senior dog food for sensitive skin

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

Contributions sourced from

The best senior dog food of 2024, with advice from veterinarians

What to look for in senior dog food

Our experts say the following criteria are important to consider when shopping for senior dog food:

AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for adult maintenance or all life stages: The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that recommends nutritional profiles based on an animal's life stage. They don't approve pet foods or establish specific standards for senior dog foods. However, choosing a senior food formulated for adult maintenance or all life stages ensures the recipe fulfills the recommended protein, fat, and nutrient requirements of adult dogs. The best dog foods for senior pups will also contain beneficial extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and have fewer calories per serving than adult dog foods.

Ingredient list: Labels list ingredients by weight, so the first few ingredients generally make up the majority of the food's weight. "There are no particular ingredients that senior dogs should avoid," says Luisana. However, she recommends grain-inclusive foods over grain-free foods due to the potential link between grain-free dog foods, especially those containing peas, and dilated cardiomyopathy.

Guaranteed analysis: Rather than fixating on dog food ingredient lists, our experts say to examine the guaranteed analysis of important nutrients, including protein, fat, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Adult dog food must have a minimum of 18% protein and 5.5% fat to fulfill a dog's nutritional needs. As the AAFCO doesn't set specific standards for senior dog foods, the guaranteed analysis of these foods can vary significantly between recipes. Before selecting a food, our experts recommend asking your vet about the best food for your senior pup.

Healthy extras: The best senior dog food will contain extra ingredients that support their unique needs. For example, Freeman and Welborn highlight the potential benefits of antioxidants in supporting healthy aging. Welborn suggests a diet rich in antioxidants, such as Purina Bright Minds, if your dog experiences cognitive dysfunction. Other healthy extras for seniors include joint-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

Calorie content: A dog's metabolism typically slows as they age, and many seniors are less active. So, senior dog foods usually contain fewer calories than adult formulations, according to Churchill. Freeman adds that overweight senior dogs are at greater risk of weight-related conditions like arthritis and diabetes. That said, feeding your dog less food could result in a nutritional deficiency. That's why Freeman recommends switching to a low-calorie senior diet or a weight-management diet based on guidance from your vet.

Breed-size formulation: The best food for your senior pup may depend on their size. Our experts say small and large breed seniors have different health risks and may also require different calorie amounts and kibble sizes. Buying food specific to your pup's size helps ensure they get a recipe formulated for their needs.

Feeding-trial tested versus formulated foods: The best senior dog foods have been formulated and in some cases, feeding-trial tested to meet the AAFCO's nutritional standards for adult maintenance or all life stages. If your dog's food has an AAFCO label, you'll know the recipe fulfills the recommended protein, fat, and nutrient requirements for adult dogs. A label indicating feeding trials confirms the food's safety and palatability based on testing with a group of dogs.

Expert formulations: The dog food brands we recommend meet quality control standards. In other words, the brand employs a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist and potentially a PhD-level animal nutritionist, as recommended in the WSAVA guidelines.

Next-level ingredients: Next-level ingredients refer to those farmed or caught through humane and sustainable farming or harvesting practices. Although these ingredients may not offer extra nutrition to your pet, choosing pet food with ingredients like farmed raised meats, cage-free eggs, and sustainably caught fish helps you support a pet food company that prioritizes both animal welfare and sustainable practices.

Best Senior Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs (Top 5 Picks)

Samantha is a content writer and an avid outdoorswoman who adores dogs. As a proud dog mom, she understands the challenges that come with having a furry member in the family. She wants you to be prepared for any lifestyle that suits your every need. She wants you and your little pooch to have a great life together. When she's not writing, she is running a small farm.

Signs Your Dog Has A Sensitive Stomach

Gas

If things seem a bit smelly around your house, then your dog may be experiencing some distress. Another major sign that their stomach is having issues is this happening right after a meal.

Diarrhea

If your dog is running for the door more often than usual, or you find yourself cleaning up messes more than usual, then stomach issues may be playing a role.

Vomitting

We have all been through something we ate not agreeing with us. Your dog is the same as you in this respect. All too often people assume thatdogs can eat anything or have stomachs made of iron, but that is just not true. While puppies sometimes just vomit, if it is happening often, a change in diet should be considered.

Nervousness

Dogs that are naturally nervous can have stomach problems as a result. Creating the most calming environment for your dog will help, but it is just not always possible. Rescue dogs who have been neglected or abused can be particularly nervous in certain situations, like meeting someone new or a lot of noise from a construction project next door. Seeing someone that reminds them of something bad is another example when a dog may just be nervous.

