As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. Geriatric dogs require a diet that is tailored to their specific needs to ensure they remain healthy and active. This is where specialized dog foods come in, designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of senior dogs.
The best dog foods for geriatric dogs are those that provide a balanced and complete diet that supports their aging bodies. These foods are formulated with lower calorie content to prevent obesity, higher protein content to maintain muscle mass, and reduced sodium levels to support their aging kidneys.
When selecting the right dog food for your senior dog, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients list. Look for foods that contain high-quality protein sources, such as chicken or fish, and avoid foods that contain fillers or artificial preservatives.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various dog foods to identify the best options for geriatric dogs. In this article, we’ll share our top picks and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about the best dog food for your senior companion.
Best Dog Foods for Geriatric Dogs
As our furry companions age, their dietary needs change. Senior dogs require a special diet that caters to their changing metabolism and health needs. As such, we have compiled a list of the best dog foods for geriatric dogs. Our team of experts has researched and tested various products to ensure that we only recommend the best for your aging pup. Read on to discover the top dog foods that will keep your senior dog healthy and happy.
#1 – ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food
If you want to keep your senior dog healthy and happy, ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food is the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The high protein content helps maintain a healthy weight and joint function in senior dogs.
- Made with fresh or raw chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, and chicken liver, it provides your dog with a strong source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Grain-free and made with the most succulent and nutrient-rich parts of the prey, containing up to 85 percent animal ingredients and ORIJEN WholePrey ingredients to mimic what your dog’s ancestors consumed in the wild.
Cons
- It is relatively expensive compared to other dog foods.
- The kibble size may not be suitable for all dogs.
- Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food.
We recently switched to ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food for our aging dog, and we are thrilled with the results. The high protein content has helped our dog maintain a healthy weight and improved his joint function. We also appreciate that it is made with fresh or raw ingredients and contains no grains, soy, corn, tapioca, or wheat.
The first five ingredients are fresh or raw chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, and chicken liver, which provide a strong source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The ORIJEN WholePrey ingredients ensure that our dog gets the most succulent and nutrient-rich parts of the prey, and the freeze-dried coating provides a burst of flavor that our dog loves.
We have noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s energy levels and overall health since switching to this dog food. While it is relatively expensive compared to other dog foods, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the price. The kibble size may not be suitable for all dogs, but our dog has had no issues with it.
Overall, we highly recommend ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food for their aging dog.
#2 – Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
We highly recommend Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for geriatric dogs. This product is made with prime cuts of real turkey and chicken from high-welfare American farms, making it a nutritious and delicious choice for your furry friend.
Pros
- The recipe is 100% Certified Humane, so you can feel good about the food in your dog’s bowl.
- The use of meaty protein, probiotic fiber, and added glucosamine and chondroitin make it a great choice for maintaining muscle and joint health in senior dogs.
- The smart superfoods like pumpkin, carrot, and coconut oil provide whole diet balance.
Cons
- The food is a bit pricey compared to other dog food brands.
- Some dogs may not prefer the flavor, as it smells more like veggies than meat.
- The kibble size may not be suitable for larger dog breeds.
We have been using Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for our geriatric dog for a few months now, and we are extremely satisfied with the results. Our dog’s coat is shinier, and he has more energy than he did before. The use of high-quality ingredients, along with the added probiotics and glucosamine, has made a noticeable difference in his overall health.
The transparency of the company is also impressive, as they provide owners with the ability to trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag. This gives us peace of mind knowing exactly where our dog’s food is coming from.
Overall, if you are looking for a high-quality dog food for your senior furry friend, we highly recommend Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.
#3 – NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Senior Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble
If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious dog food for your aging furry friend, then NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Senior Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Supports healthy immunity for senior dogs
- Helps support strong bones and joints
- Contains no artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions
- Some customers have reported issues with the packaging
Our experience with NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Senior Dry Dog Food has been very positive. We appreciate that the recipe is made with quality ingredients sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers. The fact that it contains real chicken as the first ingredient is a big plus for us, and we’re happy to see that it has no chicken by-product meal, no corn, wheat, or soy protein, and no artificial flavors, colors, or artificial preservatives.
