To keep your dog happy and healthy as they get older, you'll need to make changes to their diet. As senior canines tend to be less active, it's important to pick a nutritionally balanced formula that's tailored to their specific needs, whether that's allergies or a sensitive stomach.
From the top ingredients for joint health to the best fog food for bad teeth, in this article we share tips on how to buy a senior dog food, with advice from UK veterinary surgeon Charlie Grainger. Read on to find out which 10 we recommend, from Royal Canin, Pedigree, Purina and more!
Quick List - Top Senior Dog Foods
Lily's Kitchen
Nourishing Meals for Your Senior Pooch
Winalot
Revitalize Your Senior Dog's Health with Every Bite
Eukanuba
High Protein Kibble for Dogs With Joint Issues
Charlie graduated from The Royal Veterinary College of London and is now working as a Veterinary Surgeon in a large chain of vets treating companion animals such as dogs, cats and small furries.
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Charlie graduated from The Royal Veterinary College of London and is now working as a Veterinary Surgeon in a large chain of vets treating companion animals such as dogs, cats and small furries.
Since the lifespans of dogs and humans are so different, you might be wondering how to tell when your pet is reaching old age. As a general rule, larger dogs are considered senior once they turn 5 years old, but smaller breeds (which usually live longer) may not show signs of ageing until much later on.
Physical signs of ageing to look out for in your pooch include grey or thinning hair, dry skin, and weight gain. Behavioural changes such as a loss of appetite, less energy, incontinence, and sleeping more frequently may also occur. Schedule a vet's appointment if you notice these symptoms, as they can advise you on the right time to make the switch to senior dog food.
As mentioned, this can depend on the breed and size of your dog. If you have a senior food brand in mind have a look at the packet - often it will advise you at what age to start feeding that particular food. Senior food can definitely be fed before 'senior' changes have been noted, but if your dog is old enough then swap them to senior food sooner rather than later.
Dry food is popular with pet owners because it's more convenient - since you don't have to refrigerate it, and it can be stored in a cupboard or wherever you have space. It's also less messy and easily hoovered up if any stray kibbles are left behind after mealtime. Not to mention that the gound up pieces will help with removing plaque buildup.
If your dog isn't a fan of dried food, try tempting them with dental chews instead!
However, senior dogs may find dry food hard to chew and swallow, especially if they start to have dental issues caused by ageing. So, a wet formula will go down much easier and won't harm your dog's teeth. It can also be more appetising for older canines because it has a stronger smell than dry food.
Feeding a wet or dry diet is more about your dog's preference. If they have always eaten dry food I would stick with dry food in their older age. If they are struggling to eat dry food it is likely they have dental pain. Please seek veterinary advice at this stage as a dental procedure could get rid of that pain for your pet and they can continue to eat the food that they prefer.
Dry food assists dental health by scraping plaque off the teeth while mixing wet and dry foods is always a fantastic option especially if they don't really like the dry.
All dogs need protein in their diet, but it's particularly important to monitor the intake of this nutrient as they grow older. Ideally, the overall protein content in a portion of senior dog food should be between 28% and 30%. Ingredients like chicken, turkey, and salmon provide a good amount of protein that helps to maintain lean muscle mass and makes your pet feel fuller for longer.
However, if your pooch has kidney or liver problems, these can be worsened by increasing levels of phosphorus (which some studies have linked to a high protein diet). Make sure your pet has regular blood tests and check ups so you can keep an eye on their organ health and switch to a lower-protein food if needed.
This is very important. We are all very aware of how important protein is in a balanced diet but as mentioned, too high of levels of proteins can be detrimental to an elderly pet. At least an annual blood test and/or urine test can assess kidney function and see if your dog needs special modifications to its diet.
As older canines tend to tire quickly and need to nap more often, their lifestyle becomes much less active than it used to be. If you continue to feed them the same amount of calories that they had as a puppy, they are at risk of becoming overweight. This can put extra pressure on their joints and lead to painful conditions like arthritis.
So, opt for a formula with lower calories to keep your pup in shape and prevent any joint problems from arising. To give you an idea of the amount to look for, most senior dogs only need around 350 calories per 100g.
To help treat joint problems and arthritis, here are the 10 best UK vet reviewed joint supplements for dogs
Keeping your dog at a perfect weight has always been important but even more so as they age. Any extra pounds can exacerbate joint problems like arthritis and also put extra pressure on the heart. Senior foods often have lower calories in general but just check the packet and ensure you are feeding the amount they recommend.