Fast Eating Dogs = Sensitive Stomach

There are some dogs that love their food so much that they eat it much faster than is healthy. When food is not chewed properly, the stomach has to work harder to digest it. Another important thing to remember about well-chewed food is that the saliva in the mouth contains bacteria and lubricates to help break down food. A harder working stomach is more likely to be irritated.

There are ways to help your dog slow down at meal times. Special bowls are available that make it harder for dogs to eat quickly. The compartments and shape force your dog to slow down. If you have a small toy breed you may just feed them by hand if it gets them to slow down enough.

Ootdpet Fun Feeder Dog Bowl Slow Feederis an inexpensive solution for a dog who eats too fast and gets upset stomachs and bloating.

Outward Hound Fun Feedercomes in a large size that holds up to 4 cups but they have a smaller 2 cup version as well.

Ootdpet Fun Feeder Dog Bowl Slow Feeder | Amazon

It seems all dogs eat too rapidly, which unfortunately can cause bloat, discomfort, and other digestive problems. The slow feed dog bowl promotes healthy slow eating, helping prevent obesity, bloat, regurgitation and overeating.

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04/25/2024 09:57 am GMT

Outward Hound Fun Feeder | Amazon

Outward Hound uniquely designed Fun Feeder dog bowls feature meal-lengthening ridges to help slow down your dogs eating time by 10X!

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04/25/2024 07:49 am GMT

Natural Supplements Can Soothe

Some dogs need a little extra help when it comes to a healthy gut. An easy-to-add natural supplement can provide relief while still being cost effective as well. There are a ton of choices out there and Scout encourages you to discuss them with your veterinarian if your dog has special needs and concerns. That being said, here are a few to consider for your dog at any life stage.

These daily pills contain probiotics, beneficial enzymes, and fiber to help your dog with digestion. Even if you are feeding a dog food that claims to have a lot of probiotics, it doesnt hurt to add some more to your dogs diet if they have a lot of stomach issues. These chicken flavored tablets area easy to give. In fact, you can just sneak them into a lot of dogs kibble without them noticing. If you have been disappointed with having to hide pills and supplements in treats, then a great tasting chewable treat is going to be a lot better for you. This supplement is probably best for those with medium to smaller dogs because 60 tablets will only lasta large dog a mere 20 days.

BIXBI is Certified Organic and is a powder that is easily added to dog or cat food. Scout likes that this can be used for cat household members with sensitive stomach as well because it means pet owners have the convenience of just buying one product and not worrying if a pet accidentally eats some of the others food. Organic mushrooms are the main ingredient and have been shown to containhigh levels of polysaccharides that supports prebiotic action that is necessary to get the most our of probiotic activity. This supplement pairs well with dog foods that contain probiotics. This complete approach might be just what your dog needs to soothe their irritated stomach and digestive tract.

Switching Dog Foods

Switching dog foods is often best done gradually. However, if your dog is having problems keeping a certain brand down, then making the switch all at once is best. If stomach upset seems severe then consult with your veterinarian so that they can rule out anything else that may be causing the stomach issues. Sometimes dogs have allergies or sensitivities that can be hard to figure out, but you owe it to your dog to try. Dont be surprised when the dog food your dog tolerates best is not the cheapest out there. All too often, cheaper dog foods contain inferior ingredients that can upset the stomach of sensitive dogs.

Best Dog Foods For Sensitive Stomach Puppies

Puppies can have sensitive stomach issues that they sometimes outgrow. However, when it is happening and you have a lot of messes to deal with, it can seem overwhelming.

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Dry Dog Food | Chewy

This dry dog food is made with tasty chicken as the very first ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein. Its made with the special dietary needs of puppies in mind, including omega-3 fatty acids to support brain and eye development.

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Chicken, Brown Rice, and Sweet Potato

Nutro does a great job at offering Non GMO pet foods that offer balanced nutrition from meats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Scout loves that NUTRO takes into consideration the size of the breed of your puppy and creates formulas that ensure healthy growth rates and weight levels. Large breed puppies have a longer growth period than smaller dogs but growing too fast can affect development. Chicken is the #1 ingredient in this food with brown rice and sweet potatoes taking the place of the corn, wheat, and soy that lower quality puppy foods rely on for calories and additional protein. Fish Oil helps dogs that have skin issues such as dryness or flaking. Beet pulp, brewers rice, and chicken fat are some of the other delicious ingredients along with carrots and blueberries which provide immune system support and have an antioxidant effect.

