When it comes to “senior dog foods,” most dog owners believe that they’re doing the right thing by choosing a Food labeled specifically for senior dogs. But the truth is that “senior dog foods” are formulated with a general population in mind and not the unique needs of your individual dog. So while there are some overall best brands for seniors, instead of choosing a food labeled for every senior dog, opt for a food that caters to what your senior dog needs.
To help you make the most appropriate choice, I’ve structured this senior dog food guide based around the idea of why senior dog foods exist and when you should be switching to a senior brand (if at all) for your aging dog. In some cases, your pup may simply need a small adjustment in nutrients and calories, and that’s where the top five rated foods for senior dogs are good to try.
However, in many other cases, your senior dog is likely to have a more specific need. Statistically, those needs are for health conditions most common in senior dogs, such as kidney health, arthritis and joint problems. This guide is written with that in mind, and on top of the five foods I’ve also listed ten other options for those needs and ailments:
- Low sodium senior dog foods
- Low phosphorus senior dog foods
- Omega-3 rich senior dog foods
- Senior dog foods with glucosamine/chondroitin
Before you pick any food for your old dog, make sure you know the reason why you’re switching and adjust your senior dog’s diet specifically around improving that condition(s). This is why it’s crucial that you discuss any diet change of your senior dog with a veterinarian. With that in mind, here are my top five picks:
| Top Rated Brands | Price | Value | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orijen Dog Food for Senior Dogs | $$$$ | $5.5/lb | |
| Wellness Complete Health Senior | $$ | $1.68/lb | |
| Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Longevity | $ | $1.3/lb | |
| Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Senior | $ | $1.2/lb | |
| CANIDAE Life Stages Dry Seniors | $ | $1.16/lb |
How to Choose Senior Dog Foods
The first priority for owners of senior dogs is to relieve discomfort associated with ailments and increase the lifespan of the dog. There’s been a lot of research done in this area with scientists looking at what impacts the dog’s longevity and health of senior dogs. Other than your dog’s genetics, diet was found as first factor that impacts how long a senior dog will live, according to studies. Typically, the larger a dog is, the shorter the lifespan. Some small breeds won’t reach senior status until they are more than 10 years old, while some extra-large breeds are considered seniors at the age of 6 or 7. Medium breeds are in the middle.
According to this science-based article from Dr Fiona Caldwell, “All Life Stages” foods are rarely appropriate for senior dogs, or even most dogs. As for senior dog foods, there’s no official definition what makes a “Senior Dog Food” and in most cases, geriatric dogs can do perfectly fine on adult dog food diets. The only exception to that are health issues that are common in senior dogs, those I’ve mentioned above. So if your pooch is suffering from arthritis, kidney disfunction or other issues, you may want to look into some of these senior dog foods listed below, based on your dog’s needs.
Even though you can find best senior dog food brands rated highly based on their guaranteed analysis, pet owner reviews and veterinarian recommendations, remember that every dog is different. This is why it’s so important to work with a vet or a canine nutritionist before deciding on senior dog’s diet.
Understand when your aging dog is considered “senior.” Normally, it depends on your dog’s breed and size. As mentioned above, small dog breeds are considered senior around the age of 10 years old, extra large breeds are senior around 6 years old, and medium dog breeds are senior around 8-9 years old. Your vet will give you a more accurate assessment.
“It really depends on the breed and body weight. Large and giant breeds age faster than smaller dogs.” – Dr. Fred Metzger, DVM, Diplomate ABVP via WebMD
What Diet Your Senior Dog Needs
Research shows that senior dogs usually require low-calorie food for longevity. An aging dog’s system and metabolism is slowing down, thus higher calorie foods may cause an old dog to gain weight. Extra weight is dangerous for senior dogs since most of them are already dealing with degenerative diseases such as canine arthritis. Keeping your old dog’s diet on point is extremely important to prolong lifespan.
Diets that have a higher fiber content are often recommended for senior dogs by veterinarians, as they aid in gastrointestinal health. Protein requirements, contrary to popular belief, do NOT decrease as your dog ages, according to research. But remember that not every one of the below mentioned foods for senior dogs will fit your pet’s needs just because it’s low in calories and high in fiber. Talk to a vet first.
