As our beloved pets age, it’s common for their nutrition needs to evolve, especially as activity habits change and new health conditions emerge. To best support your dog’s overall wellness in their later years, you may want to consider transitioning to a new food (after discussing this with your vet, of course). The best dog food for senior dogs caters your pet’s specific needs as well as prioritizes high-quality ingredients that target digestion, joint health, cognition and more. Our top pick, Open Farm Grain-Free Dry Dog Food For Senior Dogs, is made with key nutrients like healthy fats, antioxidants and protein to support aging dogs’ overall wellness.
The best dog food for senior dogs help support pets' changing nutrition needs as they age.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
“As dogs age, metabolism slows, activity often decreases, and there’s an increased risk of weight gain, muscle loss and cognitive changes,” says veterinarian Dr. Tiffany Tupler. If your dog is showing any of these signs, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet about new pet food options that may better suit their evolving needs. Below, we outlined some of the best senior dog foods according to veterinary guidance that support maintaining healthy weight, muscle retention, brain health and more.
Both vets we interviewed emphasize the importance of dog foods with nutrient-dense ingredients that are low in calories and easy to digest. That’s why this grain-free senior dog food from Open Farm is a great choice. It’s high in protein from both poultry and fish sources to support strength and satiety, and there are a range of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables included like sweet potatoes, pumpkin and apples.
Veterinary nutritionist Dr. Lisa Weeth says that omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for supporting brain and joint health, and this formula features natural sources from ingredients like salmon oil and flaxseed. It also includes natural sources of antioxidants, which Weeth recommends for brain health and overall wellness, from ingredients like berries and dandelion greens.
The incorporation of chicken, turkey and fish as protein sources in this food is helpful for streamlining several vitamins into a well-balanced diet, but this means it may not be the best choice for dogs with allergies or intolerances to certain protein types. And unfortunately, Open Farm doesn’t offer multiple recipe options of its senior formula.
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All recipes include corn, if that’s something your pup is sensitive to
Lower protein content
While wet food isn’t inherently better than dry food for dogs, it does come with hydration benefits for your pup. Plus, if your dog is a picky eater who turns their nose up at plain kibble, they may be more excited to find a wet formula with a stronger aroma and flavor. If your older pup has dental issues, they may also find it more comfortable to eat a softer food.
This canned wet food from Hill’s Science Diet is formulated with older dogs in mind, as its recipes are designed to be easily digestible for sensitive stomachs; it also has a nutrient profile that supports aging heart and kidney health. In addition, vitamins C and E are featured antioxidants that help support brain health and immunity. This is a crowd-pleasing recipe among picky eaters; most reviewers report their dogs enjoyed this food with no digestion issues. (One common complaint is with the design of the can, which may be difficult to open and get all of the food remnants out.)
Best Fresh Dog Food For Seniors
Fresh, Nutrient-Dense Ingredients To Entice Your Pup
Though Weeth says that processing whole ingredients like fruits and vegetables into a dry kibble may degrade some of the nutrients, there are no scientific studies to prove that fresh food is a more nutritious choice for dogs. Still, some owners prefer fresh food as a way to entice their aging dogs, especially as their senses of smell (and, subsequently, taste) start to deteriorate. Plus, fresh dog foods typically offer more moisture to support your dog’s hydration.
This fresh formula from FreshPet is designed specifically for senior dogs, with nutrient-dense ingredients like chicken and salmon, spinach, cranberries and carrots to support aging joints, healthy digestion and muscle maintenance. This formula comes in a 2-pound roll, which users will have to cut and measure to best serve their individual pet’s needs (there is a guide included on the packaging for suggested serving sizes via weight). However, some owners have reported that opening and storing this roll can be messy, and serving it may require manual crumbling for optimal consumption.
