The 15 Best Senior Dog Foods for 2023

As a dog ages, its nutritional requirements will also change. Hence, it becomes vital to find the best senior dog food to keep your pet healthy and help it deal with the myriad of issues that come with old age.

Senior dog foods have a unique formula that will help deal with common old age issues like constipation, excessive flatulence, declining muscles, and aging joints.

As you shop for nutritious dog food for your senior dog, you need to know that different breeds will age at a different pace. Small breeds will get into their old years at around 10-12 years, while for medium breeds, it is 8-9 years, and for large breeds, the senior years start at 6-7 years.

Top Senior Dog Foods by Editors' Picks

• #
  Preview
  Product
  Rating
• Bestseller No. 1
  
  Eukanuba Senior Small Breed Dry Dog Food, 15 lb
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• Bestseller No. 2
  
  Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown...
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• Bestseller No. 3
  
  Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice...
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• Bestseller No. 4
  
  IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Mature Adult Dry Dog Food for Senior Dogs with Real Chicken, 29.1...
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• Bestseller No. 5
  
  NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble, 30 lb....
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• Bestseller No. 6
  
  Royal Canin Small Aging Wet Dog Food, 3 oz pouches 12-count
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• Bestseller No. 7
  
  Diamond Naturals Senior Real Meat Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food With Real Cage Free...
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• Bestseller No. 8
  
  Hill's Science Diet Senior Wet Dog Food, Adult 7+ Savory Stew Canned Dog Food, 12.8 oz,...
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• Bestseller No. 9
  
  VICTOR Super Premium Dog Food – Purpose - Senior Healthy Weight – Gluten Free Weight...
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• Bestseller No. 10
  
  LEGO: A Love Story
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In this piece, we are all about helping you find the best dog food for senior dogs regardless of the breed. We do this with reviews and a comprehensive buying guide.

7 Best Senior Dog Foods: Review

1. Best Overall: Purina One SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity

• Breed Size: All Breed Sizes
• Flavor: Chicken | Form: Dry
• Ingredients: Chicken, rice flour, chicken by-product meal, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, oatmeal…
• Protein: 28.0% (min) | Fat: 13.0% (min) | Fiber: 4.5% (max) | Moisture: 12.0% (max)
• Not Contain: Fillers

Purina One SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity provides up to 28% protein content, which is one of the highest on our list. This and the 4.5% fiber will be very useful at keeping your senior dog in great shape, which is what makes this our best overall option.

The senior dog's immune system will also be catered for with this food as it will contain a perfect blend of antioxidants like vitamin E and minerals like zinc. What's more, there is a natural source of glucosamine to help keep the joint strong.

For those that have picky dogs, you can be sure that your pet will want to eat this food as it has some tender morsels and crunchy kibbles. The crunchy kibbles will also be very useful at keeping the dog's teeth and gums healthy.

While this dog food is for all breeds sizes, the kibbles seem relatively smaller for the larger breeds, but once your dog gets used to them, it should not have issues chewing.

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2. Best Budget: Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food Formula

• Breed Size: Small breeds, medium breeds, large breeds
• Flavor: Chicken | Form: Dry
• Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, chicken fat, egg, oatmeal…
• Protein: 25.0% (min) | Fat: 11.0% (min) | Fiber: 3.0% (max) | Moisture: 10.0% (max)
• Not Contain: Corn, wheat, filler, soy, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives

Quality food for your senior dog does not have to be expensive, and this dry dog food by Diamond Naturals is enough evidence of this. But despite being more budget-friendly price, it is still a highly nutritious dog food with at least 25% of high-quality chicken protein and 11% healthy fats.

This dog food contains different superfoods like kale, blueberries, chia seed, and pumpkin. These superfoods will provide essential nutrients like minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, proteins, and fatty acids to give the dogs complete nutrition.

Because the food is rich in senior-specific probiotics, it will also be highly useful for the digestive system. At the same time, the added glucosamine and chondroitin will help support joint health and mobility for your aging dog. With the fatty acid blend, this food takes care of the dog's skin and coat health.

The fact that there are different kinds of grains in this senior dog food means that it might not be very ideal for dogs with sensitivities. But with all ingredients clearly stated, you can quickly tell if it is suitable for your dog or not.