That said, the editorial team has done a thorough analysis of the pet food market on what’s currently offered as the best dog food for seniors, and after speaking with other veterinarians, analyzing the ingredients and dry matter basis of every single senior dog food brand out there, me and the team found some that theoretically may prolong a senior dog’s lifespan. Below, we’ve listed best senior dog foods that are low in calories and higher in fiber, which is exactly what your older dog needs, and then followed it with other mentions of low sodium, low phosphorus, high omega-3s, high glucosamine senior dog food brands.
ALSO READ: 15 Top Adult Dog Food Brands (that are good for senior dogs)
The Best Senior Dog Food Brands Overall
1Orijen Dog Food for Senior Dogs
by Orijen
Rating:
Variety: Grain-free
Value: $5.5/lb (expensive)
Dry matter content:
- Protein: 42%
- Fat: 17%
- Carbohydrates: 33%
- Fiber: 8.9%
- Calories: 414 kcal/cup
This food is specially formulated and protein-packed, considering the elderly dogs’ less efficient metabolic functioning. The higher level and high-quality protein compensates for this low metabolic efficiency. The ingredients in this dog food from Orijen include premium chicken and turkey meat, whole eggs, fish, fruits, vegetables and other sources of nutrients and minerals.
No artificial preservatives were used in the manufacturing of this product. This bag contains 15 pounds of dog food, but it is also available in 5-lb and 28.6-lb packages. Customers and their senior mutts have great feedback about this dog chow. Dogs like it so much, and their owners were naturally happy about resolved skin issues, shiny and healthy-looking coats, and their perceptible improvement in energy level.
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2Wellness Complete Health Senior
by Wellness Natural Pet Food
Rating:
Variety: Well-balanced
Value: $1.68/lb (cheap)
Dry matter content:
- Protein: 28%
- Fat: 12%
- Carbohydrates: 52%
- Fiber: 5.6%
- Calories: 416 kcal/cup
This USA-made product provides the delicate diet required by elderly dogs. It contains carefully selected ingredients that are nutrient-rich and naturally sourced. The ingredients in this dog food from Wellness Natural Pet Food include chicken, oatmeal, barley, brown rice, white fish, flaxseed, canola oil, carrots and other vegetables. It has balanced levels of calcium, glucosamine and chondroitin to strengthen bones and joints in senior dogs.
This senior dog food formula is not only formulated to improve body mass and enhance digestive health in old dogs, it is also very tasty. Pet owners have no trouble feeding it to even the most picky eaters. Customers find this to be an excellent food for their elderly pets. They observed marked improvement in their dogs, and they’re convinced that it was brought about by this great product.
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3Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Longevity
by Hill’s Science Diet
Rating:
Variety: Well-balanced
Value: $1.3/lb (very cheap)
Dry matter content:
- Protein: 20%
- Fat: 15%
- Carbohydrates: 28%
- Fiber: 2.4%
- Calories: 364 kcal/cup
Dogs turn sluggish as they grow older. With the wrong food, this inactivity oftentimes develops disorders or worsens existing ones. To improve the quality of life and restore the energy of senior dogs, this food from Hill’s Science Diet was formulated. Its ingredients are all natural and easy to digest, tastefully prepared, and are guaranteed to contain complete nourishment required by dogs in this stage in life.
Packs are available in 5, 17.5, and 33 pounds, and prepared in two styles – original and small bites. This product received the approval of its buyers for its excellent quality. Their feedback was based on the health benefits this food provided their weak and aging pets.
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4Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Senior
by Diamond Pet Foods
Rating:
Variety: Well-balanced
Value: $1.2/lb (very cheap)
Dry matter content:
- Protein: 28%
- Fat: 17%
- Carbohydrates: 48%
- Fiber: 4.4%
- Calories: 318 kcal/cup
Maintaining proper weight, an active lifestyle and proper nutrition in elderly dogs can be quite a challenge for dog owners. A properly formulated dog food would certainly help in attaining optimal health for these pets, and this formula from Diamond Naturals is designed just for this stage of a dog’s life. It is made of well-balanced protein, fat, and antioxidant and mineral sources to help manage your dog’s weight. It will also provide their required nourishment and keep them agile even at a senior age.
This recipe contains chicken, brown rice, eggs, oatmeal, beet, chicken fat, fruits and vegetables. Aside from the basic nutrients, vitamins and mineral that are found in this food preparation, it also contains antioxidants and omega fatty acids to aid in keeping the skin and coat beautifully healthy. This bag contains 35 pounds of premium dog food, but other sizes are also available.
