Senior dogs have unique dietary needs, just like humans. Depending on the size and breed of the dog, it may be considered “senior” after the age of five or seven. Each dog has unique nutritional needs according to its age, weight, activity level, and overall health, but generally, senior dog foods offer the nutrition aging dogs need to support their changing bodies and minds.
It can be difficult to choose the right senior dog food for your pet, however. Wet and canned food offers benefits over dry kibble, such as added moisture and a soft texture that’s easier for older dogs to eat comfortably.
We’ve compiled the 10 best canned and wet dog food for senior dogs, based on reviews from real pet owners.
The Best Senior Dog Food September 2022
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best senior dog food brands for September 2022.
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If you’re searching for a low-calorie, balanced diet that’s ideal for an older dog, look no further than Wellness Core Senior. It’s one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Core product line.
Wellness Core Senior derives the lion’s share of its meat protein from fresh turkey and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 13% fat and 43% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.
Core Senior is a grain-free formula boasting lots of omega-rich salmon oil, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health… with optimal calories for weight control. A premium recipe for older dogs. Highly recommended.
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If you’ve always wished you could feed your dog a homemade meal but without all the hard work, this Nom Nom recipe makes it possible… and easy.
Beef Mash is one of 4 fresh wet recipes covered in our review of the Nom Nom Dog Food product line.
Nom Nom Beef Mash gets most of its animal protein from fresh ground beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 19% fat and 36% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
This human-grade recipe has been designed for all life stages (including seniors) by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
Beef Mash and Turkey Fare formulas have lower fat-to-protein ratios than the other recipes… which may make them safer picks for older dogs.
An exceptional, grain-free option… ideal for those who want to feed a scientifically balanced diet that’s as close to homemade as you can get. Not cheap. Highly recommended.
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Looking for a grain-free formula that’s dominated with animal protein? Then, this dog food deserves serious attention. Orijen Senior is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen product line.
Orijen Senior takes the greatest share of its meat protein from fresh chicken, turkey and fish. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 17% fat and 32% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
From its beginnings, Champion Petfoods, the legendary maker of Orijen, has always advocated for a meat-based, “biologically appropriate” diet… a proven design which makes this food a top choice for seniors. Highly recommended.
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Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), a disease similar to Alzheimer’s in humans, is becoming increasingly common in older dogs. For those concerned about this serious health issue, this one-of-a-kind senior formula stands head and shoulders above any other dog food we’ve come across.
Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ is one of 3 dry recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind product line.
This Pro Plan senior recipe sources the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken and poultry meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 16% fat and 43% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
In addition, Bright Mind includes glucosamine and DHA for healthy joints and prebiotic fiber to support digestion.
But what really excites us about this recipe is the fact it contains MCT, a fatty-acid derived from certain vegetable oils. Studies have shown that MCT can improve cognitive function (thinking) in older dogs… which makes it a welcome ingredient in this… or any… senior recipe.
The thoughtful, scientific design of Pro Plan Bright Mind makes it an ideal choice for many older dogs. Highly recommended.
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With every one of its first 5 ingredients sourced from animal protein, Go! Senior makes a rare and extraordinary grain-free option for older pets. It’s one of 5 dry recipes included in our review of the Go! Solutions Carnivore product line.
This Go! Carnivore formula gets the largest part of its meat protein from multiple poultry meals and salmon meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 16% fat and 41% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
With no wheat, corn or soy and the addition of glucosamine and chondroitin to support hip and joint health, this GMO-free brand is a solid choice for your senior dog. Enthusiastically recommended.
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Older dogs can benefit significantly from L-carnitine and the other special anti-aging ingredients found in Nulo Freestyle Senior. The product is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Nulo Freestyle product line.
Freestyle Senior sources the bulk of its animal protein from fresh trout as well as turkey and salmon meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 13% fat and 45% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.
The formula also includes L-carnitine for improved weight control as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints… making this recipe a great option for senior dogs. Highly recommended.
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For those who value a simple, grain-inclusive formula that contains no plant-based protein boosters, Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult makes an excellent choice for older dogs. This classic senior diet is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Iams ProActive Health product line.
Iams Mature Adult derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 12% fat and 54% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
ProActive Health is a time-proven, grain-inclusive brand offering several different senior recipes. Each includes L-carnitine to help your pet burn fat… which makes it easier to keep your older dog at a healthy weight. Highly recommended.
