8 Best Foods for Senior Dogs in 2024, Recommended by Vets
All products in this article have been reviewed by our trusted vets and experts. PetMD is owned by Chewy.
Senior dogs are like humans in lots of ways. They like longer naps, might move a bit slower, and their nutritional needs change over time.
As your dog ages, their sense of taste and smell becomes less strong, so it’s important to give them highly palatable food. And aging organs process nutrients differently and sometimes need a little extra support.
This might include switching to a higher-quality protein, providing extra nutritional support, and adding prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive and immune system health.
Our veterinary panel considered dozens of dog foods designed for senior pets and narrowed down to a list of their top eight recommendations.
When buying food for your senior dog, our vets recommended focusing on foods that are approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and paying special attention to the ingredient list. Look for added antioxidants, supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
If the food is supported by feeding trials, it should be noted on the packaging—this is a good measure of quality. Focus on foods with high-quality protein that your dog will enjoy. Older dogs often lose their appetites and may eat less, which can lead to health issues.