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5CANIDAE Life Stages Dry Seniors
by Canidae
Rating:
Variety: Well-balanced
Value: $1.16/lb (very cheap)
Dry matter content:
- Protein: 27%
- Fat: 16%
- Carbohydrates: 49%
- Fiber: 4.4%
- Calories: 342 kcal/cup
Pet owners who need to balance their time and still keep their pack nourished well will find this dog food from CANIDAE the best option for feeding several dogs of different ages. Feeding a senior dog may require specially formulated meals, but having a product that will be perfect for puppies and non-senior dogs, too, is something that’s really practical. This product has optimal levels of protein to build muscles without packing on weight in elderly dogs.
This senior food contains probiotics to aid digestion and adequate levels of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids to make skin and coats healthy. Customers who just shifted to Canidae to feed their elderly dogs were pleasantly surprised to see their pets lively again.
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40 Best Senior Dog Foods
(for specific health needs of senior dogs)
After you’ve discussed dietary adjustments for your senior dog with a veterinarian, you may have to find special foods specifically for your dog’s condition such as arthritis, kidney problems and other. Remember that in most cases, adult dog foods are perfectly fine for senior dogs, especially when using formulas for specific health conditions. So below I’ve included many adult dog food brands that can be considered some of the most appropriate brands based around most common health problems in senior dogs.
The 10 Best Low Sodium Senior Dog Foods
Low sodium dog foods are recommended for a number of health conditions including heart disease and kidney disease. According to the AAFCO, dry dog foods should contain at least 0.3% sodium, but some kibble contains as much as 1%+. When reduced sodium is recommended by your vet, there are varying levels of sodium restriction.
For mild sodium restriction (for senior dogs with heart disease without heart enlargement) recommended sodium levels are .3 – .4 % of DRY matter; for moderate sodium restriction (for senior dogs with moderate heart disease with heart enlargement) recommended sodium levels are .2 – .3 % of DRY matter; marked sodium restriction (for senior dogs in congestive heart failure) recommended sodium levels are .15 – .2 % of DRY matter; and extreme sodium restriction (for senior dogs with refractory congestive heart failure) recommended sodium levels are .075 – .15 % of DRY matter. Here are a few low sodium dog foods that I would recommend to discuss with a vet.
Purina Beyond Simply 9 Natural Limited Ingredient
Price: $36.90 / 24lb.
Sodium Level: 0.36 (Mild Sodium Restriction)
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A limited ingredient food, this is a low sodium option with no corn, soy, or wheat. Made with real chicken, this food has no by-product meal, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives. Although we’re not big fans of “big name” dog foods, pet parents genuinely seem impressed with this food and for a low sodium food, it’s priced at a great price-point.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Food
Price: $52.10 / 28lb.
Sodium Level: 0.39 (Mild Sodium Restriction)
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Another limited ingredient dog food, this food has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and is formulated for large breed dogs. We love that this food is made with digestive health in mind – something many older pups struggle with – and that it contains a single animal protein source.
Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Food (Chicken)
Price: $57.99/24lb.
Sodium Level: 0.17 (Marked Sodium Restriction)
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A grain-free dry food option from a dog food manufacturer that we love, this is a great food choice for seniors who require a considerable reduction in their sodium intake. We love that it’s made in the U.S. and that it contains all natural ingredients. We also love that you won’t find wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives in this food!
Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Food (Whitefish)
Price: $58.18 / 24lb.
Sodium Level: 0.37 (Mild Sodium Restriction)
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Another grain free, low sodium dry food from Wellness brand, this is a fish-based food with no wheat, corn, soy, or meat by-products. There is also no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in this USA made food. What we love most about this variety of Wellness Complete is that it is also formulated for skin and coat health and digestive health too. This is a slightly higher calorie food, so it’s not ideal for sedentary seniors, but if your senior is still quite active, this is a good option.
ACANA Heritage Free Run Poultry Dry Dog Food
Price: $65.32 / 25lb.
Sodium Level: 0.34 (Mild Sodium Restriction)
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This food is from a brand we like (although we fed an alternate recipe to a dog without special dietary needs), and it is made without any grains, potatoes, or glutens. We love that this recipe is made with fresh and regional ingredients and that it’s formulates using whole prey ratios meaning it’s rich in meat, organs, and cartilage with plenty of protein and very limited carbohydrate sources.
