best dog food for older dogs australia
The 5 Best Senior Dog Foods Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024
The 5 Best Senior Dog Foods Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024
Written ByVedrana Nikolic| Canine Coach, B.A Ethnology & Anthropology, M.A Semiotics.Edited & Fact Checked By Renae Soppe | B.A Journalism & Science.Last Updated: 8th January 2024
As our canine companions get older, they get more sensitive in many ways. They need comfier beds, they start getting temperamental, and yes - they need better food to keep them happy.To satisfy their needs as they age, our expert team, in collaboration with veterinarians and other professionals who are working on improving the quality of life for our furry companions, spent months meticulously researching which dog foods in Australia can help our dogs achieve a better quality of life.Today's guide will reveal the results of our study and tell you everything you need to know in order to choose the appropriate senior dog food.
Our Number 1 Pick -Petzyo Dry Dog Food Salmon & Ocean Fish with Green Lipped Mussels
- High quality named protein first
- Super rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
- Multiple super-food additives
- Contains turmeric to help with inflammation
- Low fat
- Affordable
Runner Up -Eureka Wild Boar & Chicken
- High protein and moderate fat content
- Formulated to meet AAFCO guidelines for all life stages
- Includes turmeric
- Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
- No-nonsense formula
Third Choice -Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food Mackerel and Lamb
- New Zealand Mackerel and Lamb are the main ingredients
- No growth hormones used in source cattle
- Low heat air dry preservation to boost natural nutrients
- No grains, potatoes, legumes, or other fillers
- Nutrient-dense and extremely protein-rich
- Can be used to supplement raw fed diets
Australia's Best Senior Dog Foods Reviewed
- High quality named protein first
- Super rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
- Multiple super-food additives
- Contains turmeric to help with inflammation
- Low fat
- Affordable
Petzyo - 5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Sustainable Salmon and Oceanfish, Sweet Potato, Peas, Lentils, Carrots, Broccoli & Broccoli Stem, Tomato, Spinach, Kelp, Blueberries, Rosemary, Parsley, Green Lipped Mussels, Basil, Oregano, Turmeric, Chicken Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Fish Oil, Vitamin and Minerals (Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B11, B12, D, E, K, Taurine, Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Choline, Pantothenic Acid, Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Iodine and Cobalt).
- Named Protein First: Yes.
- Dog Food Type: Grain Inclusive.
- Recipe Range: Kangaroo, Sweet Potato & Superfood Extras or Salmon, Ocean Fish & Green Lipped Muscles or Chicken, Turkey & Superfood Extras or Petzyo Raw Food Range.
- Suitable For: Petzyo's recipe range can be suitable for puppy, adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost: $$$
- Australian Owned: Yes.
Gentle Dog Trainers Expert Reviewer
"Diet is incredibly important for a dogs long term health and this is magnified tenfold in their senior years. Preventing heart disease, dental issues, diabetes and other health issues can be traced back to a healthy diet and lifestyle. As I've mentioned many times, the Petzyo range offers the healthy diet that all dogs should have."
Not just for seniors, Petzyo is probably the best dog food in Australia available these days. They dont make food specifically geared towards seniors, but the nutrient profile of their recipes is so good that the food fits dogs of all ages.
They are committed to using high-quality ingredients, sustainably and locally sourced where possible, and create formulas that are rich in protein but low in fats.
The Petzyo Dry Dog Food Salmon & Ocean Fish with Green Lipped Mussels being tested by our independent expert team.
Related: Petzyo Dog Food Review.
We've chosen to showcase the Salmon & Ocean Fish with Green Lipped Mussels for this list as all these ingredients are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is great for seniors. Plus, the green-lipped mussels contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which are recommended for senior doggos too. (2)
Compared to Eureka, we chose this as our first option among other brands because the protein source of this brand is rich in amino acids, which helps support our dogs' muscles as they age.
Also, the price is very affordable, considering the quality of ingredients that this dog food contains, making it the top choice for fur parents like me who want to ensure that our dogs are getting the best without spending too much.
Plus, you can choose any of the recipes they offer - they are all well-balanced and full of healthy nutrients.
