As our beloved pets age, a growing number of lifestyle changes—and associated health risks—follow. “Metabolism slows, activity often decreases and there’s an increased risk of weight gain, muscle loss and cognitive changes,” says veterinarian Dr. Tiffany Tupler. To best support your dog’s health in their later years, you may want to consider transitioning to a new food (after discussing this with your vet, of course). The best dog food for senior dogs caters to your pet’s specific needs and prioritizes high-quality ingredients that support digestion, joint health, cognition and more. Our top pick, Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dog Kibble, is made with key nutrients like healthy fats, antioxidants and protein to support aging dogs’ overall wellness. Below, we outline some of the best senior dog foods, according to veterinary guidance.
Our Top Recommendations
- Best Dog Food For Senior Dogs Overall: Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dog KibbleCheck Price
- Best Wet Dog Food For Seniors: Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Wet Dog FoodCheck Price
- Best Fresh Dog Food For Seniors: Freshpet Vital Healthy Aging: Chicken & Salmon RecipeCheck Price
- Best Senior Dog Food For Brain Health: Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Bright Mind Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog FoodCheck Price
- Best Senior Dog Food For Joint Health: JustFoodForDogs Joint & Skin Support Fresh Dog FoodCheck Price
- Best Senior Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs: Blue Buffalo Basics Senior Dog Turkey And Potato RecipeCheck Price
- Best Senior Dog Food For Small Dogs: Royal Canin Small Adult 8+ Dry Dog FoodCheck Price
- Best Dog Food Topper For Seniors: Stella’s Solution’s Hip & Joint Support Meal Topper For DogsCheck Price
Best Dog Food For Senior Dogs Overall
High-Protein Formula With Key Nutrients For Brain And Joint Health
Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dog Kibble
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Type: Dry kibble | Whole animal proteins: Turkey, chicken | Crude protein: 31% | Calories per cup: 436 kcal | Breed size: All | Price per ounce: $0.28 to $0.35 | AAFCO-compliant: Yes (for adult maintenance)
Best for:
- Senior dogs who need joint care and mobility support
- Owners who appreciate full ingredient transparency
- Aging pups who need to maintain muscle mass
Skip if:
- Your vet recommends grain-inclusive recipes for your pet
- Your dog is on a low-protein/low-fat diet
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Why We Named It Best Dog Food For Senior Dogs Overall
Both vets we interviewed emphasize the importance of dog foods with nutrient-dense ingredients that are low in calories and easy to digest. That’s why this grain-free senior dog food from Open Farm is a great choice. It’s high in protein from both poultry and fish sources to support strength and satiety, and there is a range of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables included, like sweet potatoes, pumpkin and apples.
Omega-3s And Antioxidants To Support Brain And Joint Health
Veterinary nutritionist Dr. Lisa Weeth says that omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for supporting brain and joint health, and this formula features natural sources from ingredients like salmon oil and flaxseed. It also includes natural sources of antioxidants, which Weeth recommends for brain health and overall wellness, from ingredients like berries and dandelion greens.
The incorporation of chicken, turkey and fish as protein sources in this food is helpful for streamlining several vitamins into a well-balanced diet, but this means it may not be the best choice for dogs with allergies or intolerances to certain protein types. And unfortunately, Open Farm doesn’t offer multiple recipe options for its senior formula.
Related: In addition to Open Farm Dog Kibble, see our other picks for the best dry dog foods after tapping integrative veterinarians.
Best Wet Dog Food For Seniors
Easily Digestible And Loved By Finicky Dogs
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Wet Dog Food
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Type: Wet, minced | Whole animal proteins: Chicken, turkey or beef | Crude protein: 3.5 to 4.7% (18.1 to 22.1% dry matter basis) | Breed size: All | Price per ounce: $0.29 | Calories per can: 354 to 377 kcal | AAFCO-compliant: Yes (for adult maintenance)
Best for:
- Picky eaters or dogs with dental issues
- Brain health, joint and immunity support
- Aging kidney and heart health
Skip if:
- Dogs sensitive to corn, grain or the proteins featured in these recipes
- Pups who need higher-protein diets
Why We Named It Best Wet Dog Food For Seniors
While wet food isn’t inherently better than dry food for dogs, it does come with hydration benefits for your pup. Plus, if your dog is a picky eater who turns their nose up at plain kibble, they may be more excited to find a wet formula with a stronger aroma and flavor. If your older pup has dental issues, they may also find it more comfortable to eat a softer food. This canned wet food from Hill’s Science Diet is formulated with older dogs in mind, as its recipes are designed to be easily digestible for sensitive stomachs; it also has a nutrient profile that supports aging heart and kidney health.
