When should you start feeding your dog senior food?

Small dogs are generally considered to be “mature” or “senior” when they are about seven years old, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.1 Because large breed dogs typically have shorter lives, they are often considered senior by the time they are five or six years old. But it absolutely depends on your pet and their activity level, lifestyle, and any medical conditions, says veterinarian Barbara Hodges , DVM, program director of advocacy and outreach for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. “Many older pets do have mobility limitations and keeping them lean can be helpful in that regard, so a lower-calorie diet may be appropriate for them if they are wrestling with weight issues,” she says. “Your senior pet may also have medical challenges such as kidney insufficiency, in which case he/she may need a special renal diet with fairly significant protein restriction. It is therefore important to involve your veterinary healthcare provider in discussions about your senior pet’s evolving dietary needs.” However, not all dogs should be switched to senior foods, cautions McCarthy. “If your dog is already on a special or prescription diet, or has a sensitive stomach, you may want to continue feeding the same ‘adult' dog food instead of a senior dog food to prevent any issues by switching diets,” she suggests.

Is wet food better for older dogs?

Dry and wet food have to meet the same nutritional standards, but dry food is popular because it’s easy to feed and less expensive than canned. Some vets recommend dry food because of the benefits it provides for dental health, but unless you are feeding a specific tartar-control food, those benefits can be minor, according to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. But some people feed canned food because their dogs are more interested in eating it, or because of certain health conditions. “Wet food is not necessarily better for older dogs if they are healthy and maintaining their body weight well on a dry diet,” says McCarthy. “Dogs with dental disease or missing teeth may benefit from a canned diet for ease of chewing. Certain health conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease may benefit from wet food, but it is best to consult with your veterinarian.” Hodges believes that wet food is better for all dogs, including older ones, because it’s closer than kibble to fresh food, and also offers hydration. “Wet food is easier to digest and seems to be generally more palatable—and thus, more enthusiastically accepted—by older dogs,” she says. “As dogs age, many also become ‘pickier,’ seeking more novelty in their diets. For this reason, I sometimes suggest rotating among a number of high-quality wet/canned foods.”

Is high protein food better for older dogs?

Every dog is an individual and nutrition should be tailored to each pet, says Hodges. “The optimal levels of protein, fat and calories in older dogs’ diets is dependent on their overall health, their body condition/weight, their lifestyle, exercise level and any specific medical conditions,” she says. That said, moderate to high protein is believed to be best for older dogs, McCarthy says. “Older dogs are prone to losing muscle mass as they age, so feeding a low protein diet may be detrimental. However, if your dog has a condition such as kidney disease, a low protein or protein-restricted diet is best for maintaining kidney health.”

Should you wet dry food for older dogs?

Again, this depends on your dog. If your dog has trouble chewing because of dental disease or missing teeth, feeding canned food or wetting dry kibble can make dinnertime easier. It also provides hydration so you can make sure your pet is getting water. While Hodges prefers feeding canned food because it’s more easily digested and palatable for many older dogs, she understands that many dogs and their owners prefer dry food. “If, for whatever reason, dry kibble is the only option, I recommend adding low/no-sodium broth or water, making a low-fat ‘gravy’ for the dry food,” she says.

The 9 Best Dog Foods for Older Dogs, According To 407 Dog Parents

Assortment of the best dog food for older dogs we recommend on a green background — The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis

Aging pets can have health problems including weight gain, arthritis, and hip and elbow dysplasia—joint changes that can cause limping and pain. Some changes may not be so obvious, like a weakened immune system or decreased cognitive function. A food specially formulated for senior dogs can mitigate some of these age-related changes.

When choosing a diet for mature pets, features like protein quality are essential, because older dogs may have more difficulty absorbing nutrients. Some dogs might need fewer calories because they are less active and gain weight when they are older; others lose weight and shouldn’t cut back on calories.

But not all dogs should be switched to foods formulated for seniors, cautions veterinarian Megan McCarthy, DVM, of Best Friends Animal Society in Salt Lake City. “If your dog is already on a special or prescription diet, or has a sensitive stomach, you may want to continue feeding the same ‘adult' dog food instead of a senior dog food to prevent any issues by switching diets,” she told The Spruce Pets.