We’ve noticed that our senior dog seems to have more energy and vitality since we started feeding him this dog food. He seems to enjoy the taste and has had no issues with digestion. We also appreciate that it contains essential antioxidants to support his aging immune system, as well as calcium to support his bones and joints.
One thing to keep in mind is that some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food. We recommend trying a small bag first to see if your dog enjoys it before committing to a larger size. Additionally, if your dog has certain dietary restrictions, you may need to check the ingredients list carefully to ensure that this dog food is suitable for them.
Overall, we highly recommend NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Senior Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a nutritious and high-quality dog food for their aging furry friend.
#4 – Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 5-lb Trial Size Bag Chicken & Brown Rice 5 Pound (Pack of 1)
If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your senior pup, then Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Small Breed Dry Dog Food is a great choice. This formula is designed to provide your dog with the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy in their golden years.
Pros
- Real meat first: Blue Buffalo foods always feature real meat as the first ingredient, and this formula is no exception. High-quality protein from real chicken helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles.
- Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits: A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.
- Small-bite kibble to promote tartar removal: This formula features special small-bite kibble to promote tartar removal with chewing, which can help improve your dog’s dental health.
Cons
- Expensive: This dog food is more expensive than some other options on the market, which may not be ideal for pet owners on a budget.
- May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions: This formula contains whole grains, which may not be suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies.
- Some dogs may not like the taste: While most dogs seem to enjoy this formula, some picky eaters may not be fans of the taste.
We recently switched our senior dog to Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Small Breed Dry Dog Food, and we’ve been very happy with the results. Our dog seems to have more energy, and her coat looks shinier and healthier than ever before.
One thing we love about this formula is that it features real chicken as the first ingredient, which gives us peace of mind knowing that our dog is getting high-quality protein. We also appreciate the inclusion of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, which help support overall mobility.
While this dog food is a bit more expensive than some other options on the market, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. Overall, we would highly recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Small Breed Dry Dog Food to any pet owner looking for a high-quality dog food for their senior pup.
#5 – Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Senior Dog Food, Turkey & Peas, 4-Pound Bag
If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your geriatric dog, we highly recommend the Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Senior Dog Food. This nutritionally-dense kibble is packed with ingredients like turkey and peas that promote whole-body health, making it an ideal choice for senior dogs.
Pros
- The small breed senior dry dog food is protein-rich and provides whole-body nutritional support.
- The recipe is made with all-natural, non-GMO ingredients that are carefully selected to nourish and sustain your dog’s wellbeing.
- The food is supported by glucosamine for strong joints, antioxidants for strong immune systems, probiotics for digestive health, taurine for a healthy heart, and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
Cons
- The food is a bit pricier than some other options on the market.
- Some dogs may not like the taste of the food and may be hesitant to eat it at first.
- The 4-pound bag may not last long for larger dogs or if you have multiple dogs.
We’ve been using the Wellness brand for our dogs for years and have always been impressed with the quality of their products. The Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Senior Dog Food is no exception. Our geriatric dog loves the taste of the food, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in his overall health since switching to this recipe.
One of the things we love about this food is that it’s made with all-natural, non-GMO ingredients that we feel good about feeding to our furry friend. The protein-rich kibble provides whole-body nutritional support, and the added glucosamine helps keep our dog’s joints strong and healthy.
While the food is a bit pricier than some other options on the market, we feel that the quality of the ingredients and the overall health benefits make it well worth the investment. Plus, the 4-pound bag is the perfect size for our small breed dog and fits easily into our dog food storage container.
Overall, we highly recommend the Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Senior Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality, nutritious food for their geriatric dog.
#6 – Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food
If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your senior furry friend, we highly recommend the Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food.
