What is a good soft dog food for older dogs? The Ultimate Guide

Best Senior Dog Food – Top 9 Picks

All senior dog food listed here not only tastes good but benefits your dog’s health. They’re all veterinarian-approved and formulated with vitamins, minerals, and healthy ingredients.

Not only is this the top recommendation by veterinarians, but it’s also been taste-tested and approved by dogs themselves – so you know it’s good stuff.

Hill’s Science Diet includes a range of wholesome ingredients, such as chicken, peas, and carrots. These are easily digestible and help restore a dog’s energy to the levels they were when they were younger.

And since it’s covered in gravy, it has a delicious taste that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. Plus, there’s a choice of two flavors to maintain your pup’s interest.

What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

Its balanced blend of minerals, nutrients, and fiber gives your dog’s digestive health a boost to keep it running smoothly, as well as supporting heart and kidney health.

Weight is a key concern when your dog gets older, and lean protein will help them maintain muscle and achieve their ideal weight.

  • Available in two flavors
  • Supports heart and kidney health
  • Taste-tested by dogs
  • US veterinarians’ number 1 recommended brand
  • No prescription required
  • Expensive
  • Includes a lot of gravy
  • Gravy can make light-colored fur around mouths messy
  • What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Canned Dog Food

    The price of “Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Canned Dog Food” varies, so check the latest price at

    Blue Buffalo Wilderness was inspired and named after Blue, the family’s old dog who developed a range of health issues. The family decided to create a pet food that Blue would be proud of.

    This option has a high-protein formula ideal for your dog’s weight gain. It includes a mix of vegetables like carrots and peas, fruit, and chicken, with a choice of either red meat or turkey too.

    Rest assured there are no meat by-products either, as well as wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

    What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    Blue Buffalo Wilderness includes a range of nutrients to help various facets of your dog’s health. For example, it includes glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility, as well as omega-3 fatty acids for cognitive health.

    And if your pup has dental or chewing problems, this is the best-wet option to deal with that.

  • Choice of including red meat or turkey with chicken
  • Includes cranberries, blueberries, and flaxseed
  • Formulated for joint health and mobility
  • Grain and gluten-free
  • High moisture for hydration
  • Expensive
  • Popular and can be difficult to source
  • What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior Wet Dog Food

    The price of “Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior Wet Dog Food ” varies, so check the latest price at

    Purina ONE SmartBlend is ideal for larger dogs over 50lbs but is suitable for senior dogs of all sizes.

    Its main ingredient is chicken and turkey, high-protein options to help support strong muscles and a healthy heart. This is then supported by chicken liver, meat by-products, barley, and oatmeal to support your dog’s energy.

    Glucosamine is added to maintain good hip and joint health, while a range of vitamins is added to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.

    What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    On top of that, you’ll find MCTs to promote mental sharpness, keeping them alert and active all day long.

    Don’t worry about any fillers hiding inside. There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives – just complete and balanced nutrition.

  • Affordable
  • Supports muscles and heart health
  • Maintains healthy immune system
  • Does not include any fillers
  • Nutrition to give your senior dog energy
  • Helps with mental acuity for senior dogs
  • Popular and so difficult to source
  • Meat by-products included
  • What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    Purina ONE SmartBlend Senior Dog Food

    The price of “Purina ONE SmartBlend Senior Dog Food” varies, so check the latest price at

    IAMS ProActive might be the best budget-friendly option on this list, but it doesn’t skimp on quality.

    Instead, this is a quality formula from a trusted brand at an affordable price with the same nutritional benefits as more expensive senior dog food.

    There aren’t any plant-based protein boosters. Instead, its key protein ingredient is chicken, with its unique blend of ingredients supporting your dog’s immune health and giving them an energy boost.

    Its use of L-carnitine helps to burn fat to keep your senior dog at a healthy weight, while its omega-3 fatty acids promote a healthy heart and skin, as well as strong joints and a shiny coat.

    What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    Just be aware that it also includes meat by-products, ingredients that some dog owners choose to avoid.

    In addition to that, it includes carrageenan; while not necessarily problematic, it is a potentially inflammatory additive you may choose to stay away from.

  • Affordable
  • Added vitamins and minerals
  • Quality ingredients from a trusted brand at an affordable price
  • Promotes strong immune system
  • Helps senior dogs burn fat for healthier weight
  • High moisture content
  • Includes chicken and other meat by-products
  • Brand has had multiple recalls
  • Contains carrageenan
  • What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    IAMS ProActive Health Senior Canned Dog Food

    The price of “IAMS ProActive Health Senior Canned Dog Food” varies, so check the latest price at

    Royal Canin was founded by a veterinarian, and with over 40 years of experience in health nutrition, you can be sure that this company knows what they’re doing when it comes to canned dog food.

    That’s why it’s so good for older dogs with sensitive stomachs. It’s been known to be effective for picky eaters too since dogs love it!

    Royal Canin’s senior dog food offers complete nutrition for your dog to age healthily and gracefully.

    What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    It includes a precise balance of nutrients for effective nutrition with plenty of moisture to keep your pup hydrated.

    Royal Canin boasts plenty of protein in its ingredients, with salmon, chicken, pork liver, and even chicken and pork by-products too.

