Best Canned Dog Food For Seniors

Last Updated on November 3, 2022 by admindiet

Just like we eat different types of food as we get older, sometimes our dogs need special diets to accommodate their changing nutritional needs. In this article, we’ll go over the best canned dog food for senior dogs and what to look for when choosing a formula for your furred companion.

As a dog owner, you have the responsibility of feeding your beloved canine friend and ensuring he or she is happy and healthy at all times. The best way to do this is by giving them the right kind of food and one of the most important aspects of that diet is making sure they are on the right canned dog food. Senior dogs often have more trouble than younger dogs digesting food and while some foods may not be suitable for senior dogs it’s very important you provide them with something that will give them everything they need.

Canned dog food is an important part of creating a healthy diet for your senior dog. So which canned dog food should you choose?

Best Canned Dog Food For Seniors

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The Best Wet Food for Senior Dogs for 2022
Published: March 11, 2022

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The Best Wet Food for Senior Dogs for 2022

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As our precious pups age, similarly to humans, they start to experience some physical and mental changes. Pet parents may not be aware of what they need to do as their dog gets older.

There may be a need to change the environment but more importantly, a focus on older dogs’ diets is essential. Man’s best friend usually eats kibble the majority of his life and as they get older switched to wet food.

Wet food has plenty of benefits. It’s often easier for older dogs to eat, it has lower calories to prevent obesity, and protein, vitamins, and minerals to keep your senior pup in good health. Because soft food has a high water density, you won’t have to worry about dehydration either.
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Whether you’re considering switching to wet food because of the additional fiber or you just need to hide your old dog’s medication, we’ve found the four best options available. There’s something for everyone and we’re sure your dog will love the taste of our picks!

To make it easy for you, there’s a handy buyer’s guide that tells you about the importance of certain factors, such as your dog’s age, that play a role when choosing one food over another. Let’s get started with our top choice from Blue Buffalo!
A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Wet Food for Senior Dogs

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner
    Has real deboned chicken as the top ingredient
    No animal by-products
    Formulated for dogs of all ages
    Easy to chew and swallow
Check Chewy
Check Amazon
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Beef & Barley
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Beef & Barley
    High-quality ingredients
    Made in the USA with ingredients from around the world
    Contains a powerful blend of antioxidants
    Recommended by veterinarians
Check Chewy
Check Amazon
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Puppy & Senior Wet Dog Food
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Puppy & Senior Wet Dog Food
    Perfect budget-friendly option
     Senior dogs find this food easy to chew and swallow
    Contains omega fatty acids
    Comes in multiple flavors
Check Amazon
Purina Pro Plan Senior Beef & Rice Entree
Purina Pro Plan Senior Beef & Rice Entree
    Designed for dogs that are at least seven years of age
    Available in several different flavors
    Contains real beef and high-quality grains
    Easily digestible
Check Chewy
Check Amazon

Overall Best Wet Food for Senior Dogs: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural

When it comes to the best food for older dogs, Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Senior Wet Dog Food is our favorite. You can give it to your dog as a tasty treat, mix it in with their dry food, or feed it as a standalone meal.

One reason we chose this Blue Buffalo recipe as the best of the best is that it has real deboned chicken as the top ingredient. The order of ingredients is of major importance when choosing dog food and choosing an option with protein from a real source is key.

Your pooch will love the taste of the chicken and appreciate that there aren’t any animal by-products. It’s formulated for dogs of all ages and designed in a pat-style to make it easy to chew and swallow.

There are wholesome, hearty grains including brown rice and barley that will give your senior pup plenty of energy. The bits of carrots, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and cranberries add a tasty tang that makes each bite packed with flavor.
Overall Best
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner

Has real deboned chicken as the top ingredient
No animal by-products
Formulated for dogs of all ages
Easy to chew and swallow

Check Chewy
Check Amazon
Best US-Made Wet Food for Senior Dogs: Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food

Speaking of wet food for senior dogs, if you’re looking for one of the best foods for older dogs that are packed with high-quality ingredients, consider the Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs. Pet parents love that it’s made in the USA with ingredients from around the world.