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- High protein and moderate fat content
- Formulated to meet AAFCO guidelines for all life stages
- Includes turmeric
- Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
- No-nonsense formula
Eureka Wild Boar & Chicken - 4.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Wild boar; wild boar offal (liver, heart, lung, kidney, finely ground bone); wild boar liver; free range chicken; free range chicken offal (liver, heart, tripe, kidney, lung, cartilage, bone); salmon oil; free range eggs; broccoli; flaxseed; chia seeds; blueberry; kelp; chicory root (inulin); green lipped mussel; turmeric; apple fibre; sea salt. *Also contain: Postbiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifdbacterium animalis ssp. Lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum), lecitihin, citric acid, mixed tocopherols (natural anti-oxidant).
- Named Protein First: Yes.
- Dog Food Type: Grain Inclusive.
- Recipe Range: Wild Venison & Lamb; Wild Kangaroo & Lamb; Wild Boar & Chicken
- Suitable For: All ages
- Cost: $$$$
- Australian Owned: Yes.
Aging pets deserve to get special treats - and there is no better way to reward a dog than feeding a high-quality diet, such as the one offered by Eureka. This young Australian company makes pet food that is as good as it gets. Gently air dried, full of locally-sourced protein, and enriched with superfoods It's hard to find downsides to this formula.
The Eureka Wild Boar & Chicken recipe is especially suitable for ageing pets for two reasons.
Eureka Pet Food being tested by our independent expert team
First of all, the fat content in this formula is slightly lower than in other Eureka recipes. That works quite well for seniors who are not as active as they used to be.Second, the recipe is enriched with turmeric as well as a variety of sources of Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon oil, green-lipped mussels, and flaxseed). All of those ingredients are believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect and can help ease the painful effects of ageing.We put this dog food in second because the protein content is higher than the previous brand. Like Petzyo, it also contains amino acids, although not as much, but the good thing about this brand is the turmeric ingredient which helps support our dogs' joints, making them healthier as they enjoy their food.
Related: The Eureka Pet Food Review.
However, all Eureka recipes are suitable for dogs of all ages, including seniors. So if your dog does not respond well to chicken, you can give one of the other Eureka recipes a try.
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- New Zealand Mackerel and Lamb are the main ingredients
- No growth hormones used in source cattle
- Low heat air dry preservation to boost natural nutrients
- No grains, potatoes, legumes, or other fillers
- Nutrient-dense and extremely protein-rich
- Can be used to supplement raw fed diets
Ziwi - 4.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Mackerel, Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Liver, Lamb Lung, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Bone, Lecithin, Inulin from Chicory, Dried Kelp, Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Selenium Yeast), Salt, Parsley, Preservative (Citric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid).
- Named Protein First: Yes.
- Dog Food Type: Grain-free
- Recipe Range: Mackerel & Lamb, or Beef, or Free-range Chicken, or Venison and more
- Suitable For: Ziwi Peaks recipe range is suitable for dogs of all ages
- Cost: $$$$$
- Australian Owned: No (but NZ owned)
Ziwi is another top-quality dog food range proudly made in New Zealand. We chose it as a runner up because the price point is quite high, so it might not be affordable for anyone. However, if the price is not an issue, we highly recommend it.
Another thing to keep in mind regarding the price is that Ziwi Peak air-dried food is extremely nutrient-dense which means smaller portions are required for each meal, which brings the final price down quite a bit.
The Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food Mackerel and Lamb being tested by our independent expert team.
The reasons for going with Ziwi Peak are many. First, their recipes contain only the best possible ingredients for your dog. There are no unnecessary fillers to bulk up the food. That means not only are there no grains, but also no potatoes and other low-nutrient plant-based ingredients, no added sugars and no mysterious meat meals and animal by-products.Also, compared to Petzyo and Eureka, Ziwi Peak has one of the highest protein content, making it our third option. As fur parents, we personally recommend this to those who can afford it because it is loaded with top-quality ingredients that our dogs will surely LOVE.
Moreover, all ingredients are carefully sourced, and Ziwi monitors their ingredients during the whole process of getting them from the field to your dog's bowl. That means you can be sure your dog is getting meat grown without the use of antibiotics and growth hormones.As a dog owner, this is a good enough reason to choose this product. These benefits can outweigh the price, and you can definitely get more than your money's worth.All of the Ziwi Peak formulas are suitable for all life stages, from puppy to senior. The only thing that needs to be changed is the portion side. We have chosen the Mackerel and Lamb recipe for this list because it's lower in fat than other options. That means that the calorie content is lower, which is great for seniors but feel free to consider other recipes from Ziwi too.
