Dogs are considered senior around the age of 7 or 8. When your dog becomes a senior, switch to senior dog food.
Continuing with the same dog food your dog used to feed its young members can result in excessive calories. Also, feed your dog senior dog food to ensure it receives nutrients that senior dogs often lack.
However, many owners are probably worried about the wide variety of options and not knowing which one to choose.
In this article,
"What's the difference between dog foods for senior dogs?"
"How do I switch between them?"
"What dog food is recommended for senior dogs?"
For those of you wondering about senior dog foods, we've compiled information on popular senior dog foods and frequently asked questions!
Find the perfect dog food for your senior dog and support his health.
How do I choose dog food for my senior dog?
When choosing dog food for senior dogs, we recommend the following:
- Low-calorie
- Contains many nutrients necessary for senior dogs
- Highly safe, with no additives
- Shape and size perfect for your dog
Senior dogs are less active than younger dogs, so a high-calorie diet can lead to obesity and illness. Choose a low-calorie dog food.
Senior dogs' digestive function also declines, so feeding them a diet that's easy to digest is also important.
Check that the food is low in salt and contains nutrients necessary for seniors, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Also, for the health of your senior dog, choose a highly safe dog food that does not contain unnecessary ingredients such as antioxidants or additives.
Some dog foods have the recommended age range printed on the package. Choose dog food that is appropriate for your dog's age or that is labeled "for seniors."
When feeding dog food for all ages, you should adjust the amount to avoid excessive calorie intake.
If your dog is in poor health due to an illness, consult with your veterinarian and consider a therapeutic diet.
Choose a diet that will not burden your dog's daily diet, paying attention to nutrients, fat content, and safety.
8 Popular Dog Foods Recommended for Senior Dogs!
Here are 8 popular dog foods recommended for senior dogs!
- ACANA Senior Dog
- Nutro Supremo Aging Care Chicken for Extra Small to Small Breeds
- ARTEMIS Fresh Mix Weight Management Adult Dog
- Hill's Science Diet Chicken for Small Breeds (Senior Advanced, 13+)
- Mogwan
- Yum Yum Yum! Senior & Light Chicken Soft Dry Type
- FINEPET'S Dog Food Kiwami
- Natural Harvest Senior Support
We'll introduce the features of each product, so please compare them and make your selection.
ACANA Senior Dog
Source: ACANA Official Website
ACANA Senior Dog is a dog food for all breeds aged 7 and over.
Made with a rich blend of chicken, eggs, and wild-caught fish as its main ingredients, it's packed with the nutrients senior dogs need. Another unique feature is that 65% of the ingredients are meat.
To prevent blood sugar levels from rising, this product does not use easily digestible carbohydrates like tapioca or potatoes. Instead, it uses low-GI pumpkin and squash to prevent hyperglycemia.
This dog food is rich in nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and calcium, thanks to its high-quality meat and fish, making it the perfect food for supporting the health of senior dogs.
| Suitable for | All breeds |
| Suitable for | 7 years and older |
| Country of Origin | Canada |
| Contents | 2kg / 11.4kg |
| Price | 2kg: 6,490 yen (tax included) 11.4kg: 22,000 yen (tax included) |
| Ingredients | Fresh deboned chicken (16%), chicken meal (15%), turkey meal (14%), red lentils, whole green peas, fresh chicken organs (liver, heart, kidney) (4%), Herring meal (4%), pea fiber, fresh whole egg (4%), fresh whole flounder (4%), etc. |
Nutro Supremo Anti-Aging Care Chicken for Extra Small to Small Dogs
Source: Amazon
Nutro's "Supremo Aging Care Chicken for Extra Small to Small Dogs" is a dog food designed to help senior dogs maintain their shape and health.
Made with high-quality chicken, it provides high-quality protein. It also contains lamb meal and salmon meal, ensuring optimal nutritional balance.
These pellets are small, designed for small dogs with small jaws and mouths. They're designed to soften easily in water or hot water, so even senior dogs with weakened chewing ability can easily eat them.
| Applicable dog breeds | Very small to small dogs |
| Applicable age | 7 years old and above |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Contents | 1kg/3kg/6kg |
| 1kg: ¥1,654 (tax included) 3kg: ¥5,582 (tax included) 6kg: ¥10,502 (tax included) | |
| Ingredients | Chicken (meat), chicken meal, barley, oats, brown rice, coarsely ground rice, lamb meal, salmon meal, sorghum, beet pulp, protein hydrolysate, chicken fat, flaxseed, fish oil, chia seeds, coconut, dried egg, tomato, etc. |
ARTEMIS Fresh Mix Weight Management for Adult Dogs
Source: ARTEMIS Official Website
ARTEMIS's "Fresh Mix Weight Management Adult Dog" is the ideal dog food for senior dogs who are overweight or need to lose weight.