These are amino acids (both primarily found in meat and poultry) that keep joints healthy and aid cardiac health. L-carnitine helps to keep your dog's weight down, meaning that less pressure is put on their joints. Taurine improves blood flow to the heart, reducing the risk of heart disease.
L-Carnitine and Taurine are clinically proven to improve heart health. This can be particularly important in dogs prone to a type of heart disease called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) such as boxers, Dobermans and cocker spaniels.
If the body doesn't need them they will be excreted from the body via the kidneys. This is completely safe as long as your dog's kidneys are functioning properly but as previously mentioned blood and urine tests can assess this.
Commonly found in fish like salmon or oil derived from fish, DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that supports the function of the brain and eyes. It can help to prevent canine cognitive dysfunction and ensure that your pooch doesn't develop vision problems. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties too, so they're brilliant for pets with stiff joints.
DHAs are a great addition to support your pet's joints aiding in cartilage protection. They are a kind of omega 3 fatty acid that originate from cold-water fish. They also reduce the progression of age-related sight loss and are essential in maintaining neuron (nerve cell) health, supplementing the brain and its connections.
Look to brown rice for these important vitamins which keep the heart healthy. Brown rice is also a great source of fibre that helps with your dog's digestion and is especially beneficial if they have an allergy to gluten or generally have a sensitive stomach.
If you are feeding a complete diet it is unlikely you will need to add vitamins and other foodstuffs such as rice. As mentioned rice is great to give to your dog if they have loose stools or are vomiting as it is very gentle and easy for the guts to digest.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||
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Food form | Quantity | Flavour | Protein per meal | Calories per 100g | Specific uses | Breed recommendation | Ingredients | |||||
1 | Lily's Kitchen Natural Adult Dog Food Wet Trays - |Classic Dinners Multipack - Chicken, Lamb & Beef | ![]() | Nourishing Meals for Your Senior Pooch | Wet | 900 gr | Cottage pie, chicken & turkey casserole, lamb hotpot | 10.4 gr | 138 kcal | Allergy relief | Small | "60% Freshly Prepared Lamb, Potatoes (3%), Squash (2%), Apples (2%), Carrots (1%), Peas (1%), Broccoli (1%), Blueberries (1%), Flaxseed, Minerals." | |
2 | Lily's Kitchen Senior Dry Dog Food|12kg | ![]() | A Fibre-Rich Senior Dog Food That’s Packed With Protein | Dry | 12 kg | Turkey & Trout | 23 gr | 356 kcal | Joints | Small | 17% Turkey, 13%Trout, 13% Seasonal White Fish | |
3 | Winalot Senior Mixed in Gravy Wet Dog Food Pouches 12x100g, Pack of 4 | ![]() | Revitalize Your Senior Dog's Health with Every Bite | Pate | 12 x 100 gr | Mixed in gravy | 7 gr | 83 kcal | Senior food | All | Chunks Rich in Chicken with Carrots in Gravy: Meat and animal derivatives** (of which Chicken 20Percent in the chunks*), cereals, vegetables (0.8Percent dehydrated carrots, equivalent to 7.2Percent carrots), minerals, various sugars. *pouch contains 46Percent chunks Chunks Rich in Beef with Potatoes in Gravy: Meat and animal derivatives** (of which Beef* 14Percent in the chunks*), cereals, vegetables (1Percent dehydrated potatoes, equivalent to 9Percent potatoes), minerals, various sugars. *pouch contains 46Percent chunks. **Ingredients from natural origin | |
4 | Eukanuba Eukanuba Complete Dry Dog Food for Senior Medium Breeds with Fresh Chicken|15 kg | ![]() | High Protein Kibble for Dogs With Joint Issues | Dry | 12 kg | Lamb & Rice | 26 gr | Skin & Coat | Medium | Dried Chicken and Turkey (A Natural source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate), Lamb (19 %), Rice (19 %), Sorghum, Barley, Maize, Dried Beet Pulp (2.5 %), Hydrolysed Animal Proteins, Animal Fat, Dried Whole Egg, Brewer's Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides (0.47 %), Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Fish Oil, Calcium Carbonate. | ||
