As our beloved dogs enter their golden years, their dietary needs change, which means we need a more appropriate approach to their diet. Older dogs have slower metabolisms, dental issues, and health problems like diabetes. That means the dry dog food you feed your pet may no longer be the best choice. If you haven’t been feeding your dog wet dog food – now might be the perfect time to make the switch. The best wet food for senior dogs is easy to eat, digest, and customize.
Choosing the best wet dog food for your dog depends on their needs, preferences, and any dietary restrictions they may have. However, many brands and formulas are highly regarded for their quality ingredients, nutritional balance, and focus on the health of senior dogs. We’ve compiled a list of the best wet food for senior dogs as agreed by 11 vets and pet parents. Does your dog love what we missed? Comment below.
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The List: Best Wet Food for Senior Dogs
1. Blue Buffalo Senior Wet Recipe
Blue Buffalo tops our list as the best wet dog food for older dogs because it’s easy to eat, has glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health, and is free of corn, wheat, and other artificial flavors. Dog Food Advisor recommends this brand with confidence.
This line of wet dog food is specifically formulated for older dogs. Rover.com wrote, “This recipe is good for picky eaters and dogs that have difficulty eating dry food.” The food is moist and made with only natural ingredients.
This senior dog food is great for all breeds and sizes. According to Chewy.com reviews, pet parents love “fresh ingredients” and appreciate “good quality.” It is one of the best selling brands in the market.
2. Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+
Spruce Pets calls it the best wet dog food for seniors. this is made with human ingredients and no artificial ingredients. If you buy the smaller size, it also has botanical oils to help “promote alertness.”
This dog food has all the necessary ingredients to help your senior dog live a healthy life. The insider says, “Beef, liver, chicken, and meat byproducts make up the protein.” Additional nutritional support comes from omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and niacin.
3. Hills Science Diet Adult 7+
This canned dog food is perfect for all breeds over seven years of age. Customers on Chewy.com give glowing reviews saying it has “amazing ingredients,” “flavorful,” and “healthy and delicious.” I’m not sure how they know it tastes good, but I won’t ask.
AnimeERge says you can feed your dog one of these entrees as a “balanced meal” or you can try it on top of some dry dog food for extra nutrition.
Many pet owners are like that this food is made in the US However, AZ Animals points out that the ingredients are “sourced globally.” It is perfect for older dogs because “natural ingredients” and the “powerful blend of antioxidants.”
4. Chicken Soup for Soul Mature Pate
This company has provided premium pet nutrition since 2004. According to Rover, it makes all of its wet food no by-product foods, wheat, corn, or soy which can upset an old dog’s stomach. The website likes the pate recipe to have plenty of chicken, turkey, salmon, and duck protein to keep your dog healthy.
The pate is low in calories and high in protein, which is ideal for an older dog. Dog Food Advisor likes the fact that it has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It also has a super fine texture which makes it easier to eat if your dog has no teeth.
Chewy.com customers also give this brand a thumbs up for their senior dogs. Reviewers say this wet food is both healthy and has “quality ingredients” making it the perfect addition to your dog’s diet.
5. NomNom Turkey
Founded in 2014, it subscription service dog food company comes in four, gently cooked flavors for older dogs. It’s frozen to your door and formulated by a board-certified vet. According to Time, it can be fed as food or used as a topping. Also, it does not contain peas, chickpeas, lentils, or dry beans, which can cause heart disease in older dogs.
NomNom is great if you want to customize your meal plan for your dog. iHeartDogs say they can adjust ingredients if your dog has certain health issues such as kidney disease or arthritis. Every meal is vacuum-packed for freshness.
It’s a home-cooked meal without the fuss! The Dog Food Advisor swears by lower fat-to-protein ratio and says it’s an “unique, grain-free option.” While the service isn’t cheap, many pet parents are willing to shell out the extra cash to keep older dogs healthy.
6. Farm Dog
This is another subscription-based service that allows you to customize meals for your pet. The Spruce Pets you say fill out a questionnaire about your pet to develop a personal plan. The service offers four different recipes.
Dog Food Advisor gives this brand a five-star rating. Although it is expensive, the website wants the truth the company uses “live feeding trials with real dogs to verify nutritional content.” Most other brands use computer programs.
This food was designed for picky eaters and those with allergies. Newsweek says older pet parents should try the beef recipe because turkey and chicken can be allergy triggers. The food is delivered to your door on the schedule you choose.
When does a dog become a senior?
It depends on the size and breed. Small breeds often do not enter their senior years until around 10-12 years of age, medium breeds around 8-9 years of age, and large or giant breeds can be considered more adults at the age of 5-6 years old. Contrary to the adage that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, recent studies challenge this notion. Many pet parents report that their dogs seem to get smarter with age. They say their pet is better at interacting with other pets or people and has learned new tricks or commands.
As dogs enter their senior years, their nutritional needs change. Some of the additional requirements include:
- Reduced Calories: Older dogs are less active — so they need to eat fewer calories.
- Quality Protein: Excess protein is important for maintaining muscle mass, but the source and digestion of protein is important to lighten the workload on the kidneys and liver.
- Adjusted Fat Content: Lower levels of fat are often necessary to prevent obesity, but including omega-3 fatty acids can help manage inflammation and support joint health.
- Easily Chewable: Many older dogs suffer from dental problems, making softer wet food or easy-to-chew kibble a more comfortable option for them.
- Hydration: Older dogs may be less efficient at regulating their hydration levels, so wet food can be beneficial in ensuring they receive enough moisture in their meals, which helps kidney function and general hydration.
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