Its greatest feature is its low fat, low protein, and low calorie content, which allows for proper weight management. Made with ingredients rich in animal protein, such as fresh chicken, fresh turkey, and fish, this product promotes healthy weight loss.
In addition, it is safe to use because it only uses ingredients that are edible for humans.
Recommended for those concerned about their dog's weight gain.
| Suitable for | All breeds |
| Suitable for | Adult and senior dogs |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Contents | 1kg / 3kg / 6kg / 13.6kg |
| Price | 1kg: ¥2,310 (tax included) 3kg: ¥4,620 (tax included) 6kg: ¥8,250 (tax included) 13.6kg: ¥14,960 (tax included) |
| Ingredients | Rice, dried chicken, fresh chicken, fresh turkey, peas, pea flour, tomato pomace (lycopene), chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), flaxseed, chicken broth (natural flavors), fresh salmon, fresh duck, dried fish, salmon oil (source of DHA), etc. |
Hill's Science Diet Chicken for Small Dogs, Seniors 13 and Up (Senior Advanced)
Source: Hill's Official Website
Hill's Science Diet Chicken (Senior Advanced) for Small Dogs (13+ Years) is a dog food designed to support the health of senior small dogs.
Specially designed to maintain healthy joints and athletic performance, this product efficiently delivers EPA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid) and calcium derived from high-quality fish oil. This supports healthy bones and joints and maintains healthy athletic performance.
Made with natural ingredients, it also promotes healthy bowel movements. The sodium and phosphorus levels are also regulated to support kidney and heart health.
| Suitable for | Small dogs |
| Suitable for | 13 years and older |
| Country of Origin | Czech Republic |
| Net Weight | 750g / 1.5kg / 3kg |
| Price | 750g: ¥1,091 (tax included) 1.5kg: ¥1,882 (tax included) 3kg: ¥2,791 (tax included) |
| Ingredients | Poultry (chicken, turkey), corn, wheat, rice, brown rice, barley, oats, animal fat, poultry extract, vegetable fat, fish oil, pork extract, beet pulp, flaxseed, tomato, citrus fruits, spinach, minerals (calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, zinc, iodine), etc. |
Mogwan
Source: Mogwan Official Website
Mogwan is a dog food that's known for its appeal to dogs.
It uses human-grade ingredients, containing over 50% animal protein. It's packed with fresh raw chicken and salmon, ensuring its appeal.
Even senior dogs with reduced digestive function and appetites can expect a good appetite.
In addition, to balance the meat content, we've included plenty of vegetables and fruits, such as apples, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. Furthermore, seaweed is included, providing omega-3 fatty acids.
The greatest appeal of Moguwan is that it provides balanced nutrition for senior dogs. It supports the health of all dogs, from puppies to senior dogs, and from small to large breeds.
| Suitable Dog Breeds | All Breeds |
| Suitable Age Range | All Ages |
| Country of Origin | UK |
| Net Weight | 1.8kg |
| Price | 4,356 yen (tax included) |
| Ingredients | Chicken & Salmon 56.5% (Free-Range Chicken 21%, Fresh Salmon 12%, Dried Chicken 12%, Dried Salmon 7.5%, Chicken Gravy 2%, Salmon Oil) 2%), sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, chickpeas, brewer's yeast, alfalfa, coconut oil, bananas, apples, seaweed, cranberries, pumpkin, chamomile, etc. |
Yum Yum Yum! Senior & Light Chicken, Soft Dry Type
Source: GREEN DOG Official Website
Yum Yum Yum!'s "Senior & Light Chicken Soft Dry" is a soft dry pet food designed for senior dogs with weak jaws.
This food is not only easy for senior dogs to eat, but is also made with health in mind. It's low in fat and high in protein, made with domestically raised young chicken breast.
It also contains absolutely no synthetic additives, such as preservatives, colorings, or flavorings. It also contains minimal sodium and phosphorus, ensuring the food is safe for senior dogs' internal organs.