We evaluated a wide range of dog food brands for senior dogs, and we also sought feedback from 407 dog parents. We polled them on the brand of dog food that works for their household, while gleaning additional insights for dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds. You can learn more about our polling methodology below our recommendations, under the heading How We Found The Best Dog Foods For Older Dogs. We also have additional tips on how to evaluate dog food brands for yourself in the What To Look For section, below.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Dog Food at Amazon ($79)

Jump to Review

Best Probiotics:

Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food at Amazon ($37)

Jump to Review

Best Wet:

Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ at Amazon ($27)

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food at Amazon ($47)

Jump to Review

Best Subscription:

The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food at Thefarmersdog.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best for Large Dogs:

Royal Canin Large Aging Dry Dog Food at Amazon ($110)

Jump to Review

Best Refrigerated:

FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food at Chewy ($48)

Jump to Review

Best for Small Dogs:

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior Dog Food at Amazon ($20)

Jump to Review

Best Sustainable:

Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food at Amazon ($29)

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Dog Food

PHOTO:

Hill's Science Diet

$79 at Amazon $79 at Chewy View on PetSmart

What We Like

Developed in partnership with veterinarians and scientist in the United States
Animal-sourced protein is first ingredient
Wet food and kibble can be mixed
Formulations for small breeds, large breeds, digestive health, and cognitive support

What We Don't Like

Only comes in one flavor

Hill's Science Diet offers a variety of recipes—as dry kibble and wet dog food—designed to meet the nutritional needs of maturing canines who are seven yeas of age or older. The food is always made with real animal protein as the first ingredient with human-grade ingredients providing essential vitamins and nutrients with each serving.

Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ is our recommendation for most primarily because dogs seem to enjoy it and it's highly recommended by veterinarians. Plus, all of Hill's pet food products meet or exceed the nutrient profiles and manufacturing guidelines of the AAFCO and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).

Developed by veterinarians and manufactured in the United States, Hill's Science Diet dog food for seniors is categorized into Adult 7+ and Adult 11+ age groups along with Adult 6+ for large breeds. Within each age group there are wet and dry food formulations to make the food more advantageous for small breeds and large breeds, and for dogs with digestive issues or who could benefit from cognitive support.

Each recipe is made with real chicken or beef as the primary source of protein and the first ingredient. A serving also provides prebiotic fiber to help support digestive health and a balanced gut microbiome, along with nutrients, vitamins, like vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids to keep your dog's skin and coat healthy.

With the right flavor and formulation for a dog, we found that consistently serving Hill's Science Diet leads to straightforward potty sessions and less dietary issues. The kibble is available in a variety of sizes, and the wet food is packaged in cans and smaller plastic trays with foil lids. However dogs 7 years and older only get a choice of one flavor in the dry dog food: chicken and barley.

_{Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken & barley | Packaging Size: 4, 15.5, or 30-pound bag}

Best Probiotics

Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food

PHOTO:

Fromm

$37 at Amazon View on Gofromm.com View on Petflow.com

What We Like

Recipes are free of fillers, e.g. corn syrup, artificial flavors, and white flour
Blend of probiotics and prebiotics to support regularity
Real chicken is the first ingredient along with vegetables, whole grains, and fruits

What We Don't Like

Recipe includes cheese which irritates the digestive system of some dogs—but other dogs really love
Not as widely available as other dog food brands

Fromm Classic Mature Adult Dog Food is formulated to meet the changing needs of dogs as they get older, and among the 407 dog parents we polled, Fromm received top marks for reliable use of quality ingredients along with overall satisfaction, engagement, and enjoyment experienced by their dog.

The recipe for mature canines is made with chicken as the primary ingredient, whole grains (brown rice and barley), fruits, and vegetables to provide complete and balanced nutrition in each serving. A blend of prebiotics and probiotics developed by Fromm is optimized to keep the digestive system and metabolism functioning properly which also helps prevent unintended weight gain. But the food for seniors only comes in one flavor, chicken, and it includes dairy in the ingredients which some dogs cannot tolerate—but other dogs really enjoy!