One reason older dogs can benefit from this wet food from Hill’s Science is because of the powerful blend of antioxidants. All the ingredients in it are natural and even veterinarians recommend it.

There is high-quality protein to keep your dog full for longer and help build strong muscle mass. Hill’s Science also added Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to keep your pooches hair, skin, joints, and vision in good health.

Made with chicken, brown rice, beef, and barely, this food has all the nutrients your dog will need. It’s easily digestible and the taste is unbeatable.
Best US-Made
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Beef & Barley
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Beef & Barley

High-quality ingredients
Made in the USA with ingredients from around the world
Contains a powerful blend of antioxidants
Recommended by veterinarians

Check Chewy
Check Amazon
Best Value Wet Food for Senior Dogs: IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH SENIOR Soft Wet Dog Food Paté

I don’t know about you, but spending more than you need to on wet dog food for your senior dog doesn’t sound necessary. Luckily, we’ve found IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH SENIOR Soft Wet Dog Food Paté to be the perfect budget-friendly option.

This is one of the best foods for older dogs because the chicken and rice were slow-cooked to bring out all of the scrumptious flavors. Senior dogs find this food and its formula easy to chew and swallow.

Like others on this list, IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH SENIOR Soft Wet Dog Food Paté is made using omega fatty acids that are beneficial to your dog’s coat, skin, eyes, and joints. If you have younger pups as well, you can feed them this IAMS wet food as long as they’re older than a year!

There are multiple flavors to choose from, including chicken, lamb, and beef. There are wholesome grains to keep your dog’s energy high and the added vitamins and minerals support the overall health of your pup.
Best Value
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Puppy & Senior Wet Dog Food
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Puppy & Senior Wet Dog Food

Perfect budget-friendly option
 Senior dogs find this food easy to chew and swallow
Contains omega fatty acids
Comes in multiple flavors

Check Amazon
Best Wet Food for Senior Dogs in Gravy: Purina Pro Plan High Protein, Senior Wet Dog Food

Who doesn’t love a bit of gravy? When it comes to the best food for older dogs, Purina Pro Plan High Protein, Senior Wet Dog Food takes our fourth and final spot. It’s designed for dogs that are at least seven years of age.

While it’s available in several different flavors, the senior beef and rice entree seems to be the favorite of most canines. Your dog will benefit from the real beef and high-quality grains to keep them healthy.

It’s not uncommon for senior dogs to struggle with digestion and this food is known for being easily digestible. Pet owners love that there aren’t any added artificial dyes or preservatives. On the other hand, the 23 essential vitamins and minerals are something dog parents can’t get enough of!
Best Food in Gravy
Purina Pro Plan Senior Beef & Rice Entree
Purina Pro Plan Senior Beef & Rice Entree

Designed for dogs that are at least seven years of age
Available in several different flavors
Contains real beef and high-quality grains
Easily digestible

Check Chewy
Check Amazon
Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Let’s have a look at a few things to think about before you pick a wet dog food for your older dog. This isn’t a decision to be made lightly, as the dog food you pick can have a significant impact on your dog’s attitude, wellness, and overall quality of life. While comparing different brands of dog food, keep the following considerations in mind.
Protein

Because dogs are mostly carnivores, they need a lot of protein to meet their nutritional needs. Senior dogs, on the other hand, require even more protein than adult dogs. Your pup needs protein to build and repair compromised tissue in the body.

Amino acids are a form of protein that helps the muscles repair themselves when the dog is not utilizing them. Senior dogs ingest more protein than pups or adult dogs, implying that they require more protein to function in daily life. The more protein your senior dog consumes, the better his or her body can heal.
Fiber

Fiber will aid to manage your senior dog’s digestive tract and bowel motions, making potty outings more consistent and less unpleasant. Changes in this area might be concerning for dogs who aren’t aware of what’s going on, so increasing their fiber intake is essential when choosing a wet food for your older dog.

Having said that, you should continue to keep an eye on your dog while altering its fiber intake. If you increase the volume of fiber in their diet and they start to have digestive problems or loose stools, you should gradually reduce the amount of fiber until you achieve the proper balance.
Calories

Obesity is common in senior dogs because they become tired faster and do not move as much. It’s usual for senior dogs to rest more and want to take a break from racing after a ball. As a result, calorie tracking is another responsibility for older dog owners.