A Palatable Formula For Picky Eaters
In addition, vitamins C and E are featured antioxidants that help support brain health and immunity. This is a crowd-pleasing recipe among picky eaters; most reviewers report their dogs enjoyed this food with no digestion issues. (One common complaint is with the design of the can, which may be difficult to open and get all of the food remnants out.)
Related: Visit our guide to the best wet dog foods for expert advice on feeding your pup wet food.
Best Fresh Dog Food For Seniors
Fresh, Nutrient-Dense Ingredients To Entice Your Pup
Freshpet Vital Healthy Aging: Chicken & Salmon Recipe
Type: Fresh | Whole animal proteins: Chicken and salmon | Crude protein: 10% (45.5% dry matter basis) | Breed size: All | Price per ounce: $0.45 | Calories per cup: 258 kcal | AAFCO-compliant: Yes (all life stages)
Best for:
- Dogs with dental or gum issues
- Joint and mobility support
- Maintaining lean muscle mass
Skip if:
- Pet parents with limited fridge space
Why We Named It Best Fresh Dog Food For Seniors
Though Weeth says that processing whole ingredients like fruits and vegetables into a dry kibble may degrade some of the nutrients, there are no scientific studies to prove that fresh food is a more nutritious choice for dogs. Still, some owners prefer fresh food as a way to entice their aging dogs, especially as their senses of smell (and, subsequently, taste) start to deteriorate. Plus, fresh dog foods typically offer more moisture to support your dog’s hydration. This fresh formula from FreshPet is designed specifically for senior dogs, with nutrient-dense ingredients like chicken and salmon, spinach, cranberries and carrots to support aging joints, healthy digestion and muscle maintenance.
The Roll Requires Some Prep To Serve
This formula comes in a 2-pound roll, which users will have to cut and measure to best serve their individual pet’s needs (there is a guide included on the packaging for suggested serving sizes by weight). However, some owners have reported that opening and storing this roll can be messy, and serving it may require manual crumbling for optimal consumption.
Related: Freshpet is our top affordable fresh choice. See what else made the cut in our guide to the best fresh dog food.
Best Senior Dog Food For Brain Health
Vitamins, Omega-3s And Antioxidants To Support Mental Sharpness
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Bright Mind Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
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Type: Dry kibble | Whole animal proteins: Chicken, fish meal | Crude protein: 29% | Breed size: All | Price per ounce: $0.18 to $0.23 | Calories per cup: 423 kcal | AAFCO-compliant: Yes (for adult maintenance)
Best for:
- Senior dogs experiencing cognitive changes and loss of mental sharpness
- Mobility support and joint health
- Digestive and immune support
Skip if:
- Dogs with poultry sensitivities or that require a grain-free diet
Why We Named It Best Senior Dog Food For Brain Health
Supporting cognition and brain health becomes increasingly important as dogs get older—just as it does with humans. “As brains age, they start to lose some of their weight and their mass,” Weeth explains. To combat this, she recommends diets that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. This Purina Pro Plan formula prioritizes brain health, with a blend of DHA and EPA omega-3s, plus antioxidants and B vitamins.
Probiotics To Support Gut Health
The dry food also incorporates live probiotics to support gut health in senior dogs, plus vitamin A for a healthy coat and skin. Reviewers say their aging dogs enjoy this food, with some even reporting improved energy levels and alertness after their pups ate the formula for an extended period of time. Just note that the kibble pieces are very small—particularly for large dogs—and the bag is not resealable for easy storage.