Fromm dog food is sold online and at specialty retailers, and it's usually more expensive than other foods that made our list.

_{Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken | Packaging Size: 15 or 30-pound bag}

The 17 Best Places to Buy Dog Food, According to 407 Dogs and Their Humans

Best Wet

Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+

Purina Pro Plan Classic Adult 7+ Complete Essentials Wet Dog Food

PHOTO:

Amazon

$27 at Amazon $36 at Chewy

What We Like

Made with real animal protein (chicken, beef, or turkey)
Antioxidants and probiotics for immune and digestive health
Glucosamine for joint health and mobility

What We Don't Like

Recipes may contain corn starch, protein by-product meal, and/or artificial flavors

For dogs of all sizes who are seven or older, Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Senior Complete Essentials Wet Dog Food serves up 23 essential vitamins and minerals in each recipe to keep fully grown-up pups in optimal health. They also include glucosamine for joint health, and antioxidants and probiotics to keep their immune and digestive systems healthy. The recipes are all made with human-grade ingredients including animal-sourced protein—beef, turkey, or chicken along with easy to digest rice.

Purina Pro Plan's wet food is free of artificial colors and preservatives, and is packaged in 13-ounce cans and 10-ounce tubs with resealable lids. The smaller size wet food for seniors also includes botanical oils to promote alertness. But some recipes do include artificial flavors to enhance their appeal to a dog.

_{Type: Wet | Flavors: Chicken & rice; beef & rice; turkey & rice | Package Size: 10 or 13 ounces}

Best Budget

Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food

PHOTO:

Amazon

$47 at Amazon $47 at Chewy $30 at Walmart

What We Like

Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient
Affordable and easy to find
Contains fiber, glucosamine, and antioxidants

What We Don't Like

Only comes in one flavor
No small breed formula

Iams Proactive Health Healthy Aging Dry dog Food is priced affordably and made with human-grade ingredients, including farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient. For senior dogs, the food provides fiber and prebiotics for digestion, antioxidants to help the immune system, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, and other supplements to burn fat and work to keep metabolism going.

The kibble is available in formulas for regular and large breeds and is made with no artificial preservatives or flavors and no fillers. Other ingredients include whole grains, beet pulp, and carrots. It is readily available at most pet food retailers.

_{Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken | Package Size: 7, 15, or 29.1 pounds}

The 7 Best Dog Foods for Allergies, According to 407 Alleviated Dogs And Their Humans

Best Subscription

The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food

PHOTO:

The Farmer's Dog

View on Thefarmersdog.com

What We Like

Custom plans
Human-grade ingredients
Free delivery
Easy to change plan or delivery times

What We Don't Like

Can be pricey, especially for large dogs

Dog food delivery services let you customize fresh meals for your pet and have them dropped right off at your door. The Farmer’s Dog uses human-grade ingredients including meats and vegetables. There are four recipes featuring chicken, turkey, beef, and pork. You fill out a questionnaire that includes information about your pet’s activity level, age, and any health issues to create a personal plan. You can choose or remove any proteins.

The food arrives frozen and ships free to 48 states. You can make changes to your plan or delivery at any time. Prices range from about $2 a day for small dogs, but can get as pricey as $12 for larger pets.

_{Type: Frozen | Flavors: Chicken, beef, pork, turkey | Packaging Size: Varies}

Best for Large Dogs

Royal Canin Large Aging Dry Dog Food

PHOTO:

Amazon

$110 at Amazon $110 at Chewy $110 at PETCO

What We Like

Made for large (56+ pounds) breeds who are eight years of age and older
Supports strong bones and joins with glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-6 fatty acids, and minerals
Can be mixed with wet food or rehydrated with water to make it more palatable and easier to chew

What We Don't Like

Made with by-product meal

Bigger dogs tend to put a lot of stress on their heart and their joints, so giving them food designed to support their needs with taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids (EPA and DHA)—especially as they mature—can enhance their overall well-being.