5 | Harringtons Senior Complete Dry Dog Food Chicken & Rice 12kg | ![]() | A Comprehensive Wellness Solution | Dry、Pellets | 12 kg | Chicken & Rice | 20.5 gr | 358 kcal | Hip & Joint Support | All | Chicken and Meat Meals 26% (Dried Chicken 6.5%*) Barley Maize Rice (14%) Oats (4%) Freshly Prepared Chicken (4%) Beet Pulp Salmon Oil (1%) Poultry Fat Minerals Poultry Gravy (0.5%) Seaweed (0.1%) FOS (0.1%) Glucosamine (0.05%) Chondroitin (0.01%) Yucca Extract (0.01%) *6.5% Dried Chicken, equivalent to 26g Chicken in every 100g | |
6 | Pedigree Wet Dog Food for Senior Dogs |12 x 100 g | ![]() | Variety Pack With Omega-6 for a Heathy Coat | Wet | 12 x 100 gr | Mixed Selection in Jelly | 8.5 gr | 87 kcal | Bones & Cartilage | All | Beef and Liver Mix, Chicken, Lamb and Liver Mix, Poultry | |
7 | Wagg Senior |15 kg | ![]() | Provides Excellent Joint and Immune System Support | Dry | 15 kg | Chicken & Rice | 20 gr | 338 kcal | Skin & Coat | All | 26% Meat Meal & Gravy (with min 4% Chicken), Whole Grain Wheat, Maize, Whole Grain Barley, Vegetable Fibre, 5% Rice, Whole Linseed, 1% Chicken Fat, Beet Pulp, Salmon Oil, Minerals & Vitamins | |
8 | Skinner's Field & Trial Light & Senior Working Dog Food|2.5 kg | ![]() | A Low-Fat Formula For Less Active Pooches | Dry | 2.5 kg | Chicken | 18 gr | Joint & Heart Health | All | Maize, Oats, Chicken Meat Meal, Brown Rice, Beet Pulp, White Fish Meal, Whole Egg, Brewer's Yeast, Sunflower Oil, Vitamins, Minerals and Trace Elements, Whole Linseed | ||
9 | Forthglade Complete Natural Wet Dog Food - Grain Free Variety Pack (12 x 395g) Trays - Turkey & Lamb with Vegetables | ![]() | A Balanced Dietary Choice | Wet | 12 x 395 gr | Turkey & Lamb with Vegetables | 60 gr | Joints & Bones | All | Lamb (60%), Butternut Squash (6%), Carrots (4%), Peas (4%)*, Minerals | ||
10 | Barking Heads Golden Years - Wet Dog Food for Senior Dogs|10 x 300g | ![]() | Low Calorie Wet Food Pouches for Overweight Canines | Pate | 10 x 300 gr | Free-Run Chicken & Salmon | 9 gr | 90 kcal | Joint Health | All | 85% Chicken & Salmon includes – Fresh Deboned Chicken (40%), Chicken Broth (25%), Fresh Salmon (20%), Sweet Potato, Carrots, Courgette, Spinach, Tomato, Salmon Oil, Sunflower Oil, Green Lipped Mussel Extract, Seaweed, Lucerne, Parsley, Celery, Chicory Root, Nettle, Turmeric, Aniseed, Green Tea, Minerals |
Lily's Kitchen offers a range of nutritionally complete wet dog foods, featuring hearty recipes like Cottage Pie, Chicken & Turkey Casserole, and Lamb Hotpot. Made with real meat, vegetables, and herbs, these dog foods are free from meat meal or bone meal, ensuring your senior dog receives wholesome nutrition.
The pros of this product include natural ingredients, high-quality meats, and no added sugar. However, the cons include varying options when it comes to pricing. Made for senior dogs seeking nutritious, appetising meals, Lily's Kitchen’s offerings are on the top of our list.
Food form | Wet |
---|---|
Quantity | 900 gr |
Flavour | Cottage pie, chicken & turkey casserole, lamb hotpot |
Protein per meal | 10.4 gr |
Calories per 100g | 138 kcal |
Specific uses | Allergy relief |
Breed recommendation | Small |
Ingredients | "60% Freshly Prepared Lamb, Potatoes (3%), Squash (2%), Apples (2%), Carrots (1%), Peas (1%), Broccoli (1%), Blueberries (1%), Flaxseed, Minerals." |
This dry mix by Lily's Kitchen is packed full of turkey-based protein, as well as joint-lubricating ingredients like salmon and trout. It also contains wholesome, fibre-rich vegetables that will keep your dog's digestive system working smoothly.
If you're looking for an all-natural, gluten-free formula that's low in calories and high in protein, then you can't go wrong with this product. For all of the above reasons, it's no surprise that this is our top pick!