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Best Senior Dog Food For Joint Health
Human-Grade Ingredients That Work As Full Meals Or Toppers
JustFoodForDogs Joint & Skin Support Fresh Dog Food
SAVE $4.90 (5%)
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Type: Fresh | Whole animal proteins: Pork | Crude protein: 9% (40.9% dry matter basis) | Breed size: All | Price per ounce: $0.64 to $0.78 | Calories per cup: 256 kcal | AAFCO-compliant: Yes (for adult maintenance)
Best for:
- Dogs with joint and mobility issues
- Picky eaters or those with common protein allergies
- Fresh, human-grade ingredients
Skip if:
- Your pup is allergic to pork
- You’re a budget-conscious pet owner
Why We Named It Best Senior Dog Food For Joint Health
According to Weeth, joint disease like arthritis is a common age-related condition among senior dogs of all sizes and breeds. To best support their joint health, diet is a great place to start. This fresh formula from JustFoodForDogs, a brand commonly recommended by veterinarians our editors have chatted with, was developed with that goal in mind, as it features ingredients like glucosamine to treat inflammation, plus natural sources of antioxidants like kale and flaxseed.
A Single-Protein Recipe That’s Easy To Digest
In addition to targeting joint health, this food is also designed to support healthy skin with the inclusion of type II collagen, and it’s easy to digest thanks to its single-protein source and natural ingredients that are low in fat and high in fiber. (Though pork is the only protein source option, which may not be a good match for all dogs.) All of the ingredients are gently cooked and human-grade, making them an enticing choice for most pups—whether you use it as a full meal or as a topper.
Related: Get more expert advice on how to keep your pet with arthritis comfortable.
Best Senior Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs
Gut-Friendly Ingredients That Are Easy On Aging Digestive Systems
Blue Buffalo Basics Senior Dog Turkey And Potato Recipe
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Type: Dry kibble | Whole animal proteins: Turkey | Crude protein: 18% | Breed size: All | Price per ounce: $0.18 to $0.33 | Calories per cup: 348 kcal | AAFCO-compliant: Yes (for adult maintenance)
Best for:
- Senior dogs who easily get upset stomachs
- Dogs allergic to chicken, poultry by-product or common allergens like corn, wheat and soy
- Joint and mobility support, and skin and coat care
Skip if:
- Your dog is highly active or a picky eater
Why We Named It Best Senior Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs
Digestion issues may surface in senior dogs who otherwise never had any, as their activity levels and overall gastrointestinal system slow down. It’s also common for dogs to develop new intolerances to certain ingredients as they get older. In this case, switching to a food that’s easier to digest may make a big difference.
This Blue Buffalo Basics food is formulated with senior dogs’ healthy digestion in mind. It’s free from corn, wheat and soy—common allergens that dogs may have trouble digesting—and it includes gut-friendly ingredients like oatmeal, brown rice and potatoes.
A Protein-Rich Recipe To Support Muscle Health
This food also prioritizes muscle health and joint support, thanks to its high-protein profile and inclusion of antioxidant-rich ingredients like flaxseed and blueberries.
Owners report that their dogs typically tolerate this food well, even if they have a history of digestive issues, though others have said they have trouble getting their pup to eat it—so a gut-healthy topper may help to pique their interest.
Related: See what other dog foods for sensitive stomachs vets and pet parents recommend.
Best Senior Dog Food For Small Dogs
Designed To Help Small Dogs Maintain A Healthy Weight
Royal Canin Small Adult 8+ Dry Dog Food
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Type: Dry kibble | Whole animal proteins: Chicken | Crude protein: 25% | Breed size: Small | Price per ounce: $0.32 to $0.60 | Calories per cup: 343 kcal | AAFCO-compliant: Yes (for adult maintenance)
Best for:
- Small senior dogs (between 9 and 22 pounds) from 8 to 12 years old
- Heart, kidney and brain health
- Picky eaters or those with declining appetites
Skip if:
- Your dog is a medium or large breed or requires a grain-free diet
- Advanced seniors (over 12 years)—consider the Adult 12+ formula
Why We Named It Best Senior Dog Food For Small Dogs
Nutritional needs can vary widely from dog to dog, which is why Royal Canin offers unique formulas for small-breed dogs. Designed to best suit dogs up to 22 pounds in size, this kibble helps promote healthy weight maintenance in small dogs aged between 8 and 12 years. (Once they’ve surpassed that age, your pup can conveniently switch to the brand’s 12+ formula.)