Royal Canin Large Aging 8+ Dry Dog Food is formulated for large dogs (56-100 pounds), and of the participants in our panel who feed their dog a Royal Canin food, the majority attribute their dog's continued health to their diet which is suited for their specific size, age, and needs.

This nutritionally balanced food provides protein and fiber in each serving to keep a dog's digestive system running smoothly. But the food's first ingredient is chicken by-product meal, which some pet parents prefer to avoid. Meat-by products meals are typically made from less expensive parts of an animal, like the intestines and organs, which are rich in protein and nutrients. The use of by-product meals also helps to reduce food waste.

If your mature dog is missing any teeth or needs more motivation for eating, this chicken-flavored kibble can be mixed with water to make it easier for your dog to chew and to give them more hydration with each meal. You can also mix Royal Canin Mature 8+ Wet Dog Food in their bowl for more variety.

_{Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken | Package Size: 30 pounds}

Best Refrigerated

FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food

PHOTO:

PetSmart

$48 at Chewy View on PETCO View on PetSmart

What We Like

Made with non-GMO, human-grade ingredients sourced from farms in the United States
No preservatives, meat meals, or by-product meals
Appeals to picky eaters

What We Don't Like

Does not offer senior specific formula, but food is suitable for seniors
Difficult to make cost effective for large dogs

FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food offers the freshness, flavor, and nutritional value of making home cooked meals for a dog all conveniently packaged and stored in the refrigerator. If your senior dog is a picky eater or has oral sensitivities, they will likely find the soft texture and meaty flavor to be satisfying and appealing. The brand's quality ingredients received high marks among our home testers putting FreshPet on par with our Best Overall pick, Hill's Science Diet.

There isn't a specific line for senior dogs, but all recipes are suitable for adult dogs of any age. The refrigerated dog food is made with human-grade ingredients, including farm-raised chicken, fish, beef, eggs, fruits and vegetables, all sourced and manufactured within the United States. There are grain-free recipes along with formulations for joint and mobility and digestive support, but it can be more difficult to find some of the flavors.

The food is packaged in sausage-shaped rolls that are easy to slice and in resealable bags where the food is shaped into bite-sized pieces resembling meatballs.

_{Type: Refrigerated | Flavors: Chicken; beef with lamb; chicken, beef, salmon, & egg | Package Size: 1.5 or 4.5 pound bags; 1 pound roll}

Best for Small Dogs

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior Dog Food

PHOTO:

Blue Buffalo

$17 at Amazon $42 at Chewy $39 at Walmart

What We Like

Never made with poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy
Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and mobility
Smaller sized kibble pieces

What We Don't Like

Only one flavor

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for Small Breed Seniors is designed to help keep little dogs' energy levels up, their joints pain-free, and their minds sharp as they age. Among our 407 dog parent panelists who feed their dog Blue Buffalo, the majority praised the brand for its consistent and reliable use of high-quality, human-grade ingredients.

The dry food consists of smaller pieces of kibble to make it easier for small breed dogs to consume and digest. The recipe is manufactured in the United States using deboned chicken as the first ingredient along with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins. But there is only one flavor, Chicken & Brown Rice, so it's not suitable for small senior dogs with sensitivities to poultry.

The kibble is sold in two sizes, 5 or 15 pound resealable bags, to keep the freshness intact.

_{Type: Kibble | Flavors: Chicken & brown rice | Package Size: 5 or 15 pounds}

Best Sustainable

Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

PHOTO:

Amazon

$29 at Amazon View on Openfarmpet.com $29 at onlynaturalpet.com

What We Like

Antibiotic, hormone, and steroid-free ingredients
No articial ingredients or additives
Includes glucosamine and chondroitin for healthier joints
Meticulous tracing of sources and ethical partnerships

What We Don't Like

Only one recipe optimized for senior dogs

Open Farm’s line of dog food includes one dry food recipe optimized for older dogs. The Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is suitable for dogs of any size with small kibble pieces that are easier to consume and digest. The nutrient-rich kibble is made with humanely raised turkey and chicken as the primary sources of protein and the first two ingredients. All ingredients are free of GMOs and never raised using hormones, antibiotics, or steroids.

