what is the best dog food for large senior dogs
Best Dog Food For Senior Dogs
A long life is the result of good genes, good care, and good luck. While a few four-leaf clovers never hurt anyone, chances are its a little late to worry about good genes once youve welcomed a dog into your heart. That leaves good care as the one thing you can control now. And a big part of good care is good nutrition.
However, there are issues when it comes to feeding your senior dog. Neither the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nor the National Research Council have determined official dietary requirements for aging dogs. Its partly because senior dogs vary so much in their individual needs. That may explain why commercial foods for seniors vary so widely in nutrient levels.
Nobody expects you to be a nutritionist just to pick out a bag of dog food. But you should be aware of just a few important factors that apply to most senior dogs. This will help you choose the best dog food for your senior dog.
Dont Restrict Protein
This matter is widely misunderstood. Many people still believe senior dogs should eat less protein. We now know the opposite is true. Healthy seniors need more protein, not less, in order to fuel muscle. Loss of muscle mass is a major problem in older dogs. Some seniors lose so much muscle they can no longer walk unassisted.
Older dogs need about 50 percent more protein to maintain muscle mass compared to younger ones. But, diets formulated for adult maintenance diets often dont have enough protein to satisfy these needs. Veterinarian Ernie Ward, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, recommends 28 to 32 percent protein on a dry-matter basis for healthy older dogs, especially in those cases where weight loss is needed.
Consider Calories
Younger seniors tend to be overweight. But, very old dogs tend to be underweight. A 2011 study found that calories in senior foods varied widely, ranging from 246 to 408 calories per cup. So, the same senior food may be a great choice if your dog needs to lose weight. But it may be a bad choice if they need to gain weight.
Dont forget that the time to consider calories is well before old age sets in. Two benchmark studies conducted by major dog food companies Purina and Waltham both found that restricting calories throughout life improved longevity and reduced illnesses. Essentially, good care for senior dogs starts in youth.
Feed For Organ Health
Other factors to consider are senior dog health problems such as heart and kidney disease. For both conditions, youll want a low-sodium food. But, that same 2011 study found that sodium levels in senior foods ranged from 33 to 412 mg/100 kcal. For kidney disease, youll want low phosphorous, but thats not even mentioned on any label. The 2011 study found phosphorous levels varied by threefold in the senior foods they examined, but were on average higher than their representative adult maintenance food.
Prescription diets are available for heart, kidney, and other diseases that take into account these nutritional needs. However, even those foods may have wide ranges of nutrients. Any dog food manufacturer should be able to provide these numbers to you on their website or with a simple phone call. While youre at it, ask them about the credentials of the people formulating their foods. If they cant provide either, thats clue number one that you should find another product.
Add Supplements
Some senior foods include supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin in an effort to combat osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, the evidence that these supplements actually work is limited. However, they wont hurtexcept maybe your wallet.
On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acids probably play an important role in senior diets because they may help combat both osteoarthritis and especially cognitive losses. If you are adding your own to your dogs diet, aim for the amount of EPA and DHA combined to be in the range of 700 to 1,500 mg. Build up starting at the low end and cut back if your dog has any diarrhea or vomiting.
Theres probably more to the recipe than simply EPA and DHA, however. Research conducted at Purina tested Beagles between the ages of 9.5 and 11 years of age that were fed either a standard diet or one supplemented with antioxidants, B vitamins, fish oil, and L-arginine for six months. The dogs fed this Brain Protection Blend performed significantly better on a series of mental tasks, especially the more difficult ones, compared to the dogs not receiving the blend. The tasks involved determining which one of several shallow wells contained food when the cue was a marker either next to it, near it, or displaced at an angle; or seeing how well they did on a task requiring them to discriminate right, left, and center, and then relearning which side was correct in order to receive a reward.
Make Food Palatable For Senior Dogs
There are practical aspects of feeding your dog to consider, too. Senior dogs may have dental problems that make chewing difficult or uncomfortable. These dogs should first be treated for whatever problem they have, but if that is impossible or unsuccessful, consider wetting their food or feeding them canned or soft food. Simply feeding a smaller kibble size may help if youre feeding dry food.
