Best Dog Food for Old Dogs — Buyer’s Guide, Comparison and Reviews
If you have an older dog, you’ll understand how important it is to keep their diet just right for them. Mature dogs need a little bit of extra protein to keep their joints nice and healthy as they move less and grow older. This is why dog food for old dogs can be a game changer.
OUR TOP PICK
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food
Wellness Core Senior doesn’t include grains, but it does include doggy-friendly fruits and veggies and deboned turkey. High in protein and fiber, plus glucosamine and chondroitin, omegas, and pre and probiotics — this dog food contains all the key ingredients for the aging canine.
- Complete dog food.
- Contains real turkey.
- Designed to support healthy heart and gut.
Image
Product
Details
Life stage: Adult
Protein (%): 28.6
Calories (per cup): 299
Type: Dry
Science-based recipe.
Made in the USA.
Vet recommended for weight loss
Product Rating: 4.8/5
Life stage: Adult
Protein (%): 35
Calories (per cup): 412
Type: Kibble & freeze-dried raw
Includes freeze-dried raw meat.
15 percent less calories.
Supports digestion.
Product Rating: 4.6/5
Life stage: Adult
Protein (%): 20
Calories (per cup): 322
Type: Kibble
Comes with whole grains, fruits & veggies.
Supports joints.
Includes antioxidants.
Product Rating: 4.7/5
Life stage: Adult
Protein (%): 30
Calories (per cup): 352
Type: Pellet
Free from grains.
Contains whole foods.
Pellet form.
Product Rating: 4.7/5
Life stage: Adult
Protein (%): 33
Calories (per cup): 366
Type: Dry
High in protein.
Supports the 5 signs of well-being.
Suitable for any breed.
Product Rating: 4.6/5
Life stage: Adult
Protein (%): 26
Calories (per cup): 315
Type: Dry
Suitable for all breeds.
Includes more than one animal protein.
Optimal levels of l-carnitine.
Product Rating: 4.6/5
Life stage: Adult
Protein (%): 27
Calories (per cup): 362
Type: Dry
Contains probiotics.
Good for gut health.
Fat/protein ratio optimized.
Product Rating: 4.7/5
Life stage: Adult
Protein (%): 24
Calories (per cup): 343
Type: Dry
Reduced fat.
Good for your pup’s digestive system.
Great for skin and coat health.
Product Rating: 4.6/5
Life stage: Adult
Protein (%): 28
Calories (per cup): 325
Type: Dry
Blend of superfoods.
Non-GMO ingredients.
Contains chicken, lamb, and salmon.
Product Rating: 4.7/5
Life stage: Adult
Protein (%): 28
Calories (per cup): 409
Type: Dry
Zero grains.
Real chicken included.
High-quality ingredients.
Product Rating: 4.4/5
The Best Dog Food for Old Dogs Buying Guide
Dogs in their golden years are akin to elderly humans, they prefer a slower pace, snooze lots, and their nutritional intake changes. Plus, as dogs age, the chances of becoming overweight and mobility issues are greater. This is where dog food for old dogs could come into play.
However, there are a wide variety of foods out there, and they all vary. We’re not saying you need to become an expert in dog food nutrition, but it’s good to know what to look out for and what to avoid.

What to Feed Older Dogs?
In short. The best food for older dogs is one that fits your canine’s needs. In reality, no two dogs will follow identical health, lifestyle, and dietary paths.
However, there are a few things you can look out for:
Fiber
Lots of older dogs struggle with constipation, and the best way to tackle that is to look for food with a decent amount of fiber. But it’s also important to remember that too much fiber can cause its own problems — so, try and maintain exercise as well. Dry dog food for old dogs varies in fiber content, from around 3 to 8 percent per serving.
Protein
We need to add the importance of proteins in food for older dogs. As dogs get on in years they tend to suffer from muscle wastage, so feeding them a diet that’s high in protein can help to retain their lean muscle mass. The AAFCO’s guidelines state the minimum protein should be around 18 percent for adults to maintain their body weight and muscles.
Additional Age-Beneficial Ingredients
Here are a few stand-out senior nutrients you should know about:
Chondroitin and Glucosamine
If your dog has arthritis, hip dysplasia, or any other joint complaint, these two are well worth keeping an eye out for. Research suggests they can relieve stiffness and pain in dogs’ joints — thus helping your dog to get around.