Each bowl of Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food includes glucosamine and chondroitin to help your senior dog's joints stay strong and healthy, along with pumpkin, peas, chickpeas, carrots, and coconut oil. Open Farms offers meticulous tracing and transparency into all of the ingredients used to create their foods for dogs.

^{Type: Kibble | Flavors: Turkey & chicken | Package Size: 4 or 22 pounds}

Final Verdict

Our overall top pick for to keep senior dogs in optimal health is Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food, which is available as dry and wet food, made with human-grade ingredients, and was developed my veterinarians and scientist to address the unique needs of aging dogs. If you prefer to serve your dog fresh food, FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food is our top recommendation. The food is high in protein and provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It's also likely to appeal to picky eaters and the texture is amendable for dogs with oral issues.

What to Look for in Dog Food for Older Dogs

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement

Make sure any food you choose has an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement that indicates the food is nutritionally complete and balanced. Foods with an AAFCO statement have had laboratory testing and feeding trials to make sure they offer complete and balanced nutrition for the life stage of a dog.

Senior foods often contain fewer calories than other adult dog foods because most senior dogs aren’t as active as they were before. Other dogs have trouble keeping weight on as they age so they don’t need to cut back on calories. Ask your vet what is right for your dog.

Senior formulas often have up to 50 percent more protein than other adult diets to help maintain muscle mass, says veterinarian Megan McCarthy, DVM, with Best Friends Animal Society in Salt Lake City. Older dogs usually lose muscle as they age. But some older dogs have medical issues that require a low-protein diet, so check the nutrition that is right for your pet.

Health Issues

Senior formulas often have up to 50 percent more protein than other adult diets to help maintain muscle mass, says McCarthy. Older dogs usually lose muscle as they age. But some older dogs have medical issues that require a low-protein diet, so check the nutrition that is right for your pet.

Common Ingredients

Many senior foods contain ingredients added specifically to address the needs of older dogs. Read the label and consult with your vet to see which ingredients might be helpful.

Fiber – for easier digestion
Glucosamine and chondroitin – for joint health
Omega-3 fatty acids – for healthy skin and coat

Why We Don’t Currently Recommend Grain-Free Dog Foods

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating a potential link between heart disease in dogs and certain diets, specifically grain-free foods. From 2014 through April 2019, the FDA received 524 reports of a heart condition called canine dilated cardiomyopathy, an increase that suggests factors outside of known genetic predispositions. Where the dog’s diet was reported, the FDA found that more than 90 percent of diagnosed cases involved dogs fed “grain-free” dog foods, and 93 percent were grain-free formulations that included peas and/or lentils.

The FDA continues to investigate the possible connection. In the meantime, dog owners are encouraged to talk to their veterinarian about when and whether a grain-free diet is appropriate for their dog.

Wet Food Versus Dry Food

Dry foods for dogs usually contain 10 to 12 percent moisture content, while wet foods on average contain 75 to 78 percent moisture. But while wet food will keep your dog more hydrated, there's a trade-off since it may also increase tartar buildup on your dog's teeth. One option is to alternate wet and dry food, getting the benefits of both.

Wet food is also a good choice for dogs who are finicky or have dental issues such as missing teeth. If your senior dog as orthopedic aliments, they might not be getting up as much as they used to drink from their bowl so wet food may help with hydration.

How We Found The Best Dog Foods For Older Dogs

To evaluate dog foods, our research panel put together a comprehensive questionnaire, asking for dog owner's to describe the qualities that matter most to them when they choose a food for their dog at each life stage. We learned what brands were recommended by veterinarians, and which had the most trustworthy list of ingredients. We also looked for high-value brands that can fit in people's budgets, and brands with wide retailer availability.

We also gathered details about a dog's size, breed, age, and history, which helped us make picks tailored to a wide range of dogs, since the best senior dog food for a Chihuahua missing a few teeth won't be the optimal food for a ten-year-old Labrador Retriever-mix.

In total, 407 respondents described how they and their dogs felt about the dog foods they currently feed or previously fed at home, using a combination of numerical scores and detailed feedback.

FAQ

When should you start feeding your dog senior food?