ACANA Singles Pork and Squash Dry Dog Food
Price: $44.99 / 13lb.
Sodium Level: 0.34 (Mild Sodium Restriction)
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A great selection for dogs with mild sodium restrictions and protein sensitivities. This food uses a single protein source – pork – which is less likely to cause allergic reactions than other proteins like chicken or beef. Like most Acana foods, this is an expensive food particularly if you have a large breed dog, but most allergy friendly dog foods are if they contain quality ingredients.
Earthborn Holistic Natural Dog Food Adult Vantage
Price: $41.38 / 14 lb.
Sodium Level: 0.22 (Moderate Sodium Restriction)
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Earthborn Holistic is by far one of our favorite dog food brands because it’s both affordable and quality food. Have we mentioned that Earthborn has also NEVER had a recall? We can’t praise this brand enough and the Vantage variation is a great option for digestibility which is ideal for older pups although it is important to supplement this option with glucosamine chondroitin for joint health.
Earthborn Grain Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Price: $59.99 / 28 lb.
Sodium Level: 0.22 (Moderate Sodium Restriction)
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Another food that we have used before and found to be a great solution for senior dogs sensitive to grains, this is a high-quality protein food with moderate levels of sodium. We don’t recommend this choice for seniors with certain types of kidney stones or urinary crystals, however, because of high phosphorous levels. Another thing we love about the Earthborn brand is that it’s one of the few higher quality foods that is available in megastores so you don’t have to order online or make specialty store trips when you run out.
Earthborn Holistic Weight Control Natural Dry Food
Price: $43.98 / 14 lbs.
Sodium Level: 0.18 (Marked Sodium Restriction)
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We know, we’re getting a little carried away with the Earthborn brand, but seriously, why wouldn’t you want to feed your dog a brand of food that has never had a recall? This formula variation has very low sodium levels and lower calorie content which is ideal for seniors who are overweight and in the later stages of heart disease. The only negative with this option is higher levels of phosphorus, again, making it less ideal for seniors with certain types of kidney stones or urinary crystals.
Petcurean NOW FRESH Grain Free Red Meat Food
Price: $89.99
Sodium Level: 0.23 (Moderate Sodium Restriction)
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Made in Canada, this red meat formula is a good option for senior dogs with sodium restriction needs who are picky about the flavor of their food. In our experience, red meat based foods are a more appealing option than poultry based foods. This food does have a variety of proteins (pork, venison, and lamb), however, so if your pup is sensitive to protein, double check the ingredients first.
The 10 Best Low Phosphorus Senior Dog Foods
Low phosphorus dog foods are often recommended for senior dogs with kidney disease and kidney stones. There are varying levels of phosphorus restriction depending on the state of your aging dog’s health. In general, a mildly restricted phosphorus level is a level of 0.79 or below, a moderately restricted phosphorus level is 0.69 or below, and a severely restricted phosphorus level is anything below .59.
Here are a few low phosphorus foods for senior dogs that you can discuss with your vet.
FirstMate Pet Foods Pacific Ocean Fish Original
Price: $38.99 + $12.99 shipping / 14.5 lbs.
Phosphorus Level: 0.56
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This kibble has one of the lowest phosphorous levels out there, so it’s important to ONLY feed it under the guidance of your vet. We like that this is a commercially available food, though, and that it offers a healthier alternative to prescription vet foods that are packed with fillers and junk. This is also a grain-free choice with the added benefit of being allergy-friendly.
FirstMate Pet Foods Pacific Ocean Fish Senior
Price: $69.99 + $18.48 shipping / 14.5 lbs.
Phosphorus Level: 0.56
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Another very low phosphorous kibble option that should only be fed under vet supervision, this FirstMate kibble is a better choice for seniors who could stand to lose a little weight or who are simply less active than other dogs. We love this kibble choice for dogs prone to ear infections, skin infections, or allergy-based itching.
Wellness Complete Health Senior Turkey & Peas
Price: $15.19 / 4 lbs.
Phosphorus Level: 0.67
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A low phosphorous kibble designed specifically for small breed senior dogs, we love this kibble because it is USA made and it contains no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Plus, this kibble includes glucosamine chondroitin for senior joint health which is always a plus for our older pups.
Nutro ULTRA Senior Dry Dog Food
Price: $57.99 / 30 lbs.