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- Made specifically for seniors
- Tasmanian salmon meal is the first ingredient
- Low in fat and high in fibre
- Follows AAFCO labelling and nutrition guidelines
- Boosted Omega-3 and 6 for healthy skin and coat
- No wheat, corn, or soy
- No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
Ivory Coat - 3.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Salmon meal, brown rice, oats, red lentils and/or field peas, beans, chicken meal, chicken oil, palatant, beet pulp, linseed, salmon oil, canola oil, vitamins and minerals, salt, potassium chloride, chicory root inulin, taurine, natural antioxidant, yucca schidigera extract
- Named Protein First:No (but salmon meal is OK).
- Dog Food Type: Grain inclusive (grain-free options also available)
- Recipe Range: Chicken with Coconut Oil or Lamb & Sardine or Lamb & Kangaroo or Turkey & Brown Rice or Ocean Fish + More.
- Suitable For: Ivory Coat's recipe range can be suitable for puppy, adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost: $$$
- Australian Owned: No (but made in Australia)
Ivory Coat is a newcomer in the Australian dog food market, but their line definitely looks promising. It is obvious that they put a lot of effort into creating quality formulas using quality ingredients. They offer a wide range of recipes, each created to fit the requirements of different ages and breeds. The Salmon & Brown Rice recipe was specifically created for older dogs.
We included this brand in the list as the fourth one because the ingredients in their products are carefully selected to match the needs of our aging dogs. Compared to Ziwi Peak, their price range is affordable to most dog owners, and you can also see that they compete with the top dog food manufacturers in Australia.The first ingredient is an Australian salmon meal, a rich source of protein and fatty acids to give our seniors the health boost they need. Brown rice and oats were added to boost the fibre content of this recipe and make the food easier on a senior's stomach.
Related: Ivory Coat Dog Food Review.
What makes this kibble great for small dogs is that individual pieces are quite small. Each individual piece of kibble measures 12 millimetres in diameter.This is also one of the reasons why I chose this brand because my dogs can easily enjoy their meal and finish it in no time.Another thing I like about this product is its fat content which is one of the lowest in the market, so you don't have to worry if your dog eats a little more.Finally, this food does NOT contain sulphite preservatives which were found to be potentially dangerous for a dog's health, so you can go ahead and feed Ivory Coat to your dog stress-free.
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- Nutrient rich formula
- Locally-sourced meat is the number one ingredient
- Reasonably priced
- No wheat, corn, or soy
Black Hawk - 3.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Kangaroo Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Chicken Fat (naturally preserved with Rosemary Extract, Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Potato, Sweet Potato, Fish Meal, Chicken Gravy, Sugar Bee Pulp, Essential Vitamins and Minerals (see tables), Salmon Oil, Sunflower Oil, Chicory Root, Di-Calcium Phosphate, Alfalfa, Salt, Egg, Apple, Brewers Yeast, Pumpkin Seeds, Natural Antioxidants, Coconut Oil, Yoghurt Powder, Emu Oil, Blueberries, Cranberries, Dandelion Tea, Parsley, Peppermint Tea, Rosemary Extract, Chondroitin, Glucosamine, Carrots, Yucca Schidigera, Spinach, Kelp, Tomato, Beta Carotene.
- Named Protein First:No (but kangaroo meal is OK).
- Dog Food Type: Grain-free
- Recipe Range: Chicken, Lamb, Salmon + More
- Suitable For: Adults and seniors
- Cost: $$
- Australian Owned: Yes.
This feed from Black Hawk was not designed for seniors, but it is completely appropriate for older dogs as well as adults. This is due to the excellent nutritional profile that can support the sensitive dietary needs of older canines.
Black Hawk offers a couple of different recipes, both in grain-free and grain-inclusive versions. We chose the Kangaroo formula for this list because the meat is rich in protein, iron, B-vitamins, as well as omega-3 fatty acids which is great for aging canines.
The Black Hawk Grain-Free Kangaroo being tested by our independent expert team.
Related: Black Hawk Dog Food Review.
This 100% Australian-made feed also doesnt contain any useless fillers like grains or corn. Instead, it is packed with vegetables and healthy additions like blueberries, alfalfa, and coconut oil.
We included this option as our top five because it is definitely one of the cheapest but still nutritious dog food in the Australian market that you can buy if you are on a budget and you cannot afford Ziwi Peak or Eureka.
Like the Ivory Coat brand, which is the fourth option, their products consist of various ingredients that are good for our dogs, and you can always trust that it is taken from local sources, authentically Australian-made.