Omega 3/6 Fatty Acids
These are often found in fish oil as well as nuts and plant oils, so bear these in mind. Your dog needs to get these fatty acids from their diet, so it’s up to you to provide them. They can help with any inflammation problems, coat and skin condition, and even cognitive health.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
It’s not only your pup that slows down as they get older, so does their digestive system. This is where adding prebiotics and probiotics for dogs to their diet can help support a healthy digestive and immune system.
Other Considerations
Wet or Dry Food?
Wet food is good for dogs with teeth problems, who want extra hydration, and perhaps those who seem to have lost their appetite, or would find wet food more appealing. However, it will be lower in fiber compared to dry food.
Calories
While many elderly dogs are overweight, that doesn’t apply to every old dog. So, check calorie content, dog foods for old dogs vary — with dry foods roughly ranging between 340 and 440 calories per cup. If your dog needs to lose a few pounds, something that’s on the lower end of the scale could help.
AAFCO
Ensure your chosen food for old dogs meets AAFCO’s (Association of Animal Feed Control Officials) nutritional profiles for canines. This means it’s a complete meal, as in, nutrient-wise, it includes what your dog needs for their lifestage.
Best Dog Food for Elderly Dogs Reviews
Wellness — CORE Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food
Product Rating: 4.7/5
- Quality: 92%
- Efficacy: 91%
- Price: 89%
If grains don’t agree with your senior pooch, take a look at Wellness Grain-Free dry dog food for older dogs. High in protein, deboned turkey is the first ingredient — plus flaxseed, lentils, chicken fat, and dog-friendly veggies like broccoli, spinach, carrots, and kale are on the list.
Omega 3 and 6 are included, supporting skin and coat condition. It’s also fortified with minerals and vitamins, which provide your dog’s aging immune system a needed boost. And, the inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin help out with any joint ailments your dog may have.
What’s more, pre and probiotics for dogs aid a well-balanced gut and digestion.
Nutritional Info (per cup):
Calories: 375
Fiber: 5%
Fat: 12%
Protein: 32%
Pros
- Turkey — low-fat source of protein.
- Includes taurine for a healthy heart.
- Free from soy or gluten.
Cons
- Hard on the pocket.
If you have a pint-sized senior doggy, you may wish to consider IAMS. Its small kibble size is just the ticket for tiny mouths.
Real chicken is the first ingredient on the list — providing a decent source of protein. It also comes with antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta carotene for keeping your dog’s immunity levels topped up. Plus, it contains the amino acid l-carnitine, which gives your aging pooch’s metabolism a boost. Hence, it reduces the chance of your dog piling on the pounds.
Prebiotics and a blend of fiber help with your pup’s digestion and overall health. And, because it comes as a dry kibble, this food also acts as a ‘toothbrush,’ helping to break down the tartar on your dog’s teeth.
Nutritional Info (per cup):
Calories: 349
Fiber: 5%
Fat: 10.5%
Protein: 24%
Pros
- Recommended by professionals.
- Great nutrition.
- No preservatives or artificial flavors.
Cons
- Includes chicken by-products.
Open Farm — Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Product Rating: 4.4/5
- Quality: 89%
- Efficacy: 90%
- Price: 91%
Open Farm has an ethical and sustainable approach to sourcing its ingredients.
For example, from allowing you to find the origin of your dog’s food through to humane farming practices and recyclable packaging. This could appeal to those who want to do their bit for the planet as well as take care of their elderly canine.
Its senior recipe contains antibiotic-free turkey and chicken, which makes it high in protein and well-suited for older dogs. Salmon oil for dogs contributes toward the omega 3 for heart health and coat condition. And, glucosamine and chondroitin are included for joint support.
In terms of fiber, you can thank pumpkin, sweet potato, lentils, and flaxseed for keeping your pooch’s digestive tract regular. Plus, this dry dog food for older dogs contains zero meat by-products, is free from artificial preservatives, and its fruits and veggies are non-GMO.
Nutritional Info (per cup):
Calories: 436
Fiber: 4.5%
Fat: 12.5%
Protein: 31%
Pros
- Meat is 100% certified humane.