Phosphorus Level: 0.67
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A superfood based kibble formula, we love this senior food choice because it’s affordable and packed full of superfoods like chia, kale, blueberries, and coconut! We also love that there is no corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. If you’re looking for a commercially available low phosphorous food, this is a choice that’s easy to find in most pet food stores.
Nutro ULTRA Weight Management Dry Dog Food
Price: $57.99 / 30 lbs.
Phosphorus Level: 0.67
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Another easy to find, low phosphorous food option for your senior, this formula is also a great selection for sedentary or overweight pups who need lower calorie intake. With the same superfood benefits as Nutro ULTRA Senior and similarly without the junk filler, this is an affordable low phosphorous choice. We don’t recommend this food for allergy prone pups, though, since it combines chicken, lamb, and salmon proteins.
Iams Healthy Naturals Dry Dog Food
Price: $80.80 / 23.2 lbs.
Phosphorus Level: 0.78
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This isn’t the most ideal option for low phosphorous kibble choices, but it is quite easily available so if you’re in a pinch for your senior who has low phosphorous needs, it’s a stop-gap option to consider. Although being “low phosphorous”, this is a higher end of the low phosphorous scale so it’s not something we’d recommend feeding on an ongoing basis.
Solid Gold Grain Free Dry Dog Food Sunday Sunrise
Price: $54.99 / 24 lbs.
Phosphorus Level: .78
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Sunday Sunrise is another low phosphorous kibble that falls on the high end of the low phosphorous kibble market, but it too is available in commercial pet stores should you find yourself in a pinch. We love that this food choice is made with lamb, making it a good option for dogs with sensitive stomachs which happens quite frequently in our senior pups.
Iams Grain-Free Naturals With Salmon Red Lentils
Price: $16.99 / 4 lbs.
Phosphorus Level: .78
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Again, on the high end of the low phosphorous scale, this IAMS food is widely available and one of the more affordable low phosphorous food choices. Made with no grains, corn, soy, or by-product meal, and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, we’ve heard that this food may soon be discontinued by the manufacturer, but while it’s still available, it’s not a bad choice.
Now Fresh Grain-Free Fish Adult Recipe Dog Food
Price: $81.09 / 25 lbs.
Phosphorus Level: .76
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A low phosphorous food choice, we like this option because it uses fish as the main protein source which is packed with healthy omegas for aching senior joints. We also like that this is a food approved for all breeds and ages and one that has received rave reviews from almost every pet parent who has fed it.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Healthy Weight
Price: $57.99 / 26 lbs.
Phosphorus Level: .67
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An all-natural kibble made in the USA, this is a great healthy weight formula for more sedentary seniors. We love that this is a food made without by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives and that it’s fortified for a healthy immune system, something that every senior pup can benefit from.
The 10 Best Senior Foods Rich in Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids are often recommended for senior dogs because they help fight joint inflammation and otherwise are beneficial for arthritic joints of senior dogs. Omega-3s are also beneficial for brain activity and dealing with cognitive slowness and cognitive dysfunctions in senior dogs by promoting cell membrane health. There are differing recommendations for what levels of omega fatty acids are optimal, but a significant percentage of canine dietitians recommend a ration of one omega-3 to five omega-6.
Here are the best brands rich in omega fatty acids close to that specific ratio.
Wellness Complete Health, Large, Chicken & Rice
Price: $59.49 / 30 lbs.
Omega-3:Omega-6 Ratio: .5 : 2.5
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This is another food that we have experience in feeding to our own dogs and one that has pretty much everything you could ask for for a senior dog including great ratios of omega fatty acids. The one problem we found with this kibble is that picky eaters tend to find it to be a little too bland but adding a topper can remedy this without much fuss.
Wellness Complete Health, Small, Chicken & Rice
Price: $13.20 / 4 lbs.
Omega-3:Omega-6 Ratio: .75 : 3.5
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An omega fatty acid rich food designed specifically for toy breeds, this is a food we love because it’s well-rounded. Formulated for healthy skin and coat, digestive health, healthy eyes, teeth, and gums, and immunity, we also love that this is a food made in the USA! This is a food designed for dogs with higher energy needs so it’s not ideal for your small senior pups who are sedentary, but if your senior is still active, it’s a good option.