A Mineral-Rich Formula To Support Healthy Bones
This dog food is rich in calcium and phosphorus for bone health, plus it includes ample vitamins and minerals to support brain, kidney and heart health as your pet ages. Hundreds of senior dog owners have reported their pup devouring this food without issue, which could make it an easy choice for picky eaters. However, some have pointed out that the recipe has recently changed, and it now has corn (instead of an animal protein source) as the first ingredient—though with a 25% crude protein minimum, this food still surpasses the 18% minimum recommended by AAFCO.
Best Dog Food Topper For Seniors
A Crowd-Pleasing Pick To Entice Aging Dogs
Stella’s Solution’s Hip & Joint Support Meal Topper For Dogs
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Type: Meal topper | Whole animal proteins: Chicken | Crude protein: 36% | Breed size: All | Price per ounce: $2.47 to $2.59 | Calories per cup: 184 kcal | AAFCO-compliant: Yes (complete and balanced for all life stages)
Best for:
- Aging dogs experiencing joint stiffness and inflammation
- High-energy dogs that need mobility and lean muscle mass support
- Enticing picky eaters
Skip if:
- Dogs with poultry sensitivities
- Budget-conscious dog owners
Why We Named This Best Dog Food Topper For Seniors
With decreasing senses of taste and smell, senior dogs may require an enticing food topper to keep them interested in eating. Managing editor Emmy Favilla swears by Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Solutions toppers, saying “My senior who passed got very picky the last few months of her life, and she never turned her nose up at this brand.” Other owners agree, awarding the Hip & Joint Support Topper an average of five stars for its pet satisfaction and noticeable difference in providing joint relief. For dogs that have poultry allergies, there are plenty of other Stella’s Solutions meal topper recipes to choose from, including Immune Support and Digestive Support.
Joint-Supporting Ingredients
This particular Hip & Joint formula includes chicken cartilage, a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin—both designed to improve joint health—plus omega-3s, turmeric and lavender to help reduce inflammation in the body. Some pup parents report that the pieces may be too large for small dogs, but others say the texture is easy enough to crumble, making topping convenient no matter what size your dog is.
Related: In addition to Stella & Chewy’s meal toppers, see what other options you can use as toppers in our guide to the best freeze-dried dog foods.
How We Chose The Best Dog Food For Senior Dogs
We dug into research and considered feedback from dog owners and insights from veterinarians to find the best dog food that promotes wellness in aging dogs.
- We sought out the best-selling products in the senior dog food space, including only trusted and veterinarian-recommended brands that are AAFCO-compliant.
- We interviewed two veterinarians to determine what nutrients are important to best fuel senior dogs as they age.
- We incorporated recommendations from staff members who have experience feeding their own senior dogs.
- We considered a variety of dry, wet and fresh food options to suit a diverse range of dog owners’ needs and preferences.
- We scoured through consumer reviews, making sure to only include options that have been awarded a 4-star rating or higher overall.
What To Consider In The Best Senior Dog Food
There’s no one-size-fits-all choice when it comes to senior dog food; it’s important to monitor your aging dog and confer with their vet when deciding whether conditions need to be treated with a dietary change.
When To Classify Your Dog As A ‘Senior’
It’s first important to consider that “senior” has different definitions for each dog. “Geriatric stage varies based on breed, with smaller reaching [this stage] at 10 years, medium and large breeds around 7 years, and giant breeds as early as 5 years,” says Tupler.
Although size and breed type can be helpful general guidelines, Tupler adds that pet parents should monitor their individual dog for signs of aging, “such as reduced activity, sudden changes to behavior, stiffness, weight changes and changes in appetite.”
What Determines A ‘Senior’ Diet?