In addition, it contains a balanced blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, essential for the health of senior dogs, helping to maintain their health from the inside out.
| Suitable Dog Breeds | All Breeds |
| Suitable Age Range | For Adult and Senior Dogs |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Contents | 80g / 400g / 800g |
| Price | 80 g: ¥473 (tax included) 400g: ¥2,310 (tax included) 800g: ¥4,073 (tax included) |
| Ingredients | Chicken, barley, brown rice, sugar beet fiber, bonito flakes, brewer's yeast, egg yolk, yeast extract, carrots, oligosaccharides, pumpkin, broccoli, fermented seasoning, kelp, chondroitin protein complex (shark cartilage extract), shiitake mushrooms, lactic acid bacteria, selenium yeast, glucosamine, minerals (eggshell calcium, potassium chloride, zinc gluconate, ferric pyrophosphate, copper gluconate), etc. |
FINEPET'S Dog Food Kiwami
Source: Amazon
FINEPET'S Dog Food Kiwami is the ultimate grain-free dog food.
The main ingredients are generous amounts of cage-free duck meat from France and wild herring from the Netherlands. Meat ingredients account for an astounding 90% of the total weight.
The remaining 10% is completely grain-free, which is why it's called the ultimate grain-free dog food.
Because most of the ingredients are meat, blood sugar levels are less likely to fluctuate after meals. It's also safe for senior dogs, with less strain on their bodies.
However, because it's so nutritious, feeding it the same amount as your dog's previous dog food may lead to obesity. Please adjust the amount to suit your dog, such as by slightly reducing the amount.
| Suitable Dog Breeds | All Dog Breeds |
| Suitable Age Range | All Ages |
| Country of Origin | Netherlands |
| Contents | 1.5kg / 4.5kg / 9kg / 18kg |
| Price | 1.5kg: ¥6,219 (tax included) (Limited time offer) (Regular price: ¥1,100 including tax) 4.5kg: ¥14,342 (including tax) 9kg: ¥26,646 (including tax) 18kg: ¥50,234 (including tax) |
| Ingredients | French duck meat, green peas, chicken fat (preserved with natural ingredients), dried potatoes, Dutch dried herring, whole eggs, alfalfa, carob, brewer's yeast, chicken stock, dried apples, salmon oil (Omega 3, Omega 6), flaxseed oil, dried carrots, dried chicory root, seafood extract, cranberries, taurine, Yucca schidigera extract |
Natural Harvest Senior Support
Source: GREEN DOG Official Website
Natural Harvest Senior Support is a complete nutritional diet for senior dogs (approximately 7-11 years old) to highly senior dogs (12 years old and older).
Ingredients are carefully selected with senior dogs' health in mind, including easily digestible and highly palatable salmon and white rice. Even senior dogs who normally have trouble eating will likely enjoy this food.
Essential fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids are formulated to support healthy skin and coat and immune function. Additionally, since senior dogs' digestive functions tend to decline, probiotics are included to support digestive health.
This dog food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain healthy joints, making it ideal for supporting the health of senior dogs.
| Suitable for | All breeds |
| Suitable for | Senior and Senior Dogs |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Contents | 100g / 1.47kg / 1.47kg x 2 / 1.47kg x 4 / 1.47kg x 8 | < /tr>
| Price | 100g: 330 yen (tax included) 1.47kg: 3,300 yen (tax included) 1.47kg x 2: 6,380 yen (tax included) 1.47kg x 4: 12,320 yen (tax included) 1.47kg x 8: 23,760 yen (tax included) |
| Ingredients | Salmon, salmon meal, refined white rice, chicken fat (anti-oxidation with vitamin E), rice bran, pea fiber, beet fiber, hydrolyzed chicken extract, pumpkin, potassium chloride, fructooligosaccharides, rapeseed oil (vitamin E (prevented from oxidation), choline chloride, glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, vitamin E, etc. |
Senior Dog Food - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about senior dog food.
Should I immediately switch dog food once my dog reaches senior age?
Just because your dog reaches senior age doesn't mean you have to immediately switch dog food. The criteria for switching to senior dog food vary depending on the dog's breed and size.
If your dog is gaining weight easily on his regular dog food, it's time to switch to a low-calorie senior food.
Another good time to switch is when his exercise and food intake decrease.
There's no right or wrong time to switch to senior dog food, so monitor your dog's behavior as you make the switch. Some dogs may be wary of switching to the entire food all at once, so we recommend gradually mixing in the senior food portion.
What if my senior dog won't eat its food?