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3. Best Wet: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Wet Dog Food

• Breed Size: Small breeds, medium breeds, large breeds
• Flavor: Chicken | Form: Wet
• Ingredients: Chicken, carrot, peas, sweet potatoes, chicken liver, brown rice, oatmeal…
• Protein: 7.5% (min) | Fat: 4.5% (min) | Fiber: 2.0% (max) | Moisture: 78.0% (max)
• Not Contain: Poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors/preservatives

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe uses high-quality real chicken protein to give senior dogs a delightful meal that they will enjoy. This high-quality protein will support healthy muscle management.

With up to 78% moisture, this canned dog food is handy for keeping your pooch hydrated. And like with most other canned dog foods, you get three feeding ways with this one, which is as a treat, mixed with dry food and as a meal by itself.

All other ingredients used in the dog food are wholesome for maximum health, and there are some nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables that will provide a good dose of vitamins and minerals for the overall well-being of your dog.

There is an issue with cans coming dented, which is an indication of wanting can material. However, in most instances, dented cans will not, in any way, affect the quality of the food.

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4. Best Grain-Free: Canidae Pure Senior Recipe

• Breed Size: Small breeds, medium breeds, large breeds
• Flavor: Chicken | Form: Dry
• Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, peas, potatoes, sun-cured alfalfa, chicken fat…
• Protein: 28.0% (min) | Fat: 10.0% (min) | Fiber: 5.0% (max) | Moisture: 10.0% (max)
• Not Contain: Soy, corn, wheat, by-products, fillers, additives

Canidae Pure Senior Recipe is an unbeatable choice for a senior dog with a sensitive stomach as it is completely grain-free. Better yet, it is a limited ingredient dog food with just nine simple ingredients to ensure then pooch gets just what it needs, and nothing it does not.

This nutrient-rich food has at least 28% protein to help the senior dogs maintain lean muscles and up to 5% fiber to help with digestion. The added prebiotics further enhance the digestive system.

The immune health will also be taken care of as this dog food has a proper quantity of antioxidants, while the omega 3 & 6 fatty acids will help keep the skin and coat healthy.

This dog food seems relatively pricier per pound when compared to others on our senior dog food review, but you can be sure the quality will be worth every buck.

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5. Best for Small Breeds: Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites

• Breed Size: Extra small & toy breeds, small breeds
• Flavor: Chicken & barley | Form: Dry
• Ingredients: Chicken, cracked pearled barley, whole grain wheat, brown rice, whole grain corn…
• Protein: 19.0% (min) | Fat: 13.7% (min) | Fiber: 2.4% (max) | Moisture: 10.0% (max)
• Not Contain: Chicken by-product meal, synthetic colors, artificial preservatives/flavors

This Hill's Science dog food is formulated to meet the specific needs of an aging small breed dog. It provides easily digestible nutrition by using synergistic ingredients, which will support the energy and activity levels of your small breed. The formula also supports the immune system and ensures your pet will not have digestive issues.

This food comes with small kibbles that will fit small mouths perfectly. Because the food has balanced minerals, it will be great for heart and kidney health. The dog will also end up with beautiful skin and coat as this food includes a good dose of omega 6s and vitamin E.

The only thing that some dog owners might not like with this food is that the kibbles can be a little too dense for some older dogs to chew. But, soaking them a little before giving the dog is an easy and effective fix for this.

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6. Best Natural: Nutro Wholesome Essentials Natural Dry Dog Food

• Breed Size: Small & toy breeds
• Flavor: Chicken | Form: Dry
• Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, brewers rice, whole brown rice, split peas, barley…
• Protein: 24.0% (min) | Fat: 15.0% (min) | Fiber: 5.0% (max) | Moisture: 10.0% (max)
• Not Contain: Chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy protein, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives

If you prefer to give your senior dog natural food, this Nutro dog food is a fantastic choice. It is made with wholesome and all-natural ingredients and with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Because this dog food uses real chicken meat, it will provide at least 24% of high-quality protein to help your senior dog build and maintain lean muscles.

This food also includes essential antioxidants for supporting the immune system, and the chicken flavor is quite delightful as most dogs will love it.

While the smell of this senior dog food could be better, most senior pooches will hardly have any problem with it once they get used to the tasty food.

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7. Best for Joint & Mobility Care: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dog Food

• Breed Size: Toy breeds, small breeds, large breeds
• Flavor: Chicken & brown rice | Form: Dry
• Ingredients: Deboned chicken, brown rice, flaxseed, cranberries, blueberries, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes…
• Protein: 18.0% (min) | Fat: 10.0% (min) | Fiber: 7.0% (max) | Moisture: 10.0% (max)
• Not Contain: Chicken or poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors/preservatives.