Natures Variety is a good choice for those that are into the idea of a rawer or more primal based diet for their dog but dont want the hassle of having to put together balanced rations themselves or source ingredients. This formula contains freeze dried meat that more closely matches the natural primal diet of a dog. Probiotics help with digestion while the high levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids create good skin and coat. Dried Chicken, Turkey, and Fish will make this a puppy food that any puppy will gobble up.

While at just over $3 per pound this is one of the more expensive dog foods out there but you have to understand the level of quality nutrition you are getting. Since their are no cheap fillers a bag lasts longer than you might think. This is truly the safe way to do a raw or primal diet for your sensitive puppy. The reasealable bag makes it a big easier to keep this food fresh.

There are smaller bag sizes available if you have a really small breed and are concerned about freshness or just want to try it out with your puppy before committing to a larger bag but the cost per pound for smaller bags is substantial.

Best Dog Foods For Sensitive Stomach Adult Dogs

Adult dogs with sensitive stomachs need a kibble that offers good levels of calories and nutritional for moderately active to very active dogs. The good news is that there are plenty of quality affordable foods out there that can help your dog be their best.

Hills Science diet is particular about custom formulated blends so it is no surprise that they have two different sensitive stomach & skin dry dog foods. You can choose between the regular size dog variety and one formulated for small & toy breeds. Ingredients include prebiotic fiber to promote better digestion while Vitamin E and other nutrients help promote a glossy coat and helps out dogs that have sensitive skin types or allergies.

IAMS Sensitive Naturals Adult Ocean Fish and Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Iams is a very affordable high quality option for adult dogs that have some stomach distress. If your dog is one of those that likes cat food then they will love this natural Ocean Fish and Rice flavor. Vitamins and antioxidants help support a healthy immune system without causing any internal distress. Fruits and vegetables help balance out this food and makes for easier digestion and better overall health for your adult dog. Pet owners that have dogs that have skin allergies may see a major improvement in the sheen of their dogs coat.

Best Senior Sensitive Stomach Dog Foods

Senior dogs have special nutritional needs. At advanced ages dogs often dont have the energy level they once had so they need less food or a food that has reduced calories so they stay at a healthy weight. A sensitive stomach can even happen at an older age even if your dog has always tolerated their food well. Here are two quality choices under $2 per pound that can help your senior dog with a sensitive stomach.

Solid Gold Holistic Senior Dog Food with Superfoods | Chewy

Attract your furry friend to his bowl with Solid Gold Holistique Blendz with Oatmeal, Pearled Barley & Ocean Fish Meal Sensitive Stomach Dry Dog Food. It features a balance of ocean fish meals with healthy whole grains like brown rice and pearled barley for a taste your pup wont be able to resist.

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It is hard not to notice this dog food with its very artistic design and declaration about being holistic. This premium senior dog food combines a lot of great proteins, fruits, and vegetables, and whole grains that includecarrots, pumpkin, cranberries, blueberries, broccoli, almond oil, kelp, lentils, pearled barley, and oatmeal. This lower calorie and fat dog food still has 18% protein and does a good job at keeping the weight down on less active dogs. Probiotics help with digestion and supports a good population of healthy flora in the digestive tract so stomach issues are far less likely to occur.

Iams Premium Protection Senior Plus Dog Food

Iams has been a trusted brand for a long time and it is easy to find which makes it a good choice for a lot of dog parents out there. We love that this formula is specially designed for very old dogs. According to Iams this is for dogs 11 years and older! Beta-carotene and Vitamin E help boost the immune system of very senior dogs. The size and consistency of the kibble is designed to clean teeth and prevent the heavy tarter build up of a senior dog. Although the size of the package is small it is not any more expensive than a lot of better quality dog foods. Just remember to buy or order 3 or 4 bags at a time to keep a good supply for larger dogs. On the plus side the small size means you dont have to worry about it going stale as fast if you are feeding a medium or larger dog.

Progress In The Right Direction

A sensitive stomach can have a lot of underlying causes. Switching diet is usually part of solving the problem but you need to take other steps as well. Making sure your dog doesnt have access to table scraps, compost bins, etc is another thing that has to happen. Regular checkups at the vets office will help you rule out other issues that could be causing stomach distress. Scout hopes that your dog is already starting to feel better!

Need more dog food ideas? Heres a list of dog food for senior dogs. You can also check out review of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Dry Dog which is also perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Continue reading:

How to Keep Your Senior Dog Active and Loved

Best Senior Canned Dog Food

Blackwood Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe Lean Diet Adult Dry Dog Food Review