In addition, the number of calories your elderly dog needs to sustain its weight is determined by their present weight and the level of exercise they get. When in doubt, look for help from your veterinarian. As a general guideline, give your dog half a can of for every ten pounds they weigh.
Fatty Acids

Omega 3s and Omega 6s are fatty acids that can support your older dog when it comes to preventing cardiac issues, which is one of the primary things people want to avoid. Fatty acids will function in tandem with the antioxidants in senior dog food to maintain their minds sharp and active.

Maintaining your dog’s mental activity can help them avoid the indications of aging and cherish their golden years. No one wants to see their pet’s mental health degrade over time, so check for fatty acids and antioxidants in the ingredient list.
Ingredients

Natural ingredients are always the safest for dogs, regardless of their age. This usually means fewer calories and no unnecessary filler items for your dog’s diet. Dogs, like people, should eat a diverse diet in order to receive the most benefits from it.

Natural ingredients will provide your dog with more minerals and vitamins, which will make them feel more energetic, improve their cognition and brain function, and avoid health concerns that will damage their quality of life. Grains like rice are frequently included in dog food to thicken the consistency and virtually always increase the number of carbs in each serving.
Moisture Content

Canned wet food contains 75% moisture and is the most costly type of cat food. Canned food is the most appetizing senior dog food for canines since it resembles fresh meats the most. The greatest shelf life is found in unopened canned foods, however, any opened cans must be chilled to extend their life.
Texture

If your elderly dog’s gums and teeth are bothering him, he may require a softer wet dog food than usual. This might be in the shape of a mousse, pâté, or little meat bits. All of the canned foods described above have textures that are easy to consume and digest.
The Different Types of Wet Food for Senior Dogs: Pros and Cons Compared

Though there aren’t necessarily different types of wet senior dog food, we still wanted to let you in on some of the benefits (and downfalls) of feeding your older dog this type of food instead of kibble. Let’s take a look at the important information below.
Wet Dog Food
Pros Cons
More water content Expensive
Higher in protein Quickly goes bad once opened
fewer carbs Less energy-dense
Long shelf life when left unopened
Easier for older dogs to eat
You can hide medication in it
Can be given to dogs with dental issues
Verified Review: User Experience

We all know how important reviews are when trying a new product, that’s probably why you’re reading this in the first place! One pet owner can’t get enough of our top Blue Buffalo choice and had this to say:

“I feed this to my three dachshunds who range in age from 9, 15, and 17. They all love it. No upset stomach or loose stools. That tends to happen with elderly dogs sometimes but not with this food. I’ve been feeding it for about 6 months now with no issues.”

Some dog foods can take a while to get your pup to warm up to. Thankfully, dogs tend to like the tasty flavor of wet food more than kibble. For our IAMS choice above, a pet parent found it to be their saving grace.

“My little 14.5-year-old Shih-poo was on hospice and we tried this as a last-ditch to try to get him to eat a little something. It was a random purchase honestly. But he started showing interest and actually begging for it like his old annoying self, haha. He gained some strength back and is doing so much better that we no longer consider him on hospice. He loves to eat this, and is so much stronger and more vibrant!! This food literally saved my dog’s life!”
Products For This Review

About the Author
Kirstin Opal
When she’s not busy playing with her several guinea pigs, 14-year-old dog, or her cat Spirit, Kirstin is writing articles to help other pet owners. She’s also a REALTOR® in the Twin Cities and is passionate about social justice. There’s nothing that beats a rainy day with a warm cup of tea and Frank Sinatra on vinyl for this millennial.
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10 Best Canned & Wet Dog Foods for Senior Dogs in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks
By
Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

Nicole Cosgrove
Last updated:
Jun 27 2022

Senior dog eating dog food_Ayla Verschueren_Unsplash

Senior dogs have unique dietary needs, just like humans. Depending on the size and breed of the dog, it may be considered “senior” after the age of five or seven. Each dog has unique nutritional needs according to its age, weight, activity level, and overall health, but generally, senior dog foods offer the nutrition aging dogs need to support their changing bodies and minds.