Victor Dog Food Select Beef Meal and Brown Rice
Price: $51.90 / 40 lbs.
Omega-3:Omega-6 Ratio: .4 : 2
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Victor is a food brand that many pet parents haven’t heard of, but if you’re looking for an affordable omega fatty acid rich food, their beef meal, and brown rice formula is a food to consider. We should warn you, though, that even though this food is labeled as beef meal, it also contains pork and fish, so if your senior has problems with protein tolerance, be warned.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Rice
Price: $33.15 / 12 lbs.
Omega-3:Omega-6 Ratio: .3 : 1.7
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If your senior is a small breed dog with unique dietary needs and you’re looking for omega rich formulas, this Natural Balance formula is an affordable place to start. We also like that this food choice is designed for dental health and contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. Oh, and you’ll also find it at your local pet store.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken & Potato
Price: $ 56.97 / 12 lbs.
Omega-3:Omega-6 Ratio: .4 : 2.3
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This Natural Balance limited ingredient diet formula is another one designed for small breed seniors who have trouble with ingredient intolerances. It’s made with sweet potato and chicken and is completely grain-free while being loaded with those healthy omegas. This is a pricey food choice, but it’s a healthy senior food choice that is also approved for puppies and adults so it’s perfect if you are a multiple dog household.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb, Brown Rice
Price: $ 52.10 / 28 lbs.
Omega-3:Omega-6 Ratio: .3 : 1.7
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If you’re concerned about omega fatty acids and your senior has a sensitive stomach and allergies, this is a good place to begin. Commercially available at most pet stores, this is an easy to get hold of food choice that is formulated for healthy digestion. We also like that this limited ingredient food option is so affordable.
Natural Balance Limited Chicken, Sweet Potato
Price: $77.47 / 26 lbs.
Omega-3:Omega-6 Ratio: .4 : 2.3
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If you were intrigued by the Natural Balance L.I.D with chicken and sweet potato for small breed dogs, but your senior is a larger breed dog, this formula is the same recipe but for your larger pups. Although the formula is the same, the kibble size is larger and it’s available in larger bags making them more practical for larger meals.
Natural Balance Limited Lamb Meal, Brown Rice
Price: $33.15 / 12 lbs.
Omega-3:Omega-6 Ratio: .3 : 1.7
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Like the lamb meal and brown rice formula for larger dogs listed above, this is the same recipe food but made for smaller dogs. That means that the kibble sizes are smaller and so are the bags of food which means fresher food for your little senior because bags of food sit around for less time until they’re finished.
ACANA Heritage Free Run Poultry Dry Dog Food
Price: $65.32 / 25lb.
Omega-3:Omega-6 Ratio: .5 : 2.4
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You’ll notice that we listed this food under our low sodium kibble options as well, but it also happens to be rich in omega fatty acids. This means that it’s ideal for seniors with arthritis and health conditions requiring limitations on sodium, like heart disease. We love that this choice is made with free-range poultry too.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Healthy Weight
Price: $57.99 / 26 lbs.
Omega-3:Omega-6 Ratio: .5 : 2.5
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This is another food choice that you’ll recognize from a previous mention in our low phosphorous section, but it’s also great for those fatty acids! If your senior pup is also facing weight gain due to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, the lower calorie content in this food option will also help your pup to keep off that additional weight.
The 10 Best Foods Rich in Glucosamine Chondroitin
Glucosamine chondroitin is recommended for senior dogs with arthritis because similar to omega-3s it helps to control inflammation such as that caused by arthritis. Glucosamine chondroitin has also been shown in studies to help preserve joint cartilage and reduce pain by reducing swelling. There are varied recommendations for the ideal ratio of glucosamine to chondroitin, but one of the most commonly held beliefs is that the ideal ratio is three units of glucosamine to one unit of chondroitin.
Here are the ten dog food brands rich in glucosamine chondroitin to discuss with a vet.
Nature’s Recipe Dry Dog Food Chicken Meal & Rice
Price: $29.83 / 30 lbs.
Glucosamine:Chondroitin Ratio: 325 mg/kg : 120 mg/kg
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If your senior suffers from arthritis or hip dysplasia and is currently overweight, supplementing with glucosamine chondroitin isn’t all you need. That’s why we like this Nature’s recipe formula because it’s low calorie enough to keep extra weight from piling on! It is a chicken and rice formula, so your picky eaters may not be thrilled with it, but for your senior who will eat anything, it’s a great go-to. This is also one of the more affordable food choices on our list of senior dog foods.