Best Senior Dog Food For Brain Health
Vitamins, Omega-3s And Antioxidants To Support Mental Sharpness
Purina
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Bright Mind Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Omega-3s, antioxidants and other vitamins for cognition
Live probiotics for digestive health
Botanical oils for mental alertness
Keep in mind:
Kibble pieces are very small
Supporting cognition and brain health becomes increasingly important as dogs get older—just as it does with humans. “As brains age, they start to lose some of their weight and their mass,” Weeth explains. To combat this, she recommends diets that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. This Purina Pro Plan formula prioritizes brain health, with a blend of DHA and EPA omega-3s, plus antioxidants and B vitamins.
The dry food also incorporates live probiotics to support gut health in senior dogs, plus vitamin A for a healthy coat and skin. Reviewers say their aging dogs enjoy this food, with some even reporting improved energy levels and alertness after their pups ate the formula for an extended period of time. Just note that the kibble pieces are very small—particularly for large dogs—and the bag is not resealable for easy storage.
The Farmer’s Dog offers fresh, human-grade food that’s crafted by veterinary nutritionists and tailored to your dog’s specific age, weight and activity level. Each recipe is made from whole meats and vegetables and slow-cooked to retain maximum nutrients for your aging pet. Answer a short questionnaire to get two weeks of custom-made, pre-portioned meals shipped straight to your door. Plus, new customers can take 60% off their first box.
Best Senior Dog Food For Joint Health
Human-Grade Ingredients That Work As Full Meals Or Toppers
JustFoodForDogs
JustFoodForDogs Joint & Skin Support Fresh Dog Food
Supports healthy joints with glucosamine and antioxidants
Collagen included for skin health
Fresh, human-grade ingredients
Keep in mind:
Pork only protein source option
Can be expensive, especially for large dogs
According to Weeth, joint disease like arthritis is a common age-related condition across senior dogs of all sizes and breeds. To best support their joint health, diet is a great place to start. This fresh formula from JustFoodForDogs, a brand commonly recommended by veterinarians our editors have chatted with, was developed with that goal in mind, as it features ingredients like glucosamine to treat inflammation, plus natural sources of antioxidants like kale and flaxseed.
In addition to targeting joint health, this food is also designed to support healthy skin with the inclusion of type II collagen, and it’s easy to digest thanks to its single-protein source and natural ingredients that are low in fat and high in fiber. (Though pork is the only protein source option, which may not be a good match for all dogs.) All of the ingredients are gently cooked and human-grade, making them an enticing choice for most pups–whether you use it as a full meal or as a topper.
Best Senior Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs
Gut-Friendly Ingredients That Are Easy On Aging Digestive Systems
MOST POPULAR
Chewy
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Turkey & Potato Recipe Senior Dry Dog Food
Free from common allergens like corn, wheat and soy
Keep in mind:
May not suit picky eaters
Digestion issues may surface in senior dogs who otherwise never had any, as their activity levels and overall gastrointestinal system slow down. It’s also common for dogs to develop new intolerances to certain ingredients as they get older. In this case, switching to a food that’s easier to digest may make a big difference.
This Blue Buffalo Basics food is formulated with senior dogs’ healthy digestion in mind. It’s free from corn, wheat and soy—common allergens that dogs may have trouble digesting—and it includes gut-friendly ingredients like oatmeal, brown rice and potatoes. This food also prioritizes muscle health and joint support, thanks to its high-protein profile and inclusion of antioxidant-rich ingredients like flaxseed and blueberries.
Owners report that their dogs typically tolerate this food well, even if they have a history of digestive issues. Though others have said they have trouble getting their pup to eat it—so a gut-healthy topper may help to pique their interest.
Best Senior Dog Food For Small Dogs
Designed To Help Small Dogs Maintain A Healthy Weight
Nutritional needs can vary widely from dog to dog, which is why Royal Canin offers unique formulas for small-breed dogs. Designed to best suit dogs up to 22 pounds in size, this kibble helps promote healthy weight maintenance in small dogs aged between 8 and 12 years. (Once they’ve surpassed that age, your pup can conveniently switch to the brand’s 12+ year formula.)