As your dog ages, you will most likely need to deal with joint and mobility issues. However, with this Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula food, you will have a simple but effective solution as it contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility.

Another thing that makes this one of the best senior dog foods is that it has a perfect blend of high-quality proteins and carbohydrates that will provide the energy required to keep the dog active in its old age.

There is a perfect blend of minerals and vitamins. This will help keep the teeth and bones healthy, while the omega 3 & 6 fatty acids are ideal for skin and coat care.

Because this dog food will include brown rice and other grains like barley, it is not ideal for gluten-sensitive dogs. However, the grains used are wholesome, which makes them super healthy for senior dogs with no gluten sensitivities.

Other Good Recommendations

8. Dry Dog Food | Small Breed | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed is made for the overall well-being of your senior small breed. With glucosamine and chondroitin, this dog food will be great for joint health and overall mobility.

This dog food is packed with essential proteins and carbs to give the dog the energy it needs for a healthy lifestyle. To add to this, it is enriched with minerals and vitamins to meet the nutrition requirements of your senior small breed dog.

Key Features

• Packed with proteins and carbs
• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
• Enriched with vital minerals and vitamins
• Made with the finest natural ingredients

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9. Dry Dog Food | Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds | Nutro Ultra Senior

Nutro Ultra Senior brings together high-quality animal proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to ensure that your dog gets complete nutrition. The food is also perfectly balanced with the right amount of protein, fats, fiber, minerals, and vitamins for senior dogs.

This dry dog food uses high-quality chicken as the source of protein, which is formulated to meet the specific needs of a senior dog. All the ingredients are non-GMO to ensure maximum safety, and this food does not contain any grains, chicken by-products, or artificial flavors.

Key Features

• Blend of 15 superfoods overall wellness
• Non-GMO ingredients
• Provides complete and balanced nutrition
• High-quality protein foundation

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10. Dry Dog Food | Toy Breeds, Small Breeds, Large Breeds | Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior is protein-rich dog food for seniors that uses real chicken to provide all the protein the aging dogs need. It also has a perfect balance of protein and carbs to ensure the dog gets the energy it needs for an active life.

This senior dog food includes healthy vegetables and fruits that will provide minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to keep the immune system healthy. Joint and mobility issues will be well taken care of as there is also lots of glucosamines and chondroitin in the food.

Key Features

• Protein-rich dog food with real meat as the first ingredient
• Includes healthy fruits and vegetables
• Perfect balance of protein and carbs for an active lifestyle
• Glucosamine and chondroitin promote joint health

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11. Wet Dog Food | Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds | Iams Proactive Health Wet

Iams Proactive Health Wet is one of the best wet dog food for senior dogs out there thanks to the fact it provides a complete and balanced meal. What's more, it is slow-cooked to ensure it will have a fantastic taste that your dog will love.

Each meal will have a unique formulation that will include the omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health. There are also wholesome grains that will provide the carbs needed to give the dog energy to support its active lifestyle. This canned dog food is enriched with essential minerals and vitamins to support immune health.

Key Features

• Slow-cooked in broth for a fantastic taste
• Complete and balanced meal
• Omega fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat
• Vitamins and minerals for a healthy immune system

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12. Dry Dog Food | Small Breeds | Wellness Complete Health Small Breed

With chondroitin and glucosamine for joint and hip health, the Wellness Complete Health ensures your small breed will not get joint or mobility issues as it ages. Better yet, it has lean protein, carefully selected fats, and wholesome carbs for healthy weight management.

Your aging pet will not have any digestion issues when on this food because, besides the natural fiber, it will also have prebiotics for digestive health. And with antioxidants for immune system support and taurine for heart health, this is the perfect dog food for overall wellness.

Key Features

• Chondroitin and glucosamine for hip and joint health
• Prebiotics and natural fiber support digestive health
• Supports healthy weight maintenance
• Includes taurine for heart health
• Antioxidant-rich ingredients boost the immune system

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13. Dry Dog Food | Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds | Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food

Being a biologically appropriate dog food, the Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food will nourish your senior dog according to its specific natural and biological needs. This dog food uses fresh and raw animal ingredients from meat to organs to deliver up to 38% protein.

The dog food is grain-free to make it safe for gluten-sensitive dogs, and unlike the many cheap knockoffs in the market, it does not include any rendered meals such as fish and poultry meals.