It can be difficult to choose the right senior dog food for your pet, however. Wet and canned food offers benefits over dry kibble, such as added moisture and a soft texture that’s easier for older dogs to eat comfortably.

We’ve compiled the 10 best canned and wet dog food for senior dogs, based on reviews from real pet owners.
divider-dog

A Glance at Our Favorites in 2022
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner

Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Canned Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Canned Dog Food
Chicken as first ingredient
Promotes muscle mass and vitality
Supports immunity
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Best Value
Second place

IAMS ProActive Health Senior Canned Dog Food
IAMS ProActive Health Senior Canned Dog Food
Pate texture
Meat as first ingredients
Added vitamins and minerals
Check Price
Third place

Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Complete Essentials Wet Food
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Complete Essentials Wet Food
Designed for older dogs
Our top vet-approved choice
Turkey as first ingredient
Check Price

Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel Canned Dog Food
Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel Canned Dog Food
Complete and balanced
Plenty of nutrients
Check Price
Vet’s Choice

Purina ONE SmartBlend Classic Adult Wet Food
Purina ONE SmartBlend Classic Adult Wet Food
Turkey as first ingredient
Antioxidants for immune health
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The 10 Best Canned and Wet Dog Foods for Senior Dogs

  1. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dog Food – Best Overall

Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Canned Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Water, chicken, cracked pearled barley, pork liver, whole grain corn, dried whey, dried beet pulp, corn gluten meal
Protein content: 3.5%
Fat content: 2.5%
Calories: 363 kcal/13 oz can

Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Canned Dog Food is the best overall canned and wet dog food for senior dogs and offers balanced nutrition to promote healthy muscle mass and mobility in senior dogs. High-quality protein sources like chicken and pork liver help to maintain body weight and support the function of vital organs.

This food is canned with a minced texture and is ideal for adult dogs seven years old and older. Despite good reviews from pet owners with senior dogs, some reviewers had issues with quality control or commented that the food texture was too solid for their dogs to eat comfortably.
Pros

Chicken as first ingredient
Promotes muscle mass and vitality

Supports immunity

Cons

Solid texture, harder for dogs with dental issues
  1. IAMS ProActive Health Senior Canned Dog Food – Best Value

IAMS ProActive Health Senior with Slow Cooked Chicken & Rice Canned Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Water, meat byproducts, chicken, chicken byproducts, brewers rice, wheat flour, wheat gluten, flax seed
Protein content: 7.0%
Fat content: 3.0%
Calories: 262 kcal/can

IAMS ProActive Health Senior Canned Dog Food is the best canned and wet dog food for senior dogs for the money. The pate texture has slow-cooked chicken and rice that’s appetizing to your dog, as well as omega fatty acids to promote a healthy coat and skin. Vitamins and minerals are added for balanced nutrition that supports your aging pet’s needs.

This food is designed for adult dogs seven years and older. It also has wholesome grains for healthy energy to keep your dog going into its golden years. Most reviewers saw good results with this food, but some mentioned that the food isn’t calorie- dense, and you have to feed more of it. Others said their dogs didn’t like it.
Pros

Pate texture
Meat as first ingredients

Added vitamins and minerals

Cons

Low in calories
  1. Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Wet Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Complete Essentials Turkey & Rice Entrée Wet Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Turkey, water, liver, meat byproducts, chicken, rice
Protein content: 9%
Fat content: 6.5%
Calories: 414 kcal/can

Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Complete Essentials Turkey & Rice Entrée Wet Dog food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of aging dogs. Real turkey is the first ingredient and offers a lot of high-quality protein to support a healthy body condition as your dog ages.

This food is made without soy or wheat with no artificial colors or flavors. Like other Purina foods, this wet dog food is manufactured in a Purina-owned US facility. Designed for dogs aged seven or older, this food also contains glucosamine and EPA, an omega fatty acid that supports joint health, and probiotics for healthy digestion. Some reviewers said their dogs didn’t like the food, however.
Pros

Our top vet-approved choice

Turkey as first ingredient

Cons

Adult 7+ only has two flavor options
  1. Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel Canned Dog Food

Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel Canned Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Water, pork byproducts, pork liver, chicken, brewers rice flour, chicken byproducts, wheat flour, powdered cellulose, wheat gluten
Protein content: 7.5%
Fat content: 2.0%
Calories: 345 kcal/can

Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel Canned Dog Food is designed specifically for the needs of aging dogs five years and older. This formula uses L-carnitine to help the body burn fat and plenty of protein to support muscle mass as your dog ages. The appetizing loaf-style food is in a rich sauce that whets appetites.