Senior dogs may be uncomfortable bending down to the food bowl or standing for long periods to eat. Try serving their meals on a raised platform or encourage them to eat lying down.
Very old dogs often lose their appetite. Warming the food can increase its aroma and may help stimulate the appetite; cooling it may make it less nausea-inducing in queasy dogs. At some point you may have to abandon your goal of a healthy balanced diet and just feed him whatever he will eat. The wait until hes hungry enough tactic doesnt work in seniors because their hunger mechanism may not be working correctly. Besides, its a little late to be worried about spoiling himand even if you do, doesnt he deserve it?
This column first appeared in theSeptember/October 2019 issue of AKC Family Dogmagazine.
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 Large Breed Dog Food
Wellness Core Large Breed formula is a grain-free, high protein recipe with substantial kibble size to promote proper chewing time in larger mouths. Increased amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin also supports bone and joint health in these larger sized dogs.
This recipe contains the perfect amount of fat and calories to help maintain a healthy weight for a dog of this size. A higher quality food with an abundance of animal protein and nutrient-rich vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli.
Key Facts No meat by-products or fillers Grain-free. Absolutely no corn, wheat or soy High protein recipe for strong muscles No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed is recommended by 94% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is highly recommended for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, lentils, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large dogs Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Chicken is a great option for those looking for higher protein and an optimal blend of calcium, phosphorus and essential vitamins to help keep bones strong.
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids found in fish meal and flaxseed ensure a healthy coat. An ideal blend of protein, fat and carbohydrates are also included to assist your large breed dog in keeping a healthy weight. Never any grains or gluten and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Key Facts No poultry by-product meals Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints Antioxidants to boost dogs immune system 100% Grain-free Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Chicken is recommended by 98% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a great choice for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned Chicken, chicken meal, dried chicken, oatmeal, barley Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adults including large breeds All Ollie meals are human-grade and expertly designed by a board certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). Each recipe is suitable for larger breed adults.
An exceptional, grain-free option. Ideal for those who prefer a fully balanced diet, thats as close to homemade as you can get. Without all the fuss. Not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended.
Key Facts Made with fresh poultry. Contains no by-product meals. Free of BHA or other chemical preservatives Optimized for the age, weight, activity level and breed size of your pet Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver Type Grain-free, fresh AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Now Fresh Large Breed Adult contains balanced proteins and fats from turkey, salmon and duck. Contains antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables such as spinach, cranberries, pumpkin, blackberries, and carrots. Great for building a strong immune system to help fight disease.
Recommended for dogs over 50 pounds and between 15 months and 5 years of age. Contains extra nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint care for larger breed dogs.
Key Facts No by-products or artificial preservatives Omega-3 and 6 from coconut and canola oil for healthy coat Probiotics to support digestion Grain-free. No gluten, wheat, corn or soy Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult is recommended by 100% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a superb selection for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Now Fresh Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients De-boned turkey, whole dried egg, potatoes, peas, potato flour Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Adult Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice is one of 19 dry recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan product line.
Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend combines a hard kibble with tender, pieces of real, shredded chicken for enhanced flavor and texture.
A classic, grain-inclusive kibble that derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken and poultry by-product meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
Key Facts Live probiotics to support healthy digestion Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat Highly digestible recipe for optimal nutrient delivery No artificial colors or flavors This Purina Pro recipe is recommended by 96% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a top pick for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All adult dogs including large breeds From its founding, Champion Petfoods, the fabled maker of Orijen, has always favored and touted a meat-based, biologically appropriate canine diet a proven, balanced formula which makes this food a top choice for large breed dogs. Highly recommended.
Key Facts Coated with freeze-dried liver for enhanced flavor Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for optimal joint health Orijen Six Fish Grain Free is recommended by 96% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is an outstanding buy for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Whole Atlantic mackerel, whole Atlantic herring, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breeds Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed recipe is a high-protein formula with sweet potatoes, peas, apples and blueberries. These fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants to help fight disease resistance while the significant protein is included to help larger breed dogs retain lean muscles.
Like most large breed dog food formulas, extra glucosamine and chondroitin are essential and included for hip and joint health. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are incorporated to enhance a healthy skin and coat.