Food form | Dry |
---|---|
Quantity | 12 kg |
Flavour | Turkey & Trout |
Protein per meal | 23 gr |
Calories per 100g | 356 kcal |
Specific uses | Joints |
Breed recommendation | Small |
Ingredients | 17% Turkey, 13%Trout, 13% Seasonal White Fish |
Crafted specifically for senior dogs aged 7 years and older, this balanced wet food supports vitality, healthy digestion, and a shiny coat. Made with natural ingredients and free from artificial additives, it offers a variety of flavours like Chicken with Carrots or Beef with Potatoes.
While many customers praise the delightful taste and convenient portion sizes, there's a mixed consensus on the overall quality and durability of the packaging. Despite this, for senior dogs in need of targeted nutrition and a flavourful dining experience, this range offers tailored support and variety.
Food form | Pate |
---|---|
Quantity | 12 x 100 gr |
Flavour | Mixed in gravy |
Protein per meal | 7 gr |
Calories per 100g | 83 kcal |
Specific uses | Senior food |
Breed recommendation | All |
Ingredients | Chunks Rich in Chicken with Carrots in Gravy: Meat and animal derivatives** (of which Chicken 20Percent in the chunks*), cereals, vegetables (0.8Percent dehydrated carrots, equivalent to 7.2Percent carrots), minerals, various sugars. *pouch contains 46Percent chunks Chunks Rich in Beef with Potatoes in Gravy: Meat and animal derivatives** (of which Beef* 14Percent in the chunks*), cereals, vegetables (1Percent dehydrated potatoes, equivalent to 9Percent potatoes), minerals, various sugars. *pouch contains 46Percent chunks. **Ingredients from natural origin |
Although this product is rather expensive, it makes for easy munching! However, be aware that it's specifically designed for medium-sized dogs so isn't suitable for miniature canines or large hounds.
Food form | Dry |
---|---|
Quantity | 12 kg |
Flavour | Lamb & Rice |
Protein per meal | 26 gr |
Calories per 100g | |
Specific uses | Skin & Coat |
Breed recommendation | Medium |
Ingredients | Dried Chicken and Turkey (A Natural source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate), Lamb (19 %), Rice (19 %), Sorghum, Barley, Maize, Dried Beet Pulp (2.5 %), Hydrolysed Animal Proteins, Animal Fat, Dried Whole Egg, Brewer's Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides (0.47 %), Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Fish Oil, Calcium Carbonate. |
Enriched with a wholesome blend of natural ingredients, including chicken and rice, this recipe provides more than just a meal—it's a comprehensive wellness solution. Enhanced with glucosamine and chondroitin, it fosters healthy joint function, supporting your senior companion's mobility and vitality.
Additionally, the lower fat content caters to their decreased activity levels, ensuring they maintain a healthy weight. While transitioning to a new food may pose initial challenges for some, the long-term benefits of this nutritionally-rich formula far outweigh any temporary hurdles. For senior dogs seeking holistic nutrition and targeted joint support, Harringtons Senior Complete Dry Dog Food offers tailored care in every bite.
Food form | Dry、Pellets |
---|---|
Quantity | 12 kg |
Flavour | Chicken & Rice |
Protein per meal | 20.5 gr |
Calories per 100g | 358 kcal |
Specific uses | Hip & Joint Support |
Breed recommendation | All |
Ingredients | Chicken and Meat Meals 26% (Dried Chicken 6.5%*) Barley Maize Rice (14%) Oats (4%) Freshly Prepared Chicken (4%) Beet Pulp Salmon Oil (1%) Poultry Fat Minerals Poultry Gravy (0.5%) Seaweed (0.1%) FOS (0.1%) Glucosamine (0.05%) Chondroitin (0.01%) Yucca Extract (0.01%) *6.5% Dried Chicken, equivalent to 26g Chicken in every 100g |
Food form | Wet |
---|---|
Quantity | 12 x 100 gr |
Flavour | Mixed Selection in Jelly |
Protein per meal | 8.5 gr |
Calories per 100g | 87 kcal |
Specific uses | Bones & Cartilage |
Breed recommendation | All |
Ingredients | Beef and Liver Mix, Chicken, Lamb and Liver Mix, Poultry |
Wagg Senior is packed full of L-carnitine-rich ingredients like chicken, which will keep your furry friend's joints nice and supple. Plus, it has added vitamins A, E, and C that keep the immune system in tip-top condition.
Considering this product isn't marketed as being for dogs that are overweight, it's a little lower in protein than we'd like. Still, it's a nutritious and affordable choice for the price.