Small dogs are generally considered to be “mature” or “senior” when they are about seven years old, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.1 Because large breed dogs typically have shorter lives, they are often considered senior by the time they are five or six years old.
But it absolutely depends on your pet and their activity level, lifestyle, and any medical conditions, says veterinarian Barbara Hodges, DVM, program director of advocacy and outreach for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association.
“Many older pets do have mobility limitations and keeping them lean can be helpful in that regard, so a lower-calorie diet may be appropriate for them if they are wrestling with weight issues,” she says. “Your senior pet may also have medical challenges such as kidney insufficiency, in which case he/she may need a special renal diet with fairly significant protein restriction. It is therefore important to involve your veterinary healthcare provider in discussions about your senior pet’s evolving dietary needs.”
However, not all dogs should be switched to senior foods, cautions McCarthy. “If your dog is already on a special or prescription diet, or has a sensitive stomach, you may want to continue feeding the same ‘adult' dog food instead of a senior dog food to prevent any issues by switching diets,” she suggests.
Is wet food better for older dogs?

Dry and wet food have to meet the same nutritional standards, but dry food is popular because it’s easy to feed and less expensive than canned. Some vets recommend dry food because of the benefits it provides for dental health, but unless you are feeding a specific tartar-control food, those benefits can be minor, according to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
But some people feed canned food because their dogs are more interested in eating it, or because of certain health conditions.
“Wet food is not necessarily better for older dogs if they are healthy and maintaining their body weight well on a dry diet,” says McCarthy.
“Dogs with dental disease or missing teeth may benefit from a canned diet for ease of chewing. Certain health conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease may benefit from wet food, but it is best to consult with your veterinarian.”
Hodges believes that wet food is better for all dogs, including older ones, because it’s closer than kibble to fresh food, and also offers hydration.
“Wet food is easier to digest and seems to be generally more palatable—and thus, more enthusiastically accepted—by older dogs,” she says. “As dogs age, many also become ‘pickier,’ seeking more novelty in their diets. For this reason, I sometimes suggest rotating among a number of high-quality wet/canned foods.”
Is high protein food better for older dogs?

Every dog is an individual and nutrition should be tailored to each pet, says Hodges. “The optimal levels of protein, fat and calories in older dogs’ diets is dependent on their overall health, their body condition/weight, their lifestyle, exercise level and any specific medical conditions,” she says.
That said, moderate to high protein is believed to be best for older dogs, McCarthy says. “Older dogs are prone to losing muscle mass as they age, so feeding a low protein diet may be detrimental. However, if your dog has a condition such as kidney disease, a low protein or protein-restricted diet is best for maintaining kidney health.”
Should you wet dry food for older dogs?

Again, this depends on your dog. If your dog has trouble chewing because of dental disease or missing teeth, feeding canned food or wetting dry kibble can make dinnertime easier. It also provides hydration so you can make sure your pet is getting water.
While Hodges prefers feeding canned food because it’s more easily digested and palatable for many older dogs, she understands that many dogs and their owners prefer dry food.
“If, for whatever reason, dry kibble is the only option, I recommend adding low/no-sodium broth or water, making a low-fat ‘gravy’ for the dry food,” she says.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This story was updated by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a happy pomeranian named Gidget. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Mejorada embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now delightfully devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.

We also took a comprehensive survey on preferred brands and feeding habits. Each respondent provided data on their dog's age, size, and breed, in addition to a detailed history of the dog food brands and products they mutually enjoy. We also considered recommendations from veterinarians, trainers, and rescue workers and considered features such as ingredients, flavors, cost, and package sizes.

A previous version of this story was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo, who has covered animals and pets for several decades. DiLonardo has fostered more than three dozen puppies and dogs and is always searching for the healthiest and most effective products for them.

The 9 Best Dog Food Brands, According To More Than 400 Dogs

The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Senior Pets. American Veterinary Medical Association.
Senior Dog Nutrition and Supplement Tips. American Kennel Club.
When Should I Switch My Pet to a Senior Diet? Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Clinical Nutrition Service.
Should I Feed Canned or Dry Food? Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Clinical Nutrition Service.