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: AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that recommends nutritional profiles based on an animal’s life stage. They do not 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 that the recipe meets the recommended protein, fat, and nutrient requirements of adult dogs. The best dog foods for older puppies will also contain beneficial extras like 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 usually make up most of the food’s weight. “There is no specific ingredient that older dogs should avoid,” says Luisana. However, he recommends grain-based foods over grain-free foods because of the potential link between grain-free dog foods, especially those containing peas, and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Guaranteed review: Instead of fixating on dog food ingredient lists, our experts say check the guaranteed analysis of essential nutrients, including protein, fat, fiber, and other important vitamins and minerals. Adult dog food should have a minimum of 18% protein and 5.5% fat to meet the dog’s nutritional needs. Since AAFCO does not set specific standards for senior dog foods, the guaranteed evaluation of these foods can vary greatly between recipes. Before choosing a food, our experts recommend asking your veterinarian about the best food for your senior puppy.
Healthy extras: The best senior dog food will contain additional 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 is experiencing 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 often contain fewer calories than adult formulas, according to Churchill. Freeman added that overweight older dogs are at greater risk of weight-related conditions such as arthritis and diabetes. That said, feeding your dog less food can 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 veterinarian.
Breed size formulation: The best food for your senior puppy 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 puppy’s size helps ensure they get a recipe formulated for their needs.
Tried feeding trial versus formulated foods: The best senior dog foods are formulated — and in some cases, feeding trial tested — to meet AAFCO nutritional standards for maintaining adults or all life stages. If your dog’s food is AAFCO labeled, you’ll know the recipe meets the recommended protein, fat, and nutrient requirements for adult dogs. A label that states feeding trials confirms the food’s safety and palatability based on testing on a group of dogs.
Specialized 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 that are farmed or caught through humane and sustainable farming or harvesting practices. While these ingredients may not offer extra nutrition to your pet, choosing pet food with ingredients like farm-raised meats, cage-free eggs, and sustainably caught fish helps you support a pet food company that prioritizes animal welfare and sustainable practices.
