Buffalo Freedom Senior is the ideal choice. This formula is specifically formulated for senior dogs and helps support their overall health by providing them with the nutrients they need to maintain their strong immune system.
This grain-free diet contains a blend of high-quality meats and fruits, vegetables, and grains that provide protein and carbohydrates. It's also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
In addition, this recipe doesn't contain any by-products or artificial flavors, so it's safe to feed to your pet. However, this recipe does have a high level of carbs, so it may not be a good choice for dogs with gastrointestinal issues.
2. Wellness Complete Health Senior
Wellness Complete Health Senior is a high-quality, nutritious food that will help your dog keep his healthy weight and maintain strong immune system. It also includes glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
This food is made with wholesome, natural ingredients and no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. It is also a great choice for dogs that suffer from allergies or digestive issues.
The Complete Health line provides 20 different dry recipes that have a wide variety of protein sources, carbs, veggies, and fruits to ensure that your dog receives a well-rounded diet. This variety means that even a picky eater can find a recipe that they like.
3. Canidae Grain-Free Senior
As your dog ages, he needs to switch to a food that is designed for his specific needs. This is where Canidae Grain-Free Senior comes in.
Canidae uses a variety of protein sources to give your dog plenty of healthy protein to keep him happy and strong. They also use fruits and vegetables to help boost the nutrient content in their formulas.
This grain-free recipe includes sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and peas to add fiber and micronutrients to the kibble. They are also fortified with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
Canidae is an eco-friendly brand that uses regenerative agriculture and sustainable packaging to manufacture its products. The company has a state-of-the-art Ethos plant in Brownwood, Texas.
4. Go! Carnivore Senior Formula
Senior dogs may have digestive sensitivities and joint issues, so it is best to find a dog food that supports their needs while avoiding common triggers like high sodium or excess protein. Choosing a senior dog food that has added glucosamine and chondroitin can help reduce the risk of inflammation.
This formula is a great option for senior dogs because it features named meat meals as the dominant source of animal protein. It also includes small portions of legumes to add a boost to the protein level.
This diet uses a variety of poultry and fish ingredients, including chicken, turkey, salmon, herring, duck, and trout. The combination of those meats produces a protein content that exceeds 34%, which is ideal for older dogs who are trying to stay strong and healthy.
5. Nutro Natural Choice Senior
Nutro Natural Choice Senior is a high-quality dog food that focuses on the health and nutrition of your aging pup. It has a high protein content to support muscle growth and a balanced diet to keep him healthy.
The number one ingredient is chicken, which is a high-protein source that promotes healthy skin and coat. It’s also fortified with vitamin D and omega fatty acids, which help support your senior dog’s joint and digestive health.
This formula has been praised by numerous dog parents who claim it helps their senior dogs have healthier appetites and skin and coats. It’s also helped their pups with allergies.