- Includes immunity-enhancing superfoods.
- High-quality flavor.
Cons
- Not the best food for elderly dogs with poultry sensitivities.
A dog food for old dogs that’s also super-high protein, the top five ingredients on Orijen’s Senior recipe are animal-based — raw chicken, turkey, salmon, herring, and chicken liver. Hence, if your elderly dog is losing muscle or trying to lose a few pounds and needs to preserve it, this is worth checking out.
With 85% animal ingredients, this dry food is also very dense on the nutrient side — omegas, glucosamine, added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. So, there’s plenty to maintain your old dog’s health as well as joint function.
Additionally, this kibble has been freeze-dried coated — adding extra flavor — which could make the food more appealing to fussy ol’ pups or those with appetite loss.
Nutritional Info (per cup):
Calories: 427
Fiber: 8%
Fat: 15%
Protein: 38%
Pros
- Up to 85% animal ingredients.
- High protein dog food.
- Meal-free recipe — raw or fresh ingredients only.
Cons
- Quite expensive.
Purina Pro Plan Senior Dog Food With Probiotics
Product Rating: 4.7/5
- Quality: 96%
- Efficacy: 94%
- Price: 91%
The saying, ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,’ could be well and truly busted with this dog food. Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind includes plant-based oils (aka coconut oil) to help promote alertness, sharpness, and trainability in your old dog.
The main ingredient in this dog food is real chicken for a decent source of protein. It also includes all the ingredients we’ve told you to look out for, like omega 3 and glucosamine, which will help with your pup’s mobility and immune health.
And, it also includes probiotics for an injection of friendly bacteria in your old dog’s gut — reinforcing digestive health and immune system.
Nutritional Info (per cup):
Calories: 423
Fiber: 3%
Fat: 14%
Protein: 29%
Pros
- Contains omega-3 and glucosamine.
- Real chicken is the primary ingredient.
- Promotes immune health and digestive health.
Cons
- Contains gluten, corn, and wheat.
Nulo Freestyle All Breed Senior Dry Dog Food
Product Rating: 4.6/5
- Quality: 94%
- Efficacy: 93%
- Price: 90%
This food for older dogs from Nulo contains novel proteins trout, turkey, and salmon, which is ideal if you’re looking for a chicken-free meal for your pooch. And, it’s grain-free too, another plus if your dog has food sensitivities.
With added glucosamine and chondroitin, joint and hip health are addressed, and omega 3 and 6 take care of skin and coat care. It also contains a proprietary probiotics blend to restore the balance of bacteria within the gut — improving digestion.
It has a high meat and low-carb ratio. In fact, the recipe contains 74% protein that’s animal-based. You’ll also find that this dog food contains l-carnitine, which boosts metabolism, helping your slower-paced pup burn fats/calories — lowering the chance of weight gain.
Nutritional Info (per cup):
Calories: 396
Fiber: 5%
Fat: 12%
Protein: 30%
Pros
- Support for hips and joints.
- Alternative protein sources.
- Increases your pup’s immune response.
Cons
- Noticeably strong-smelling food.
Victor’s Senior Healthy Weight is specially formulated for pups that don’t tend to move around as much and need to cut down, or watch, their weight.
This dog food is made in the US, and the recipe is superpowered by nutrients with high-quality meats. A decent serving of protein will support muscles and satiety, and offer energy. Plus, its calorie content isn’t excessive at 360 calories per cup.
If you’re concerned for your pup’s long-term joint health, this food is certainly thinking of it with the inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin. And, if your ol’ dog’s stomach isn’t as hardy as it once was, Victor’s recipe contains both prebiotics and probiotics to help with digestion and gut health.
Nutritional Info (per cup):
Calories: 360
Fiber: 4.5%
Fat: 11.5%
Protein: 27%
Pros
- Good value.
- Great for older dogs who don’t do much.
- Ideal elderly dog food for weight loss.
Cons
- Not grain-free.
Diamond Naturals Senior Real Meat Recipe
Product Rating: 4.6/5
- Quality: 91%
- Efficacy: 92%
- Price: 92%
We’re all aware of superfoods and what makes them super for human health, they’re also incredibly nutrient-dense and beneficial for canines. Hence, Diamond Naturals have chosen to include plenty of them in their recipe — from kale to blueberries, chia seeds to quinoa.