Key Facts No artificial preservatives Grain-free. No corn, wheat or soy 60% protein and healthy fats No by-product meals Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed is recommended by 90% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a fantastic choice for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Merrick Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breeds Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult contains a variety of protein sources. These include fresh chicken, chicken meal and egg product with minimal protein derived from plant-based ingredients. Ideal for mirroring an ancestral diet.
Chelated minerals are also added for superior absorption.
Key Facts Contains no plant-based protein boosters No artificial colors or preservatives Abundance of meat-based protein Ancestral diet Diamond Naturals Large Breed recipe is recommended by 91% of actual buyers and earns 4.5 stars on Chewy.com. A great option for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Wellness Complete Health Large Breed is formulated with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate for excellent hip and joint health. Balanced blend of high-quality protein, healthy fat and grain-free carbohydrates for extra energy and optimum performance.
Added fiber and probiotics to aid in digestion making it ideal for a dogs naturally sensitive stomach. Antioxidants to defend against disease and infection.
Key Facts High-quality ingredients Salmon oil for healthy skin and coat Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice No meat by-products or filler Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Large Breed recipe is recommended by 100% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and an excellent selection for your large breed dog.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, potatoes, chickpeas Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed is specially formulated with the right amount of fat, protein and carbohydrates to help larger dogs maintain a healthy weight. Dual animal proteins also help provide lean muscle mass.
This formula contains no corn, wheat, or meat by-products of any kind and has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Perfectly balanced nutrition for dogs over 50 pounds.
Key Facts Affordable, budget friendly recipe Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints Traditional grain-inclusive formula Calcium and phosphorous to support strong bones Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed recipe is recommended by 96% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is highly recommended for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Eagle Pack Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, oatmeal, rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health has produced a dog food unique to large and giant breed dogs. It incorporates extra glucosamine and chondroitin for strong joints with calcium and phosphorous for healthy bones.
This special formula also contains specific ingredients for proper canine digestion. This is accomplished by adding probiotics and plenty of fiber to support a healthy gut and chelated minerals for better absorption.
Key Facts Antioxidant-rich to support cellular health Free from artificial colors or preservatives Traditional grain-inclusive formula Specially formulated for large and giant breed dogs Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health is recommended by 97% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a great option for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Holistic Select Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Taste of the Wild Wetlands recipe is loaded with animal protein. Not only is duck and duck meal the first two ingredients, but there is also turkey, quail and chicken meal included in this formula.
Real fruits and vegetables are included with antioxidants to fight disease. Probiotics and chelated minerals are also incorporated to aid in digestion and provide superior absorption. A budget-friendly option with extremely high quality, high protein ingredients.
Key Facts Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice Budget-friendly, affordable option High protein for lean muscle mass Made in the USA using high quality ingredients Taste of the Wild Wetlands recipe is recommended by 98% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a fantastic choice for a large breed adult dog.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Duck, duck meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds I and Love and You Nude Super Food Poultry Palooza is made with whole deboned meat and rich antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables. Whole flaxseed, coconut and fish oils are included as well to provide Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to support a healthy skin and coat.
Never any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and 100% grain-free. Chelated minerals are incorporated to ensure superior absorption and probiotics aid in digestion.
Key Facts Grain-free. No corn, wheat, soy or rice No fillers or by-product meals GMO-free ingredients Contains probiotics for healthy digestion I and Love and You Nude Super Food Poultry Palooza is recommended by 95% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and a superb option for large breed dogs.
Read our review of the full I and Love and You Nude Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, chickpeas, red lentils Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breeds Formerly called Go! Fit and Free Chicken, Turkey and Trout, this new recipe is enhanced with plenty of premium-quality animal protein your large breed dog needs to build strong muscles.
Now called Go! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey and Duck, this formula still holds true to its original great taste and exceptional ingredients. Still no by-product meals, artificial preservatives, or wheat, corn and soy. This protein-rich recipe has plenty of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables which provides ample nutrition for your active large breed adult dog.
Key Facts Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice Omega-3 fish oil for healthy skin and coat High-protein recipe for lean muscles GMO-free ingredients Go! Solutions Carnivore is recommended by 97% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and an exceptional selection for large breed adults.
Read our review of the full Go! Carnivore Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds
