Best Dog Food for Senior Dogs 2026

For dog owners, the reality that our pets live such short lives means that we do everything we can to make our time together count. To ensure that their later years are as comfortable, healthy, and happy as possible, we need to make healthier decisions when choosing the best dog food for senior dogs.

If you have an older dog or a dog nearing their senior years, you might be wondering what you can do to boost your old dog's quality of life. Providing complete and balanced nutrition is the best place to start. Nourishing from the inside out is one of the most effective ways to give ageing dogs more vitality and, in some cases, more time.

Below, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite senior dog foods, plus a quick guide on what to look for when choosing a formula.

Is My Dog A Senior?

Knowing when to consider your dog a senior is a great way to help you better monitor their health and determine how to ensure optimal nutrition for their needs.

Different breeds age differently, so while one dog may be considered a senior at 7, others will not reach senior status until closer to 9. Size plays a big role in lifespan, with larger breeds being considered old earlier than smaller breeds.

A good guideline to follow is:

• • Small breeds: 8-10
  • Medium Breeds: 7-8
  • Large Breeds: 6-7
  • Giant Breeds: 5-6

Certain breeds don't follow these guidelines, and not all dogs who are considered seniors actually show any kind of physical or cognitive decline right away. The point is that once your dog closes in on old age, it's important to keep an eye out for symptoms like the ones described above.

Do Senior Dogs Need Different Food?

As dogs age, their dietary needs can shift a little. From caloric intake to digestibility, your senior dog's diet should help to reduce signs of ageing and support better overall health.

Food plays a significant role in canine health, so choosing a healthy diet can be your first and most powerful tool for slowing the effects of getting older. Opting for a senior-focused dog recipe can help support your dog as they slow down and deal with common senior dog issues.

Not every old dog will need a senior-specific dog food, but they are a simple option for those who are noticing signs of ageing and prefer an uncomplicated option that targets senior concerns.

Formulas targeting the needs of senior dogs can be found in most food formats, like kibble, canned foods, and even raw. These are all crafted with modified nutrients and carefully selected ingredients to support older dogs.

Choosing the Right Type of Dog Food for Senior Dogs

Different formats of food may suit dogs' nutritional needs as they age. Each dog food format has its own benefits and drawbacks, so don't limit yourself to just one style.

The most convenient option for you might not be giving your senior pet everything they need to thrive. The best food format for your senior dog depends on their health and preferences:

• • Dry Kibble: Convenient and budget-friendly. Look for high-quality options with added joint and cognitive support.
  • Wet Food: Easier to chew and digest, especially for dogs with dental issues.
  • Raw Food: Nutrient-dense and minimally processed, ideal for maintaining muscle and overall health.
  • Dehydrated/Fresh Food: Combines convenience with high-quality nutrition and is easy to digest.

Check out Types of Dog Food to learn more about the benefits of each dog food type and how it may help support your dog as they age.

Not all food types offer different life-stage options. Senior formulas are more common in kibble and canned foods, while freeze-dried and raw diets are more likely to take the all-life stage approach.

This is easier to achieve in a carnivore-style diet, as fresh, whole foods are going to offer more digestible sources of key nutrients that senior dogs need to stay healthy and vibrant.

This is one reason that raw food for senior dogs is a popular option. Some of our favourite brands include Big Country Raw, K9 Choice, and Iron Will.

What to Look for in Senior Dog Food

When choosing senior dog food, look for formulas that support mobility, healthy weight, easy digestion, and muscle maintenance.

• • Joint Support: Senior dog food often contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and other natural supplements which help maintain joint health and mobility.
  • Calorie Adjustment: Senior formulas may have fewer calories to prevent weight gain in less active dogs.
  • Enhanced Digestibility: Ingredients like fibre-rich ingredients and probiotics support gut health, improve stool quality, and support better nutrient and calorie distribution.
  • Cognitive Health Support: Some senior foods include DHA and antioxidants to aid brain function and slow cognitive decline.
  • Protein Quality: It's a common misconception that older dogs need lower protein. Many senior foods now maintain or even increase protein levels to support muscle mass, and instead focus on providing high-quality and easily digestible protein sources.

Best Senior Dog Foods of 2026

Older dogs need a diet that suits their unique needs, but it's not always easy to know which brand or formula to choose. To help you narrow down the contenders, we put together a list of 10 of our favourite healthy senior dog food brands.

From easy-to-feed kibble to moisture-rich canned diets, each brand on our list brings something unique and nutritious to the table to support your dog's golden years.

1. Orijen Senior Dog Food

This protein-rich senior dog food is made with multiple high-quality animal proteins to maintain muscle and support their hips and joints. Orijen Senior Dog Food is made in Canada using regionally sourced ingredients and a mix of fresh and dehydrated ingredients, providing amazing flavour and easy-to-digest nutrition.

Though the food is lower in calories and fat than the adult version, Orijen products are designed to be nutrient-dense, allowing for more nutrition in a smaller meal. This is one of our best senior dry dog foods due to its natural ingredients and high digestibility.

2. Go! Solutions Senior Dog Food

Go! Solutions Carnivore Senior Dog Food is the perfect blend of flavour and nutrition for ageing dogs. This formula is high in protein, low in carbs, and loaded with essential nutrients from real food ingredients like chicken, turkey meal, duck, apples, sweet potatoes, and more.

This diet also includes green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, and chondroitin to support your old dog's hip and joint health.

3. Acana Senior Dog Food 

Another of our favourite Canadian partners, Acana Senior Dog Food, is focused on promoting lean muscle mass, a strong immune system, and healthy skin and coat. This multi-protein formula is highly palatable to encourage healthy and consistent eating habits.

Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from fish oil help to support cognitive function in older dogs, which can delay or minimize the signs of ageing. 

4. Open Farm Senior Dog Food

What's better than high-quality and nutrient-dense dog food that helps your senior dog thrive? How about one that uses sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients that you can feel good about feeding to your pooch?

Open Farm Senior Dog Food is a protein-rich formula that helps support lean muscle and a healthy weight. Green lipped mussels and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation around the hips and joints to improve and protect mobility.

5. Canadian Naturals Senior Dog Food

Canadian Naturals Senior Dog Food is a simple, wholesome option made right here in Canada. This recipe is designed to support the changing needs of senior dogs with lower fat content and added glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint health.

With protein-rich turkey and salmon and fibre-rich grains, it’s an affordable and digestible choice for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs or selective palates.

6. FirstMate Weight Control Senior Dry Dog Food

If your older pup is slowing down, FirstMate Weight Control Senior Dry Dog Food offers a limited-ingredient formula to help maintain a healthy weight without sacrificing flavour or nutrition.

This Canadian-made food features wild-caught fish, along with easily digestible carbohydrates and added blueberries for antioxidant support. It’s low-fat and uses highly digestible proteins, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

7. Instinct Raw Longevity 7+

Support your senior’s vitality with the power of raw. Instinct Raw Longevity 7+ is a frozen raw food specially formulated for dogs over 7, offering high-quality animal protein, functional superfoods, and targeted nutrients to promote a long, healthy life.

This diet includes calcium, phosphorus, and glucosamine for strong joints and bones, along with omega fatty acids and antioxidants to support brain, heart, and immune health in older dogs.

8. Vetdiet Senior Wet Dog Food 

When it comes to choosing the best senior wet dog food, you can't go wrong with a Canadian brand that is dedicated to harnessing the power of both nature and science, Vetdiet. 

Vetdiet Senior Wet Dog Food is specially designed to support healthy weight, digestion, and skin and coat health. Using natural ingredients, this moisture-rich diet can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption as they age.

9. Now Fresh Wet Food for Senior Dogs

Now Fresh Wet Food for Senior Dogs is a ready-to-serve meal in a convenient pouch, made with fresh chicken and salmon and packed with nutrient-rich superfoods like pumpkin, cranberries, and carrots.

Designed to support older dogs, this recipe contains L-carnitine to maintain a healthy weight and added glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health. Serve it as a complete meal or use it as a topper for added hydration and flavour.

10. Hills' Science Diet 7+ Wet Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet 7+ Wet Dog Food is formulated specifically for the nutritional needs of dogs in their golden years. This tasty entree combines real beef and barley in a soft, easy-to-chew texture that older dogs love.

With balanced minerals and antioxidants for a healthy immune system and overall vitality, it’s a vet-recommended way to nourish your senior dog with every bite.

Best Senior Dog Food FAQs

How much should you feed your senior dog?

The appropriate amount of food to feed your senior dog depends on several factors, including their age, weight, activity level, and overall health. As dogs age, their metabolism and activity levels often decrease, which can lead to weight gain if their diet isn't adjusted accordingly.           

Do seniors need low-protein dog food?

Contrary to popular belief, not all senior dogs require reduced protein intake. Some senior dogs may need increased protein to support muscle maintenance and prevent muscle loss associated with ageing.

What are the best ingredients for senior dog food?

The best senior dog foods include high-quality sources of protein, easily digestible carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. These ingredients help support the specific nutritional needs of senior dogs.

What should I look for in dog food for my senior dog?

When choosing dog food for senior dogs, look for products specifically formulated for your older dog’s unique nutritional needs. Choose senior dog foods sourced from high-quality protein that are lower in calories to prevent weight gain and contain joint-supporting ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin.

Should I choose wet or dry food for my senior dog?

The choice between wet and dry food for senior dogs depends on their preferences, dental health, and any specific dietary concerns. Wet food can be more palatable and easier to chew for dogs with dental problems, while dry kibble can help promote dental health. A mix of both wet and dry can be a great option.

Are there foods to help treat my senior dog's health conditions?

Senior dogs may have specific dietary considerations. Some may require reduced-calorie foods to manage weight, while others may benefit from foods with added fibre for digestive health. Most senior formulas are designed to help support the most common conditions, but it's still a good idea to talk to your vet about how to best support more severe or unique senior dog conditions.

Can adult dogs eat senior dog food?

It's not recommended. If you have a multi-dog household, some amount of cross over between bowls is not uncommon, but feeding a senior dog food to an adult dog can lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and other issues. If you prefer feeding a recipe that suits both adult and senior dogs, stick to an all life stage diet.