Food form | Dry |
---|---|
Quantity | 15 kg |
Flavour | Chicken & Rice |
Protein per meal | 20 gr |
Calories per 100g | 338 kcal |
Specific uses | Skin & Coat |
Breed recommendation | All |
Ingredients | 26% Meat Meal & Gravy (with min 4% Chicken), Whole Grain Wheat, Maize, Whole Grain Barley, Vegetable Fibre, 5% Rice, Whole Linseed, 1% Chicken Fat, Beet Pulp, Salmon Oil, Minerals & Vitamins |
This low-protein, low-fat food by Skinner's Field & Trial is designed for overweight or less active senior canines. Made with chicken and gluten-free brown rice, it's ideal for working dogs with a sensitive stomach or allergies.
It's just a shame that, like our previous pick, there's no indication of the calorie content on this product's packaging! As a weight management food, we suggest sticking to the recommended serving for your dog's breed and optimum weight.
Food form | Dry |
---|---|
Quantity | 2.5 kg |
Flavour | Chicken |
Protein per meal | 18 gr |
Calories per 100g | |
Specific uses | Joint & Heart Health |
Breed recommendation | All |
Ingredients | Maize, Oats, Chicken Meat Meal, Brown Rice, Beet Pulp, White Fish Meal, Whole Egg, Brewer's Yeast, Sunflower Oil, Vitamins, Minerals and Trace Elements, Whole Linseed |
Forthglade's Complete Natural Wet Dog Food offers tailored nutrition for senior dogs aged 7 years and above.
With grain-free recipes rich in natural ingredients and essential vitamins, it promises a balanced diet for your furry friend's wellbeing. Despite some complaints about odour, its quality and coat-enhancing benefits are widely praised by satisfied customers.
Food form | Wet |
---|---|
Quantity | 12 x 395 gr |
Flavour | Turkey & Lamb with Vegetables |
Protein per meal | 60 gr |
Calories per 100g | |
Specific uses | Joints & Bones |
Breed recommendation | All |
Ingredients | Lamb (60%), Butternut Squash (6%), Carrots (4%), Peas (4%)*, Minerals |
Golden Years by Barking Heads is a yummy mix of 85% meat and 15% vegetables that's specially formulated for seniors who need to slim down. The grain-free recipe is also fortified with vitamins D3 and E, which help to regulate calcium levels and strengthen the immune system.
A great option for promoting bone health, we think this is a high-quality senior dog food with great ingredients, and you get a lot for your money! The only downside we could find is the relatively low protein percentage.
Food form | Pate |
---|---|
Quantity | 10 x 300 gr |
Flavour | Free-Run Chicken & Salmon |
Protein per meal | 9 gr |
Calories per 100g | 90 kcal |
Specific uses | Joint Health |
Breed recommendation | All |
Ingredients | 85% Chicken & Salmon includes – Fresh Deboned Chicken (40%), Chicken Broth (25%), Fresh Salmon (20%), Sweet Potato, Carrots, Courgette, Spinach, Tomato, Salmon Oil, Sunflower Oil, Green Lipped Mussel Extract, Seaweed, Lucerne, Parsley, Celery, Chicory Root, Nettle, Turmeric, Aniseed, Green Tea, Minerals |
While most dogs will be perfectly fine on regular dog food, some who have become less active may benefit from the reduced-fat and higher protein of senior dog food, so as to help maintain their health and lean muscle mass. Always consult with your vet if you are unsure on whether to switch.
The nutritional composition of senior dog food is adapted to compensate for the lower activity levels of an older dog. This means lower calories, less fat, additional nutrients to support joint health and slightly more protein so as to help them stay healthy and maintain good muscle mass.
Just like an adult dog, twice a day should suffice. Instead, consider that senior dogs tend to have lower energy than adult dogs and therefore don’t need to be fed as much food. However, you should also keep in mind the right amount that will keep them at a healthy weight, too.
No. 1: Lily's Kitchen|Natural Adult Dog Food Wet Trays - |Classic Dinners Multipack - Chicken, Lamb & Beef
No. 2: Lily's Kitchen|Senior Dry Dog Food|12kg
No. 3: Winalot|Senior Mixed in Gravy Wet Dog Food Pouches 12x100g, Pack of 4
No. 4: Eukanuba|Eukanuba Complete Dry Dog Food for Senior Medium Breeds with Fresh Chicken|15 kg
No. 5: Harringtons|Senior Complete Dry Dog Food Chicken & Rice 12kg
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