Fish oil, biotin, niacin, riboflavin, and other vitamins are added for skin and coat health, nervous system function, and overall health. It’s complete and balanced, so it can be fed on its own or with a dry food. While many reviewers saw good results, others said their dogs didn’t like the food or mentioned the hard, solid texture, which had to be chopped up to serve.
Pros

Complete and balanced

Plenty of nutrients

Cons

Hard texture, some dog owners reported their dogs had a hard time chewing
  1. Purina ONE SmartBlend Adult Dog Food – Vet’s Choice

Purina ONE SmartBlend Classic Ground Turkey & Barley Entrée Adult Wet Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Turkey, turkey broth, chicken, liver, pork lungs, oat meal, barley, carrots
Protein content: 8.0%
Fat content: 7.0%
Calories: 424 kcal/can

Purina ONE SmartBlend Classic Ground Turkey & Barley Entrée Adult Wet Dog Food is the vet’s choice for senior dog food. Real turkey is the first ingredient for high-quality protein that helps to preserve muscle mass in older dogs. It also contains medium-chain triglycerides for alertness and omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.

Designed for older, picky eaters, the food has a savory poultry flavor with wholesome grains for energy support. It’s made in the USA with antioxidants to help your aging pet. Many reviewers were pleased with this food, but some said it smelled strong and their dogs wouldn’t eat it.
Pros

Turkey as first ingredient

Antioxidants for immune health

Cons

Strong smell, may not be a good choice for small apartments
  1. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Canned Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables Canned Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, carrots, peas, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, sweet potatoes
Protein content: 7.5%
Fat content: 4.5%
Calories: 396 kcal/cup

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Senior Wet Dog Food offers a rich mix of chicken, vegetables, and grains to support your senior dog’s health. This wet food has chunks of real meat to make it appetizing for picky eaters and is enhanced with vitamins and minerals like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

The pate-style food contains no byproduct meals, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives. It offers whole nutrition, so it can be fed on its own or as a topper for dry food. All Blue Buffalo food is manufactured in the US and uses trusted ingredient sources. Several reviewers complained of quality control issues, however.
Pros

Chicken as first ingredient

Added vitamins and minerals

Cons

Quality control issues
  1. Evanger’s Classic Recipes Senior Canned Dog Food

Evanger’s Classic Recipes Senior & Weight Management Dinner Canned Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, brown rice, guar gum, dried kelp, yucca schidigera
Protein content: 7.0%
Fat content: 4.0%
Calories: 301 kcal/can

Evanger’s Classic Recipes Senior & Weight Management Dinner Canned Dog Food is ideal for older or less active dogs. It features meat as the first ingredient and wholesome grain to support energy needs. The food also contains chelated trace minerals and vitamins for optimal health.

The meat-based formula has balanced nutrition, so it can be fed on its own or as a topper for dry food. There are no preservatives, salt, fillers, or soy added. While many reviewers were satisfied, others said their dogs wouldn’t eat it or mentioned inconsistencies across ingredients that altered the look and texture of the food.
Pros

Meat as first ingredient
Whole grains

No preservatives or filler

Cons

Inconsistency with ingredients across batches
  1. Wellness Complete Health Senior Formula Canned Dog Food

Wellness Complete Health Senior Formula Canned Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Chicken broth, chicken, whitefish, chicken liver, ground barley, rice bran, sweet potatoes, carrots
Protein content: 7.0%
Fat content: 3.0%
Calories: 326 kcal/can

Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Sweet Potato formula is ideal for aging dogs and contains premium protein and nutrient-rich vegetables. This food offers complete and balanced nutrition in an easy-to-eat pate-style wet formula to support muscle mass, digestive function, energy, and a healthy coat and skin.