The first ingredient is cage-free chicken, providing your dog with a high protein base for their food, which, in turn, helps support their muscle maintenance and bone strength. This food contains brightly colored fruit and vegetables, providing dogs with a wealth of important vitamins and minerals. What’s more, it contains omega 3 and 6 — from flaxseed and coconut — to keep your dog’s coat and skin in good condition.
Additionally, you’ll find glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain your dog’s joints. And, a proprietary blend of probiotics provides a welcome boost for an age-related weakening immune system as well as support for digestion.
Nutritional Info (per cup):
Calories: 347
Fiber: 3%
Fat: 11%
Protein: 25%
Pros
- All-around formula for older dogs.
- Clean ingredients.
- Made in the United States.
Cons
- Difficult to source.
If you’re a doggy owner who doesn’t like to see an ingredient list as long as your arm, Canidae’s Pure for Seniors may appeal. With a maximum of nine foody ingredients, it’s also suitable for elderly dogs with food intolerances.
The main ingredient is protein-rich real chicken, plus healthy sweet potatoes, peas, garbanzo beans, alfalfa, and chicken fat are a few other examples — offering a good mix of protein, fiber, fat, and carbs for your mature doggy.
It’s also been formulated with antioxidants and probiotics to make sure your pup’s gut health is all in check. It also contains lots of minerals and vitamins to keep your pup’s joints, coat, and skin all nice and healthy.
Nutritional Info (per cup):
Calories: 409
Fiber: 5%
Fat: 10%
Protein: 28%
Pros
- Includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and omegas.
- Zero corn, by-products, and fillers.
- Doesn’t contain grains.
Cons
- Large kibble size — smaller dogs may struggle.
Perhaps your dog has become a picky eater, or their teeth aren’t in the best condition — if so, a wet food, like Blue Buffalo Senior, may restore their appetite.
Real chicken, chicken liver, and chicken broth are the first three ingredients, providing protein for muscle maintenance. Carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes make up the dog-friendly veggies, and brown rice, oats, and barley offer wholesome slow-release energy and fiber for digestion.
This dog food for old dogs is also enhanced with glucosamine and chondroitin to ease joint issues and keep your dog moving.
Nutritional Info (per can):
Calories: 396
Fiber: 2%
Fat: 4.5%
Protein: 7.5%
Pros
- Artificial colors or preservatives not included.
- Common-allergens-free — no soy, corn, or wheat.
- Pate-style wet food — good for dogs with dental issues.
Cons
- Lower in protein compared to dry foods.

Conclusion
When your pup reaches retirement age, their slower pace and health issues may warrant a diet to match their needs.
Take into consideration the protein content as well as how many calories a typical serving offers your dog. Other key senior-dog ingredients to look out for are omegas, glucosamine and chondroitin, and fiber.
And, while every dog’s circumstances differ, our picks of the best dog food for old dogs cover many scenarios. So, hopefully, you’ll find a good fit for your elderly pooch.
The Best Dog Food for Old Dogs FAQs
What Should I Feed My Very Old Dog?
A high-protein dog food could help out your pup. Muscle wasting is a real issue in aging dogs. This is generally down to the fact that they can’t process proteins as well as they could in their younger years.
Should Senior Dogs Eat Wet or Dry Food?
It’s completely dependent on your pup. Some dogs aren’t the biggest fans while others love it. Although, lots of people tend to think that because wet food has a stronger smell, older dogs are much more tempted by it as their senses are normally a bit diminished.
Should I Mix Wet Food With Dry Food?
Once again, it’s up to your dog. Some dogs love dry food and hate wet food and vice versa. You can mix wet and dry food together if your dog loves both and it will give them the best of both worlds.
What Not To Feed a Senior Dog?
You should steer away from foods that contain artificial ingredients and preservatives. And, avoid those that contain a high amount of by-products as opposed to high-quality protein content.
What’s the Easiest Food for Old Dogs To Digest?
Proteins are quite good for dogs to digest and when choosing your dog’s food, try and make sure you’re using novel proteins to prevent allergies.