If your senior dog won't eat its food, the following are the main possible reasons:
- Poor health
- Changes in taste and smell due to aging
- Decreased appetite due to decreased activity and metabolism
- Weakened teeth
- Decreased swallowing ability
- Stress
If your dog has stopped eating dog food, reducing the amount of food too much may result in an inadequate intake of calories.
Try the following measures to increase your dog's appetite.
- Try soaking the dog food
- Try topping it with treats
- Warm it up to enhance the aroma
- Switch to wet food
- Get some light exercise
Senior dogs with weakened teeth and swallowing ability may not like hard, granular dry food. In this case, try soaking the dog food or switching to wet food.
Warming the dog food also enhances the aroma, which can stimulate your dog's appetite.
If you've tried various methods and your dog still won't eat, make sure he stays hydrated and take him to the vet as soon as possible.
What if I want to put my senior dog on a diet?
The key to dieting is to ensure that your dog burns more calories than it consumes each day.
Senior dogs' motor function declines with age, so they no longer exercise as much as they did when they were younger. As a result, they don't burn as many calories and are more likely to become obese.
First, try walking your dog or exercising indoors while keeping an eye on him. If your dog seems unwilling to exercise or shows signs of pain, don't force him.
Make sure to gradually increase the amount of exercise at your dog's pace.
It's also important to check the calorie content of dog food. Senior dogs, whose metabolisms have slowed, will gain weight if they continue to eat a high-calorie diet.
Many dog foods for senior dogs are low in fat and calories, so if you notice your dog gaining weight, consider switching dog foods.
What's the appropriate amount of protein for a senior dog?
Senior dogs need less protein than younger dogs, with a guideline of about 4.5g per 100kcal.
Giving excessive protein to your dog in an effort to maintain its health can put a strain on its internal organs, which are already functioning poorly due to aging, so avoid this.
However, keeping protein intake too low in senior dogs can lead to a decline in muscle mass and immunity, and even osteoporosis.
Reducing food intake through dieting can result in weight loss, but it can also lead to a decline in stamina, immunity, and muscle mass, increasing the risk of illness and injury.
For this reason, choose a dog food that provides the appropriate amount of high-quality protein.
However, senior dogs with kidney disease need to be careful about their protein intake, so please consult with your veterinarian.
For healthy senior dogs, choose dog food that contains high-quality protein, such as meat or fish.
When making homemade meals for senior dogs?
When making homemade meals for senior dogs, keep the following points in mind.
- Use ingredients that are easy to chew
- Prepare meals that warm the body
- Provide high-quality protein
- Make meals easy to swallow
To prevent a decline in muscle mass and immune system, make sure to provide high-quality animal protein, such as chicken, beef, horse meat, and fish.
It's also important to provide soft food to senior dogs, whose chewing and drinking abilities have declined, to prevent choking.
A recommended homemade meal for senior dogs is "Pork Shabu-Shabu and Burdock Salad." Pork helps relieve fatigue, and burdock stimulates the intestines.
【Ingredients】
- Pork shoulder: 30g
- Burdock: 10g
- Carrot: 10g
- Ginger: 2g
- Flaxseed oil: 1/2 teaspoon
- Apple cider vinegar: 1/3 teaspoon
- Body-friendly 50-ingredient fermented blend Wild Mix: 1/2 teaspoon
【Directions】
① Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces, julienne the burdock root and carrots, and soak the burdock root in vinegar water (not listed) to remove any bitterness. Finely chop the ginger.
② Boil the pork and burdock root.
③ Place the vegetables and pork in a bowl, top with a mixture of flaxseed oil and apple cider vinegar, and fermented vegetable sprinkles.
For detailed recipe information, please click here.
【Pet Foodist Supervised! Dog Recipe - Pork Shabu-Shabu and Burdock Salad】
It's easy to make, so please give it a try!
For more information on how to make homemade meals and what ingredients to be careful of, please see the article below.
【Why not try making your own dog food? Recommended Ingredients and Precautions】
Summary (Dog Food for Senior Dogs)
This article introduces recommended dog food for senior dogs.
Here are some points to consider when choosing a dog food:
- Choose a low-calorie product
- Choose a product rich in nutrients necessary for senior dogs
- Choose a safe product, such as one without additives
- Choose a product with the right shape and size for your dog
Healthy senior dogs are so energetic that it's easy to forget their age, but their bodies are gradually changing. Age-related weight gain and changes in appetite become apparent, so if you notice any changes, it's time to switch dog food.
Please use the selection tips introduced here to help you purchase the right senior dog food for your dog.
Occasionally, feed your pet homemade meals so they can enjoy a full meal.