This food is made without meat byproducts, fillers, or artificial preservatives. It’s also free of wheat, soy, and peas. Many reviewers were pleased with the results for their dogs, but some complained about the inconvenience of having to open the can with a can opener. Some other reviewers said their dogs didn’t like the food.
Pros

Real meat as first ingredients

No wheat, soy, or peas

Cons

Must be opened with a can opener
  1. Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Trio Senior Wet Dog Food

Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Trio Protein Chicken, Lamb & Whitefish Pate with Superfoods Senior Wet Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, dried egg product, lamb, whitefish
Protein content: 8.0%
Fat content: 5.0%
Calories: 98 kcal/tray

Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Trio Protein Chicken, Lamb & Whitefish Pate with Superfoods Senior Wet Dog Food uses real meat like chicken, lamb, and whitefish to support your dog’s protein needs. It also contains high-quality ingredients like apples, blueberries, yam, and chia seeds.

This food has no chicken byproduct meal, GMOs, wheat, soy, grain, or artificial additives. You can feed it on its own or as a topper for dry food. It’s high in calories for dogs that struggle to maintain weight. Many reviewers had good results with this food, especially with picky eaters, but some said their dogs wouldn’t touch it. Be sure to check with your vet to see if grain-free is appropriate for your dog, since most dogs benefit from grains in their diets.
Pros

Real meat as first ingredients
No chicken byproduct meal, GMOs, wheat, or soy

High in calories

Cons

Some dogs don’t like it
  1. Halo Holistic Chicken Recipe Senior Canned Dog Food

Halo Holistic Chicken Recipe Senior Canned Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, oat bran, pea flour, pea fiber, carrots, peas, salt, guar gum
Protein content: 8.5%
Fat content: 4.5%
Calories: 405 kcal/can

Halo Holistic Chicken Recipe Senior Canned Dog Food is a great choice for your senior dog. It contains whole chicken meat as the first ingredient and sustainably sourced ingredients from non-GMO producers. The food contains plenty of protein, fiber, and nutrients to support your senior dog’s health needs.

This formula has no artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. It’s designed to support sensitive digestion in older dogs, ensuring maximum nutrient absorption. You can feed this balanced recipe on its own or as a topper for dry food. Reviewers had good experiences overall, though some mentioned that it’s expensive for the amount.
Pros

Whole chicken as first ingredient
No artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives

Designed for sensitive stomachs

Cons

Expensive, may be too much for multi-dog households

divider-dog paw
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Canned and Wet Dog Food for Senior Dogs

Choosing the right food for your dog comes down to preference, but here are some things to consider:

Protein: Protein is essential for all dogs, but it’s extremely important for aging dogs to maintain healthy muscle mass and strength. Look for animal sources of protein like chicken, beef, turkey, or fish.
Digestibility: As your dog ages, it may not be able to absorb the nutrients it needs as easily. Some dog foods for senior dogs have added vitamins and minerals to ensure balanced nutrition, but you could also look for formulas designed for high digestibility.
Texture: Older dogs may have lost teeth over time, making it more difficult to eat comfortably. A wet or canned food that’s soft and easy to chew can ensure your dog doesn’t struggle to eat all its food.

Supplements: Supplemental ingredients aren’t a required part of your dog’s diet, but they can help to support different health needs or fill in gaps in your dog’s diet. Look for foods with added supplements like prebiotics and probiotics, medium-chain triglycerides, and omega fatty acids.

divider-dog
Conclusion

Senior dog food is a unique formula designed for the needs of aging pets. Our top pick is Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Canned Dog Food for its balanced nutrition. For value, choose IAMS ProActive Health Senior Canned Dog Food. The premium choice is Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Complete Essentials Turkey & Rice Entrée Wet Dog food. There’s also Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel Canned Dog Food is designed specifically for the needs of aging dogs five years and older, and the vet’s choice, Purina ONE SmartBlend Classic Ground Turkey & Barley Entrée Adult Wet Dog Food.

Featured Image Credit: Ayla Verschueren, Unsplash

Written by
Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

Nicole Cosgrove

Lead Pet Expert & Pet-ditor in Chief

Nicole is the proud mom of Baby, a Burmese cat and Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts’ knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.

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