This dog food is rich in calcium and phosphorus for bone health, plus it includes ample vitamins and minerals to support brain, kidney and heart health as your pet ages. Hundreds of senior dog owners have reported their pup devouring this food without issue, which could make it an easy choice for picky eaters. However, some have pointed out that the recipe has recently changed, and it now has corn (instead of an animal protein source) as the first ingredient—though with a 25% crude protein minimum, this food still surpasses the 18% minimum recommended by AAFCO.
Best Dog Food Topper For Seniors
A Crowd-Pleasing Pick To Entice Aging Dogs
Stella & Chewy's
Stella & Chewy's Hip & Joint Support Meal Topper For Dogs
With decreasing senses of taste and smell, senior dogs may require an enticing food topper to keep them interested in eating. Managing editor Emmy Favilla swears by Stella & Chewy’s toppers, saying “My senior who passed got very picky the last few months of her life, and she never turned her nose up at this brand.” Other owners agree, awarding this Hip & Joint Support Topper five stars for its pet satisfaction and noticeable difference in providing joint relief. For those with dogs who have poultry allergies, there are plenty of other meal topper recipes to choose from (albeit not specific to hip and joint support).
This formula includes chicken cartilage, a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin—both designed to improve joint health—plus omega-3s, turmeric and lavender to help reduce inflammation in the body. Some pup parents report that the pieces may be too large for small dogs, but others say the texture is easy enough to crumble, making topping convenient no matter what size your dog is.
How We Chose The Best Dog Food For Senior Dogs
We dug into research and considered feedback from dog owners and insights from veterinarians to find the best dog food that promotes wellness in aging dogs.
We sought out the best-selling products in the senior dog food space, including only trusted and veterinarian-recommended brands that are AAFCO-compliant.
We interviewed two veterinarians to determine what nutrients are important to best fuel senior dogs as they age.
We incorporated recommendations from staff members who have experience feeding their own senior dogs.
We considered a variety of dry, wet and fresh food options to suit a diverse range of dog owners’ needs and preferences.
We scoured through consumer reviews, making sure to only include options that have been awarded a 4-star rating or higher overall.
What To Consider With The Best Senior Dog Food
There’s no one-size-fits-all choice when it comes to senior dog food; it’s important to monitor your aging dog and confer with their vet when deciding whether conditions need to be treated with a dietary change.
When To Switch
It’s first important to consider that “senior” has different definitions for each dog. “Geriatric stage varies based on breed, with smaller reaching [the stage] at 10 years, medium and large breeds around 7 years and giant breeds as early as 5 years,” says Tupler.
Although size and breed type can be helpful general guidelines, Tupler adds that pet parents should monitor their individual dog for signs of aging, “such as reduced activity, sudden changes to behavior, stiffness, weight changes and changes in appetite.”
Because aging looks different in every dog, Weeth warns against mindlessly switching to a “senior” dog food as soon as your pup reaches a certain age. “There’s no legal definition when it comes to pet food on what determines a senior diet,” she says. Some focus on kidney health while others are formulated around joint health, for example.
“There’s no hard-and-fast rule that says just because your dog turns 8, you need to switch to a senior diet,” Weeth adds. She recommends responding to how your individual dog is aging. “Are they starting to show some of those…declines in function that happen with mobility or GI effects?” If so, you can determine from there whether a new diet would be beneficial to your dog, and what type of food to look for.
Key Nutrients
In general, senior dog foods are designed to be easier to digest, lower-calorie and more appealing to dogs with a weakening sense of smell and/or taste. “Senior dogs often need fewer calories because they’re less active, but they still need nutrient-dense food to get what they need without excess weight gain,” Tupler says. “We also focus on diets that have antioxidants and balanced vitamins and minerals to help bolster immune defense to protect seniors as they age.”
But the best senior dog food for your dog is highly dependent on their unique diagnoses and symptoms. “The veterinary team is an important part of maintaining health into those senior years,” Weeth says. Beyond individualized recommendations, here are some key nutrients to look for in senior dog foods.
Protein: Seniors can lose muscle if their protein intake is too low, which is why adequate protein is typically key for muscle preservation in aging dogs. However, for dogs with chronic kidney disease or liver disease, both issues that affect many pups in their senior years, a lower protein option may be recommended—it’s best to consult your vet for guidelines.