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Choosing Healthy Food For Older Dogs
As our pets start getting older, the risk of developing a variety of health problems becomes greater, including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and dental health issues (1). While some of these issues can sometimes be prevented or alleviated with proper care and diet, often there is not much we can do about it - dogs simply start encountering more problems as they age.
Related: How To Choose The Right Dog Food.
Youve probably already seen specialised dog foods for seniors and might be wondering what makes it so special. But lets get one thing out of the way first - when exactly is a dog considered a senior?
It really depends on the individual dog. In general, giant breed dogs age faster than smaller breed dogs. A Great Dane is senior by roughly 5-6 years old whereas a Chihuahua would likely only be middle-aged then, and probably not considered a senior until 10-11 years. - Lorie Huston, DVM forPetMD
In the end, the exact age is not that important. When a dog starts getting older, owners usually notice certain changes in habits and behaviour. Most notably, older dogs are usually much less active, which warrants a certain change in their diet to keep up with that. In any case, the key is paying attention to your dog and adjusting the diet to fit their personal needs.
Related:What is AAFCO? The Association of American Feed Control OfficialsRelated:What Is the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA)?Related:AAFCO vs PFIAA: Dog Food Standards Comparison Australia
So, what exactly should one pay attention to when looking for senior dog food? Here are a couple of suggestions:
Calories
Seniors and geriatrics generally need lower-calorie diets to help prevent obesity - a huge problem in seniors - and higher-fibre diets to improve gastrointestinal health - Fred Metzger, DVM for FETCH
As noted, older dogs usually dont engage in too many high-energy activities, and hence they do not need as many calories as they did in their earlier years. For some dogs, keeping them on the old diet can result in gaining weight - and this can lead to even more health problems.
Related:The Best Meat for Dogs.
Now, gaining weight with age is a common occurrence in dogs, but its by no means universal. There is no need to starve your dog, but if you do notice they are gaining weight, a low-calorie diet can help.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (sometimes listed as EPA and DHA for example) are another ingredient that is beneficial to every dog, but it is highly beneficial for our senior pups. These fatty acids contribute to the overall health of the dog, help keep the coat healthy and shiny; and boost bone health, helping fight arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are most commonly added to geriatric dog food by adding fish oil or other fish products.
Low Sodium
Just like with human junk food, store-bought dog food formulas often have way more sodium than dogs really need. Reducing the amount of sodium is always a good idea when planning a diet for older dogs. For dogs suffering from hypertension or other heart or kidney problems, its even more important as too much sodium can make their illness worse (4).
My Final Verdict
As outlined in this guide, choosing the most suitable dog food that's specifically formulated to provide the nutrition they need as they age is incredibly important. We highly recommend either Petzyo, Eureka or Ziwi Peak (if you can afford it). These two brands continuously top the rankings in our Australian dog food ratings and are a great choice overall.
As dog owners, we make sure that our dogs are getting the best out of their diet to help them keep healthy and strong. Their health lies in the food that we give and the way we care for them.
Check out our other dog food guides below:
Do older dogs need more protein?
There is a widespread myth that older dogs need less protein. However, experts say this is simply not true (4). In fact, extra protein could help geriatric dogs maintain their muscles and keep them healthier overall.
How is senior dog food different?
This is hard to say. There are no rules that determine what should be the contents of dog food labelled as senior dog food - it is completely open to interpretation. Ideally, senior dog food should be high in protein, perhaps a bit lower in fat to prevent gaining weight and could contain some superfoods rich in nutrients. However, this is not always the case. The only thing that matters is the ingredients list - the senior label is often just a marketing trick.
Do older dogs need senior food?
You might have noticed that our list included only one option that is made specifically for seniors. This is because there is often nothing inherently better in dog food labelled for seniors. Feed made for all life stages can be just as good. It is more important to pay attention to the ingredients and the nutrient profile of the product you choose than anything else.
References
- Olds, D. May 29, 2013. 7 Common Ailments in Senior Dogs. PetMD. Retrieved April 29, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/care/common-ailments-for-senior-dogs#slide-1
- Houston, L. September 21, 2021. Tips for Caring for Senior Dogs. Retrieved April 29, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_dg_caring_for_older_dogs_with_health_problems
- Kam, K. Senior Dog Food: Meeting Aging Canines Nutritional Needs.. Retrieved April 29, 2023. https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/senior-dog-food#1
- How to Choose the Best Senior Dog Food. Retrievist by AKC. Retrieved April 29, 2023. https://retrievist.akc.org/list/top-rated-senior-dog-food-best-food-for-senior-dogs/