Victor Dog Food Grain-Free Hero Canine Formula
Price: $85.99 / 50 lbs.
Glucosamine:Chondroitin Ratio: 850 mg/kg : 250 mg/kg
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This Victor formula isn’t for the couch potato seniors, but if your senior is still hard at work in the fields or just energetic, the Hero Canine recipe might be for you. Loaded with glucosamine and chondroitin, we recommend that you order this food for delivery because those 50lb. bags are REALLY heavy.
Victor Dog Food Senior Healthy Weight Management
Price: $53.56 / 40 lbs.
Glucosamine:Chondroitin Ratio: 1000 mg/kg : 300 mg/kg
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Another Victor food option to consider if you’re looking for high levels of glucosamine chondroitin but have a less active pup, the senior healthy weight recipe might be a better option for you. Available in 40lb. bags, this formula does use a combination of proteins – beef, chicken, pork, and fish, so it’s not perfect for allergy-prone pups, but otherwise, it’s a solid choice.
Victor Performance Dry Dog Food
Price: $46.75 / 40 lbs.
Glucosamine:Chondroitin Ratio: 900 mg/kg : 250 mg/kg
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Another Victor formula that’s rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, this is another calorie rich option for your active seniors too. With high levels of protein, we don’t recommend this option for dogs with kidney disease, but for your senior who is still ready to tackle that long daily walk, this performance recipe might be right for you.
Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food
Price: $59.99 / 30 lbs.
Glucosamine:Chondroitin Ratio: 750 mg/kg : 250 mg/kg
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If your senior pup is a large or giant breed dog, Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult dog food is a chicken-based food that’s rich in glucosamine and chondroitin. We love that this food is made from premium ingredients and is made in the U.S. but we also love that it’s got all of those great digestive enzymes for a healthy tummy.
Nutro Lite and Weight Management
Price: $49.92 30 lbs.
Glucosamine:Chondroitin Ratio: 350 mg/kg : 100 mg/kg
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Like most Nutro foods, this is a widely available food choice in most pet stores and a 30 lb. bag is surprisingly affordable. Rich in glucosamine chondroitin, this is a larger sized kibble piece for your big dogs and we love that it’s made with completely non-GMO ingredients with chicken as the first listed ingredient.
AvoDerm Natural Senior Dry Dog Food Grain Free
Price: $52.24 / 24 lbs.
Glucosamine:Chondroitin Ratio: 1290 mg/kg : 400 mg/kg
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We’re not huge on Avoderm brand foods for glucosamine chondroitin because their ratios are generally really out of balance, but their Senior Health formula is a better-balanced option. Made with lamb meal, this is a good option for dogs with a sensitive stomach and it has added support for digestion too.
Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Price: $69.99 / 24 lbs.
Glucosamine:Chondroitin Ratio: 750 mg/kg : 250 mg/kg
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From a reputable food brand, Wellness Core natural grain free is a large breed formulated food that we love not only for its glucosamine chondroitin content, but also for it’s antioxidant, probiotic, and omega fatty acid content. Made with chicken and turkey, we favor this food most for its high-quality protein content which is ideal for senior dogs.
Diamond CARE Dog Food Weight Management
Price: $19.99 / 8 lbs.
Glucosamine:Chondroitin Ratio: 300 mg/kg : 100 mg/kg
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I was hesitant to include Diamond brand food on my list of foods for senior dogs because of their previous recall history; however, this food recipe comes highly recommended by pet parents who have used it. The levels of glucosamine chondroitin are ideal in this formula, but if you do choose to feed it, please, please, please, keep an eye on recall news to be sure that the past doesn’t repeat itself.
Petcurean Go Fit Plus Free Grain Free Senior
Price: $80.74 / 25 lbs.
Glucosamine:Chondroitin Ratio: 380 mg/kg : 140 mg/kg
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Another food that comes highly recommended by senior dog parents is the Petcurean Go Fit Plus Grain Free Senior food. Although the levels of glucosamine and chondroitin aren’t ideally balanced as much as in above mentioned brands, they’re still in a relatively good ratio and the pre- and probiotic content of this recipe is an added bonus. We aren’t huge on the price of this food option, but the balance of protein and fat is certainly one of our favorite factors.
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