Senior Dog Food [2023 Review]

---

As dogs age, their dietary needs will change. They will not require as much energy, and their mobility will probably decrease. To provide them a carefree senior life, you should pick the best senior dog food made specifically for older dogs. Senior dogs have a slower metabolism, and their food should adapt to it.

Before you decide to make a switch in your dog’s diet, there are a few things you should know. These things will influence your decision on picking the exact food and recipe that provide your dog with the necessary nutrients they need in their golden years. Make sure you know the physical health of your dog because these health problems will influence the ideal choice for them;

• Arthritis - Older dogs could have painful joints, so it would be best to pick a senior dog food rich in glucosamine.
• Diabetes - Some dogs can develop diabetes. If that happens, their food needs to be low on carbs. You can read more about it here - Diabetes in dogs.
• Gum issues - Different periodontal diseases can affect your dog as they grow old. It would be best to get them food rich in calcium that can slow the decaying of the teeth and bones.
• Cancer - Like humans, dogs can also develop cancer. If that happens, you should provide them with food that will support their body. That senior dog food should be rich in protein and fats but grain-free. Check out this article for more details about this topic - Dog cancer. 
• Kidney disease - Older dogs often have kidney issues. If that seems the case, you should put them on a special renal diet with lower amounts but higher quality proteins.

What to look for in senior dog food?

Choosing the best dog food for your older dog might be pretty hard if you do not have extensive knowledge in the field of veterinary medicine. Senior dogs usually have underlying conditions, and before you choose a specific brand, you should talk to your vet. They can give you the best possible advice, and they can take a look at your dog’s medical history and decide what could be the best option. Here are some things you should keep in mind when choosing the best senior dog food;

Protein

Protein is the most crucial thing in the diet of a senior dog. They need protein to aid them in repacing the deteriorated tissue and muscle. You must get them high-quality protein sources that will help slow down your dog’s aging.

Grain

Although grain-free dog food is getting more and more popular, the grain is not usually bad for dogs. Some grains like quinoa or brown rice can be a valuable source of amino acids. Amino acids are basically proteins that are already broken down to their simplest forms.

Artificial additives

Unless your senior dog is explicitly refusing to eat, there is no reason you should include artificial additives in their food. Make sure you avoid brands that include enhancers or food coloring. Anything unnatural is bad for humans and dogs.

Now that you know what to keep in mind and how to choose the best senior dog food, here is our list of the five best options on the market.

You can read more about one of the most common forms of arthritis here - Osteoarthritis in dogs.

If you want to provide your senior dog with extra comfort, try getting them a cozy dog bed. Check out this article for ideas - Best dog beds.

World Dog Finder team