  • Trusted brand with years of experience
  • Well-balanced mix of nutrients
  • High moisture content
  • Ideal for picky eaters or dogs with sensitive stomachs
  • Expensive
  • High demand means difficulty finding product
  • Makes use of meat by-products
  • What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    Royal Canin Canine Mature Adult in Gel Canned Dog Food

    The price of “Royal Canin Canine Mature Adult in Gel Canned Dog Food” varies, so check the latest price at

    This premium dry pet food for senior dogs is highly recommended. It’s a low-calorie, balanced diet that’s ideal for older dogs with nutrient-rich superfoods to keep them in perfect health.

    The grain-free formula includes plenty of protein, focusing on turkey and chicken meal.

    It’s supported by lentils, dried ground potatoes, and peas for comprehensive nutrition to support your dog’s health.

    What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    On top of this, Wellness CORE includes plenty of omega-rich salmon oil and flaxseed, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin to aid in maintaining good joint health.

    Its use of antioxidants, probiotics, and taurine is essential for your dog’s heart health and will keep it in good shape.

  • Premium formula of nutrients
  • Good number of calories for weight control
  • No meat by-products or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
  • Gluten-free
  • Enhanced with vitamins and minerals
  • Flax omega blend to maintain healthy skin and coat
  • What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food

    The price of “Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food ” varies, so check the latest price at

    Nutro Ultra senior wet dog food is dominated by a great deal of animal protein, made up of primarily chicken, supported by lamb, and fish.

    Mixed in with protein is a range of superfoods to support joints and maintain heart and skin health.

    Nutro products all include non-GMO recipes. So you can rest assured that Nutro Ultra has no chicken by-products hidden inside, as well as corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives. Instead,

    Nutro focuses on healthy and flavorful wet dog food to ensure dogs enjoy the meals and stay healthy.

    What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    This option also stands out by not being served in tin cans. Instead, Nutro Ultra wet dog food is all found in single-serve, easy-peel trays. While this isn’t always important, for some this can make serving wet dog food much easier.

  • Perfect for picky eaters
  • Sustainably sourced ingredients
  • Fresh, non-GMO produce
  • Single-serve trays make portion control easier
  • Plenty of protein and superfoods for balanced nutrition
  • Limited flavor options for senior dogs
  • Not as affordable as other options
  • What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Pate Adult & Senior Wet Dog Food

    The price of “Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Pate Adult & Senior Wet Dog Food” varies, so check the latest price at

    With a freeze-dried coating for a burst of raw flavor, ORIJEN is the perfect dry dog food for picky eaters who tend to stay away from kibble.

    Dominated with 85% animal protein, the kibble is made from the nutrient-rich organs of chicken, turkey, and fish, such as Atlantic flounder and mackerel.

    This grain-free formula is designed to support muscle mass and help your dog maintain their perfect weight.

    But it’s not just animal protein it’s made up of. Like the best dog food for old dogs, the recipe also includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and taurine to make sure their joints stay healthy to keep them running and playing.

  • Wide variety of whole ingredients
  • Well-balanced formula with lots of nutrients
  • High protein content
  • No history of recalls
  • No controversial ingredients used
  • Expensive
  • Dry dog food not suitable for all senior dogs
  • Low moisture content
  • What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    The price of “ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food” varies, so check the latest price at

    Diamond is a family-owned company based in the USA that focuses on formulating the best dog food to keep your pup happy and healthy.

    Their formula for old dogs gives the optimal balance of protein, fat, and micro-nutrients.

    The primary protein ingredient comes from cage-free chicken, giving the balance of protein and fat levels that aging dogs need.

    What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    Additionally, it includes omega fatty acids for their skin and coat health, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints, L-carnitine for weight control, and vitamins and minerals from superfoods.

    While it’s impressive that they’re able to pack so much into the kibble, one disadvantage is that there are too many carbohydrates.

    In fact, over half (52%) of ingredients are carbohydrates which is a little too much for older dogs.

  • Affordable
  • Fiber-rich flaxseed
  • No fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
  • High-quality protein ingredients
  • Too many carbohydrates
  • Low moisture content
  • Few plant-based proteins
  • Multiple recalls
  • What is a good soft dog food for older dogs?

    Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food

    The price of “Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food” varies, so check the latest price at

    Most Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Senior Dogs

    Not all dogs get grey hair around their muzzles. In fact, many are as playful as a puppy for their entire lives.

    You may have noticed that small dogs seem to age more slowly than large dogs. It’s true. A small dog can live to be as old as 20 years. But a large dog can reach maturity much sooner.

    So, how do you know when your dog has entered her golden years?

    According to the American Veterinary Medical Association…

    Of course, all dogs are different. A healthy diet, regular exercise and good dental care can help extend your dog’s middle age phase.

    Best Budget-Friendly Option: IAMS ProActive Health Senior Dog Food

    For owners looking to feed their senior on a budget we have selected IAMS ProActive Health Senior Dog Food.

    This food contains top-quality ingredients such as real chicken to create a meal that is packed full of protein. It is specially designed to provide a balanced and nutritious meal for your pup with the addition of vitamins and minerals to promote a strong and healthy immune system. It also includes omega fatty acids to provide a healthy coat and skin. Another great thing about this food is that it can be fed either on its own or mixed with your pup’s favorite dry kibble.

    The only drawback to this food that we could find was that some owners found it made their pets quite gassy.

    Best Canned Dog Food For Senior Dog

    Looking for the best wet dog food for senior dog? These are today’s top rated and reviewed wet dog food for senior dogs that Chewy pet parents, like you, love. We update this list every day, so you can be sure you’re getting the timeliest product recommendations available.