Key Features

• Biologically appropriate ingredients
• Grain-free for sensitive dogs
• Relatively higher protein content
• Does not include any rendered meals

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14. Dry Dog Food | Small Breeds | Royal Canin Aging 12+

Royal Canin Aging 12+ is specifically tailored to support the needs of aging small breed dogs. It is enriched with DHA, EPA, and complex antioxidants to ensure your dog ages well with no health complications.

With the controlled levels of phosphorous in this food, it will be great for kidney health. What's more, it has essential fatty acids to nourish the skin and coat. And you can be sure your old pooch will enjoy eating it as the kibbles are easy to chew and have a fantastic aroma.

Key Features

• EPA and DHA support healthy aging
• Controlled phosphorous levels help maintain kidney health
• Essential fatty acids nourish skin and coat
• Easy to chew kibbles

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15. Dry Dog Food | All Breed Sizes | Victor Senior Healthy Weight

Every ingredient in the Victor Senior Healthy Weight has a purpose, and there are no fillers or additives. This dog food includes prebiotics and probiotics to help with digestion and keep the digestive system healthy.

There is selenium yeast for supporting the metabolic function and cellular regeneration, while ensuring the aging dog maintains a healthy immune system. And to make sure the dog gets some healthy carbs without triggering sensitivities, it uses gluten-free grains.

Key Features

• Specially formulated for breeds prone to joint issues
• Prebiotics and probiotics promote a healthy digestive system
• Selenium yeast supports metabolic function
• Made with gluten-free grains

How to Buy the Best Senior Dog Foods

1. Types of Dog

Like in all other life stages, the right dog food for seniors will depend on the type or breed. Typically, the nutrition needs for large types will differ from small and medium breeds.

All dog types will need highly nutritious food, but different breeds will have varying requirements. For example, small breeds have a faster metabolism than large breeds, and so they will need food that can support it.

Small breeds will also require food with smaller kibbles to ensure it fits their little mouths, and they can chew it easily. For large breeds, medium to large kibble sizes is still okay.

However, larger breeds age much faster than smaller ones, and so they need food with enough vitamins and minerals to support the bones and joints.

2. Dry or Wet

You will also need to decide whether to give your senior dog wet or dry food. While a diet that includes both is preferable, some pet owners will opt to provide either, and if this is the case for you, it is vital to know the pros and cons of both.

Dry dog food tends to be easy to give and will also help strengthen the gums and teeth for your aging pet. But, given the little moisture, you will have to provide the dog with lots of water.

Wet foods like the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Senior Wet Dog Food, on the other hand, have fewer preservatives than dry foods as they are preserved through canning. And the extra water means the dog's old digestive system will have an easier time digesting the food.

3. Calories

The number of calories your dog takes in is always relevant, and this is even more as it ages. Giving a senior dog food with too many calories will make it overweight, which will be more problematic than for adult dogs as the weaker joints and bones cannot handle the weight.

The exact number of calories that your senior dog will require will depend on the breed size and the activity level. However, in many instances, seniors need 20 to 30% fewer calories than adult dogs. That said, an average weight senior dog will need between 800 and 1,000 calories per day.

4. Protein

Senior dogs still need lots of protein to help build and maintain lean muscles. Depending on the breed size and activity level of the dog, dry dog food with at least 28% to 32% protein should be good enough.

The quality of the protein also matters a lot, and here the best option is to go for something that uses real meat protein. Chicken and beef are the most common protein source, but others like salmon, venison, and lamb are also fantastic.

5. Healthy Fat

Because fat is what provides a huge chunk of the calories in dog food, you need to be very careful with the source used in your senior dog food.

The best dog food for older dogs will use healthy fat sources like fish oil, canola oil, and sunflower oil. But, make sure that your dog is not sensitive or allergic to any of the fat sources.

6. Fiber

Because fiber aids in digestion, helps with weight management and also keeps blood sugar levels stable, it is vital for senior dogs.

The more the fiber in the food, the better given that senior dogs are more prone to digestion problems and other health issues like diabetes.

Read More: The Best High Fiber Dog Food

7. Special Ingredients

There are some ingredients that you may not find in all dog foods but will still do your senior pet a lot of good, and are hence worth looking for when shopping.

Things like glucosamine and chondroitin will be vital as they will help strengthen the bones and joints for senior dogs. Also, fish oil is a fantastic ingredient as it supplies fatty acids like omega 3 & 6, which will help keep the dog's skin and coat healthy.