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Fortified with multiple antioxidants and an effective fat-burning supplement, Victor Senior makes a great option for an older dog. It’s one of 6 dry recipes included in our review of the Victor Purpose product line.
Victor Senior Healthy Weight derives the dominant portion of its animal protein from beef meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 13% fat and 50% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.
This low-cost, reduced calorie formula is also enhanced with L-carnitine for effective weight control as well as glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints. A balanced, budget-friendly option that’s ideal for your aging pet. Highly recommended.
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Classic Mature Paté is one of 3 wet recipes covered in our review of the Chicken Soup for the Soul wet product line.
This finely-chopped Paté senior formula derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 34% protein, 18% fat and 40% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
We like the fact this classic wet design contains no corn, wheat or soy and that it’s 100% free of artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. And the super-fine texture makes it ideal for dogs with missing teeth or dental problems.
A top wet food ideal for picky seniors. Highly recommended.
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Boasting an optimal balance of protein, fat and micro-nutrients, Diamond Senior makes an exceptional, low-cost option for older dogs. It’s one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
This Diamond Senior formula sources the major portion of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 12% fat and 52% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
With glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints as well as L-carnitine for weight control, this makes an affordable option from a safety-conscious company.
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It’s not uncommon for an older dog to suffer from a sensitive stomach. So, for some, a limited ingredient diet like Canidae Grain-Free Pure, can offer a great solution. It’s one of 10 dry recipes included in our review of the Canidae Grain-Free Pure product line.
Canidae Pure Senior acquires the dominant share of its animal protein from fresh chicken as well as poultry meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 11% fat and 50% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 36%.
Although suitable for all seniors, Canidae Grain-Free Pure was specially formulated for dogs with food sensitivities. Because of it’s a limited ingredient design, this particular diet is free of many common canine allergens… like corn, wheat, soy or grains. Highly recommended.
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Senior Chicken Dinner is one of 12 wet recipes included in our review of the Blue Buffalo wet dog food product line.
This Blue Buffalo Homestyle wet formula derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 34% protein, 20% fat and 37% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
It’s worth noting this senior design includes both glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. And the recipe is 100% free of corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
A top wet option for older dogs, especially those with dental problems or chewing issues. Recommended with confidence.
What’s the Best Food for Older Dogs?
As your dog’s muzzle begins to turn grey, you might find yourself asking… what’s the best dog food for a senior?
We’ll share The Dog Food Advisor’s best senior dog foods for 2022… and we’ll answer the 8 most frequently asked questions we get about feeding older dogs.
The outstanding senior recipes listed below were chosen by our research team because they contain:
None is considered a repeat offender when it comes to deadly aflatoxin in its recent recall history.
Which makes each an ideal choice for older dogs.
Purina ONE SmartBlend Adult Dog Food – Vet’s Choice
| Main ingredients: | Turkey, turkey broth, chicken, liver, pork lungs, oat meal, barley, carrots |
| Protein content: | 8.0% |
| Fat content: | 7.0% |
| Calories: | 424 kcal/can |
Purina ONE SmartBlend Classic Ground Turkey & Barley Entrée Adult Wet Dog Food is the vet’s choice for senior dog food. Real turkey is the first ingredient for high-quality protein that helps to preserve muscle mass in older dogs. It also contains medium-chain triglycerides for alertness and omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.
Designed for older, picky eaters, the food has a savory poultry flavor with wholesome grains for energy support. It’s made in the USA with antioxidants to help your aging pet. Many reviewers were pleased with this food, but some said it smelled strong and their dogs wouldn’t eat it. Pros
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FAQ
Should older dogs eat soft food?
What is the healthiest wet food for senior dogs?
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dog Food – Best Overall. …
- IAMS ProActive Health Senior Canned Dog Food – Best Value. …
- Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Wet Dog Food. …
- Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel Canned Dog Food. …
- Purina ONE SmartBlend Adult Dog Food – Vet’s Choice.
What wet dog food do vets recommend for senior dogs?
- Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition MEDIUM Aging 10+ Dry.
- Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition LARGE Adult 8+ Dry for Dogs.
- Hill’s® Science Diet® Dog Mature Adult Canned.
What is the best thing to feed my senior dog?
- Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition MEDIUM Aging 10+ Dry.
- Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition LARGE Adult 8+ Dry for Dogs.
- Hill’s® Science Diet® Dog Mature Adult Canned.