Because aging looks different in every dog, Weeth warns against mindlessly switching to dog food with a “senior” label as soon as your pup reaches a certain age. “There’s no legal definition when it comes to pet food on what determines a senior diet,” she says. Some focus on kidney health while others are formulated around joint health, for example.
“There’s no hard-and-fast rule that says, just because your dog turns 8, you need to switch to a senior diet,” Weeth adds. She recommends responding to how your individual dog is aging. “Are they starting to show … declines in function that happen with mobility or GI?” If so, you can determine from there whether a new diet would be beneficial to your dog, what type of food to look for, and how to transition them safely. (We discuss that last point in the “How Do I Transition My Senior Dog To A New Food” section below.)
Key Nutrients Senior Dogs Need
In general, senior dog foods are designed to be easier to digest, lower-calorie and more appealing to dogs with a weakening sense of smell and/or taste. “Senior dogs often need fewer calories because they’re less active, but they still need nutrient-dense food to get what they need without excess weight gain,” Tupler says. “We also focus on diets that have antioxidants and balanced vitamins and minerals to help bolster immune defense to protect seniors as they age.”
Of course, the best dog food for your senior pup will also depend on their unique diagnoses and symptoms. “The veterinary team is an important part of maintaining health into those senior years,” Weeth says. But beyond individualized recommendations, these are the common key nutrients you should look for in senior dog foods:
- Protein: Seniors can lose muscle if their protein intake is too low. However, for dogs with chronic kidney disease or liver disease—both issues that affect many pups in their senior years—a lower protein option may be recommended. It’s best to consult your vet for guidelines.
- Omega fatty acids: Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, can help decrease inflammation and support joint, brain and skin health. These nutrients can be found naturally in fatty fish sources or plant-based ingredients like flaxseed.
- Antioxidants: Whether from natural sources (like berries and leafy greens) or from a supplement like vitamin C, antioxidants can help support brain health and immunity.
Kibble Vs. Wet Vs. Fresh Food For Seniors
According to Tupler, “the current science does not support the idea that fresh food is inherently better than dry food for senior dogs.” Still, wet and fresh foods might be more palatable to senior dogs who are picky eaters.
“[If] their sense of smell and sense of taste are decreasing, they may not be able to perceive dry food quite the same,” Weeth says. “I look at fresh foods as more aromatic, so you have senior dogs that are just willing to eat them better.” Fresh food, along with canned food, also comes with the benefit of additional hydration, if that’s a concern with your dog. Meal toppers like Stella’s Solution’s Hip & Joint Support Meal Topper For Dogs can also help boost palatability for especially picky eaters.
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Compliance
“When I choose a diet, I want to see an AAFCO statement that confirms that the food is complete and balanced for the correct species and life stage,” Tupler recommends. The Assocweiation of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a nonprofit organization that sets guidelines for pet food quality—specifically, it confirms the recipe is formulated to meet specific nutrition needs outlined by veterinary professionals.
How Do I Transition My Senior Dog To A New Food?
If you decide your pet may benefit from a new food, it’s important to consider the following:
Transition Slowly—Up To 10 Days
Not all dogs will have trouble transitioning to a new food—especially if they have been alternating between different foods for a while—but for those who are used to eating the same thing, a slow transition is key.
One big reason is to avoid any digestive upset. “Commonly, pet owners will assume their pup is allergic to a diet or to certain food ingredients due to upset stomach or digestive issues, but it is more likely due to a fast transition between diets,” Tupler says.
“We always want to give a good five to seven days—if not seven to 10 days—between the switch,” Weeth recommends. “We’re giving the gut bacteria time to adapt to the new food.”
Making The Switch Safely
Weeth advises mixing old food with new food—replacing about 25% of the daily serving to start, and then slowly easing up to a 50/50 mix, and eventually replacing the new food altogether, monitoring for any digestive upset along the way.
The key is to ensure your dog is ingesting the same number of calories throughout this meal change; don’t just measure each food by the cup. This is especially important when switching between dry and wet food formulas, as wet food can be half as calorically dense as dry food.