As humans get older, their diet needs change. It is the same case for dogs. Senior dogs eventually become inactive, and their energy requirements reduce. As a result, they start to pack up some pounds, and that is never healthy.
To extend the life of the older dogs, you must be careful what you feed them. The best dog food for older dogs contains fewer calories but more antioxidants, minerals such as calcium to maintain bone health.
The best overall is Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Dog Food, and Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Dog Food follows closely.
Best Dog Food For Senior Dogs
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Dog Food – Best Senior Dry Dog Food (Best Overall)
The dry dog food contains sweet potato recipe, chicken, and brown rice to provide the necessary nutrients for senior dog. It also includes antioxidants to maintain the health of the aging dog. Other vital nutrients include Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to keep a healthy coat and skin.
What we like
- Provides necessary nutrients for senior dog
- Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for a healthy coat
What we don’t like
- It may have some fishy smell
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Dog Food – Best For Enhanced Immunity
The senior dog food contains real meat proteins to maintain healthy muscles. Another critical ingredient is chondroitin and glucosamine for healthy bones and teeth. There are also essential proteins and carbohydrates.
What we like
- Real meat to maintain healthy muscles
- Chondroitin and glucosamine for healthy bones
What we don’t like
- It may cause some dogs to feel weak
Hill’s Science Diet Older Dog Dry Food – Best Senior Dog Food Small Breeds
The best food for older dogs supports joints and mobility of the senior dog. It has balanced minerals to support kidney, heart, and brain health. The vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids give the dog a healthy and shiny coat.
What we like
- Supports joints and mobility of the senior dog
- Balance minerals for the support of healthy organs
- Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy and shiny coat
What we don’t like
- Some dogs may not receive it well
Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food – Best For Weight Gain
The dog food contains Salmon, lamb, and chicken to provide a sufficient amount of protein for healthy muscles. It has quality ingredients that ensure the overall health of the senior dog. Most importantly, it does not contain harmful components such as food additives and preservatives.
What we like
- Sufficient amount of protein for healthy muscles
- Excellent quality components for overall health
What we don’t like
- It may not contain a sufficient amount of minerals
Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dog Food – Best For Dehydrated Dog
Organic whole-grain food contains sufficient amounts of fiber for gut health. It includes free-range chicken to provide proteins for healthy muscles.
What we like
- organic whole food for sufficient amounts of fiber
- free-range chicken for proteins
What we don’t like
- Some dogs may refuse to take it
Nulo Glucosamine & Chondroitin Senior Dog Food – Best Senior Dog Food For Arthritis
The dog food is grain-free and high in animal proteins for optimal Health of senior dogs. It has low carbs, and the food is the best for reducing food sensitivities.
What we like
- Grain-free and high in animal proteins
- Low carbs
- Reduces food sensitivities
What we don’t like
- The smell is not the best, and the dogs may not like it
Crave Protein Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food – Best Grain Free Senior Dog Food
Most Crave dog food reviews state that dogs like the meat-rich diet. It contains best-quality lamb meat for proteins. The blend of plant and animal proteins provides all the necessary nutrients for healthy muscles and strength.
What we like
- High-quality lamb meat for proteins
- A combination of plant and animal proteins for overall health
What we don’t like
- It may not contain enough fiber
Blue Buffalo Basics Diet Dog Food – Best Senior Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach
The food has a real turkey to provide sufficient protein for healthy muscles and body structure. It does not have any chicken, soy, or milk and therefore the best for sensitive stomach.
What we like
- Sufficient protein for healthy muscles
- Does not contain chicken, soy or milk
- Antioxidants for a healthy immune system
What we don’t like
- Some dogs may not like it
Nutro Premium Loaf Wet Dog Food – Best Senior Wet Dog Food
The dog food contains minerals vitamins and other essential nutrients for senior dogs. More importantly, it is the best senior canned dog food as it includes farm-raised chicken for a delicious meal and a good source of proteins.
What we like
- Contains minerals, vitamins, and other essential nutrients
- Delicious family chicken as a good source of protein
What we don’t like
- It may cause some dogs to be sick
Senior Dog Care – Common Health Problems and the Importance of the Right Diet
Some of the most common health problems that affect dogs as they get older include joint and bone issues. Others may develop arthritis and other conditions of the heart that can sometimes be life-threatening.
The right diet for a senior dog includes the right amount of minerals such as calcium to maintain healthy bones and teeth. Antioxidants, fish oil, ARA, and DHA are other essential components that you should include in the diet.
How to Select the Right and Safe Food for Older Dogs?
Senior dogs don’t need many calories in their diet. Avoid any dog food with a significant amount of calories. Safe food should have an average amount of proteins, minerals, and antioxidants. All the dogs are prone to diseases, and you can prolong their life with the right diet with a good amount of antioxidants such as Vitamin E and others. ARA and DHA will safeguard the health of the eyes and brain. The food should also be high in fiber.
Right Age of Switching to Senior Dog Food – When Are Dogs Considered Adults?
The right age to change the dog’s diet, two senior dog food is between 5 and 7 years. You should lookout for signs that they are getting older, and not very active as before.
Weight Management – What if Your Senior Dog is Losing Weight?
Weight loss may indicate severe illness in senior dogs. If you observe increased appetite, weight loss, and increased thirst, it could suggest that the dog is suffering from diabetes. It is always best to take him to the vet for checkups.
Old Dog Gum Disease – What to Do?
Work with a veterinarian and take your dog for regular oral checkups. Make sure to brush their teeth often.
Concluding Remarks
The best dog food for older dogs contains the right amount of fiber, less amount of calories, sufficient amounts of calcium, and other minerals for healthy bones. The excellent quality dog food promotes a better immune system to prevent diseases and vitamins from promoting brain and heart health. You can extend the life of your senior dog by merely choosing the right dog food for older dogs.
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