Read More: The Best Glucosamine for Dog

Q&A

What are Signs of Aging in Senior Dogs?

A: Signs of aging will vary from breed to breed and even from dog to dog. However, the most common ones are muscle loss, weight gain or loss, difficulties sleeping, and white hairs on face and muzzle.

Do Senior Dogs Need Special Food?

A: Not necessarily, but the food should be formulated to cater to the specific needs of the dog's advanced age. And this means it needs to have fewer calories, more protein, high fiber, and a perfect blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.

What is the Difference between Senior Dog Food and Regular?

A: The number of calories is often the main difference because adult dog food will have more calories than senior dog food to support the active lifestyle of dogs in their prime. Old dogs will also have relatively higher protein than adult dog food for building and maintaining the dog's declining muscles.

How Much Food Should I Feed My Senior Dog?

A: Senior dogs will require relatively less food than adult dogs. And if your dog is used to eating twice a day, reducing the portion size and feeding it more often is better for a senior dog. The actual quantity of food you give the old canine will depend on the breed and activity level.

For small breeds, 2 cups of food per day should be enough, while a large breed might need up to 5 cups every day. The good news is that most dog food brands will provide feeding instructions for different breed sizes.

Should Senior Dogs have Less Protein?

A: No, senior dogs will need foods with more protein to helps deal with muscle loss, which is a common problem dogs encounter as they age. Also, the protein needs to be high-quality and from real meat sources, to ensure maximum benefit for the old pet.

Buy on Etsy

Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken - Walmart Link

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown - Walmart Link

IAMS Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken, All Breed Sizes - Walmart Link

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7+, Senior Vitality, Chicken & Rice Recipe - Walmart Link

Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity Senior 7+ Formula Dog Food - Walmart Link

Diamond Naturals Dry Senior Dog Food Formula Made with Chicken, Egg and Oatmeal with - Walmart Link

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice - Walmart Link

Purina One SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity - Walmart Link

this dry dog food by Diamond Naturals - Walmart Link

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe - Walmart Link

Canidae Pure Senior Recipe - Walmart Link

This Hill's Science dog food - Walmart Link

this Nutro dog food - Walmart Link

this Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula food - Walmart Link

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed - Walmart Link

This dry dog food - Walmart Link

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior - Walmart Link

Iams Proactive Health Wet - Walmart Link

the Wellness Complete Health - Walmart Link

the Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food - Walmart Link

Royal Canin Aging 12+ - Walmart Link

the Victor Senior Healthy Weight - Walmart Link

the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Senior Wet Dog Food - Walmart Link

the high-protein Purina One SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity - Walmart Link

the more affordable Diamond Naturals Dry Senior Dog Food Formula - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken - eBay Link

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown - eBay Link

IAMS Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken, All Breed Sizes - eBay Link

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7+, Senior Vitality, Chicken & Rice Recipe - eBay Link

Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity Senior 7+ Formula Dog Food - eBay Link

Diamond Naturals Dry Senior Dog Food Formula Made with Chicken, Egg and Oatmeal with - eBay Link

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice - eBay Link

Purina One SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity - eBay Link

this dry dog food by Diamond Naturals - eBay Link

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe - eBay Link

Canidae Pure Senior Recipe - eBay Link

This Hill's Science dog food - eBay Link

this Nutro dog food - eBay Link

this Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula food - eBay Link

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed - eBay Link

This dry dog food - eBay Link

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior - eBay Link

Iams Proactive Health Wet - eBay Link

the Wellness Complete Health - eBay Link

the Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food - eBay Link

Royal Canin Aging 12+ - eBay Link

the Victor Senior Healthy Weight - eBay Link

the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Senior Wet Dog Food - eBay Link

the high-protein Purina One SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity - eBay Link

the more affordable Diamond Naturals Dry Senior Dog Food Formula - eBay Link

Conclusion

Senior dogs will require a nutrient-rich and perfectly balanced food with all the essential compounds to cater to their unique requirements. With this piece to guide you, finding the best senior dog food is now a breeze.

From our list, the high-protein Purina One SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity with its delightful kibbles and morsels takes our top overall spot.

But, if you are looking to save a few bucks when buying food for your senior dog, the more affordable Diamond Naturals Dry Senior Dog Food Formula is a good buy.