Omega fatty acids: Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, can help decrease inflammation to support joint, brain and skin health. These can be found naturally in fatty fish sources or ingredients like flaxseed.
Antioxidants: Whether from natural sources like berries and leafy greens or from a supplement like vitamin C, these can help support brain health and immunity.
Fresh Versus Dry Food
According to Tupler, “the current science does not support the idea that fresh food is inherently better than dry food for senior dogs.” However, there may be some benefits to wet or fresh dog food, especially for senior dogs who are picky eaters.
“[If] their sense of smell and sense of taste are decreasing, they may not be able to perceive dry food quite the same,” Weeth says. “I look at fresh foods as more aromatic [and] more palatable, and so you have senior dogs that are just willing to eat them better.” Fresh food, along with canned food, also comes with the benefit of additional hydration, if that’s a concern with your dog. Meal toppers can also help boost palatability for picky eaters.
AAFCO Compliance
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a nonprofit organization that sets guidelines for pet food quality, and it’s an important label to look for when evaluating a new food for your pet. It confirms the recipe is formulated to meet specific nutrition needs outlined by veterinary professionals.
“When I choose a diet…I want to see an AAFCO statement that confirms that the food is complete and balanced for the correct species and life stage,” Tupler recommends.
What Is The Best Way To Transition Dog Food?
If you decide your pet may benefit from a new food, it’s important to make that transition slowly to avoid any digestive upset. “Commonly, pet owners will assume their pup is allergic to a diet or to certain food ingredients due to upset stomach or digestive issues, but it is more likely due to a fast transition between diets,” Tupler says.
Not all dogs will have trouble transitioning to a new food—especially if they have been alternating between different foods for a while—but for those who are used to eating the same thing, a slow transition is key.
“We always want to give a good five to seven days—if not seven to ten days—between the switch,” Weeth recommends. “We’re giving the gut bacteria time to adapt to the new food.”
She recommends mixing old food with new food—replacing about 25% of the daily serving to start, and then slowly easing up to a 50/50 mix, and eventually replacing the new food altogether, monitoring for any digestive upset along the way.
The key is to ensure your dog is ingesting the same number of calories throughout this meal change; don’t just measure each food by the cup. This is especially important when switching between dry and wet food formulas, as wet food can be half as calorically dense as dry food.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted has published a robust library of pet care content; our editorial team is passionate about improving the lives of our four-legged friends throughout every stage of life, regularly doing research on the best food, treats, toys and more.
Emmy Favilla, Forbes Vetted’s managing editor, oversaw this article and regularly covers pet content at Forbes Vetted (including the best fresh dog food, the best dog food delivery services and our monthly pet column Pet Peeves). She maintains a wide network of veterinary experts, is active in the dog rescue community and provided firsthand insight based on her experience feeding senior and geriatric dogs for this piece.
We interviewed two experts: Dr. Lisa Weeth, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and Dr. Tiffany Tupler, a veterinarian and senior member of the Chewy veterinary team. Both provided expert insight on key nutrients to prioritize in aging dogs’ diets.
We perform regular updates on all of our content to ensure they reflect the most up-to-date information. This piece was last updated in February 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer and the healthiest dog food for seniors will depend on your individual pup, our top pick for the best senior dog food for most dogs is Open Farm’s Senior Grain-Free Dog Kibble. We determined this based on nutrition guidance from veterinarians who emphasized the importance of protein, antioxidants and healthy fats in senior dog diets.
There’s no scientific evidence backing one type of dog food over another, though Weeth says that fresh ingredients, from a human nutrition perspective, are often better absorbed than processed ones. The best pick for senior dogs depends on the dog’s specific needs and preferences, as dry and wet foods both feature crucial nutrients for wellness.
Again, this varies from dog to dog. Experts recommend keeping an eye on changes in behavior as your dog ages, and consult your vet for guidance on optimal nutrition to support any issues that may surface as they get older.
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