Pros
- The premium protein from responsibly sourced turkey is expertly balanced with nutrient-rich superfoods, making this product a complete and balanced dog food for your senior dog.
- This dog food contains guaranteed levels of glucosamine, which supports hip and joint health, and antioxidants that support strong immune systems.
- The recipe is crafted with wholesome, non-GMO ingredients, and contains no poultry by-products, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food, as it is turkey-flavored.
- The kibble size may be too large for some senior dogs to chew and digest.
- This dog food may be more expensive than other brands on the market.
In our experience, this dog food has helped our senior dog stay fit and healthy. The high-quality protein and superfoods provide all the necessary nutrients for our dog’s well-being. Additionally, the guaranteed levels of glucosamine and antioxidants have helped support our dog’s hip and joint health and strong immune system.
We appreciate that this recipe is crafted with wholesome, non-GMO ingredients and contains no artificial colors or preservatives. However, some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food, and the kibble size may be too large for some senior dogs to chew and digest.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your senior furry friend, the Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.
#7 – Wellness Complete Health Senior Dry Dog Food with Grains, Chicken & Barley, 5-Pound Bag
If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that provides complete nutrition for your geriatric dog, then the Wellness Complete Health Senior Dry Dog Food with Grains, Chicken & Barley, 5-Pound Bag is an excellent choice. We highly recommend this product for its all-natural ingredients, nutrient-rich formula, and support for digestive health and strong joints.
Pros
- This dog food is made with carefully selected, authentic ingredients that provide whole-body nutritional support for your dog’s overall health.
- It contains glucosamine for strong joints, antioxidants for a strong immune system, vitamins for healthy eyes and teeth, and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
- It’s made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients and doesn’t contain any poultry by-products, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.
Cons
- Some customers may find the price of this product to be higher than other dog foods on the market.
- The kibble size may not be suitable for smaller breeds.
- Some dogs may not like the taste of this food, so it’s important to introduce it gradually and monitor their reaction.
We’ve been using the Wellness Complete Health Senior Dry Dog Food with Grains, Chicken & Barley, 5-Pound Bag for our geriatric dog for several months now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in his overall health and energy levels. The kibble size is perfect for his breed, and he seems to enjoy the taste of the food. We appreciate that this dog food doesn’t contain any artificial colors or preservatives and is made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients.
One of the things we love most about this dog food is that it contains glucosamine for strong joints, which is essential for our geriatric dog. We’ve noticed that he’s been more active and playful since we started feeding him this food, and we attribute that to the joint support provided by the glucosamine.
Overall, we highly recommend the Wellness Complete Health Senior Dry Dog Food with Grains, Chicken & Barley, 5-Pound Bag for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food that provides complete nutrition for their geriatric dog. It’s made with all-natural ingredients, supports digestive health and strong joints, and is made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Dog Foods for Geriatric Dogs Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best dog food for geriatric dogs, there are a few important factors to consider. We recommend looking for products that meet the following criteria:
Nutritional Content
As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. Older dogs require fewer calories and more protein to maintain muscle mass. Look for dog foods that are specifically formulated for senior dogs and contain high-quality protein sources such as chicken, fish, or lamb. Additionally, make sure the product contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s immune system and overall health.
Ingredients
It’s important to read the ingredient list carefully when selecting a dog food for your senior dog. Avoid products that contain fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy, as these can be difficult for older dogs to digest. Instead, look for products that contain whole food ingredients such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, and peas.
Texture
Some older dogs may have dental issues that make it difficult for them to chew hard kibble. If this is the case for your dog, consider choosing a dog food with a softer texture such as canned or semi-moist food. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of warm water to dry kibble to soften it.
Price
While it’s important to provide your senior dog with high-quality nutrition, it’s also important to choose a product that fits within your budget. Look for products that offer good value for money and compare prices between different brands to find the best deal.
By keeping these factors in mind when selecting a dog food for your geriatric dog, you can ensure that you are providing them with the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy in their golden years.
Toledo, United States.
