Contrary to what you may have heard, byproduct meats and meals help make pet foods more affordable, sustainable, and nutritious, Luisana says. That's why many budget foods will contain byproducts — typically organ meat, like liver, says Dr. Nancy Welborn, a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. "Meals are cooked meats or bones, ground up. They provide things like calcium, phosphorus, and protein," Welborn says, adding that pet food companies aren't permitted to include inappropriate animal parts in their products. Feeding large breed dogs food specifically formulated for their size is crucial to reduce the risk of orthopedic issues. These problems can arise as early as puppyhood and become even more prevalent in their senior years. That's why Luisana recommends senior pup parents take a proactive approach and monitor dogs for early signs of joint and bone diseases. While some changes in behavior, like decreased activity, may be attributed to aging, Luisana says not to overlook the possibility of underlying orthopedic issues such as arthritis. Both wet and dry foods offer nutritious options for senior dogs. While some older pets who have had teeth extracted may prefer wet food, others prefer kibble — whether they still have their teeth or not. If your dog won't eat wet food but has trouble chewing, you can always soften their kibble with some water. Your veterinarian may recommend feeding a wet food diet if your dog has a medical condition or tends to get dehydrated easily. At what age should a dog be put on senior food?

According to our experts, dogs are considered seniors at different ages based on their breed size. Giant breeds may be considered seniors as early as 5 years old, while toy breeds may reach their senior years closer to age 10. It's not unhealthy for an older dog to switch to a senior diet based on age. However, Freeman recommends taking your dog's overall health into account. Senior dogs in good health may not need a senior diet. Does senior dog food make a difference? Our experts say the following criteria are important to consider when shopping for senior dog food:While the 'mixing bowl' composition is useful for knowing what went into the food, it doesn't always reflect what your dog is actually eating. This is because the processes that turn the ingredients into the finished pet food can significantly alter the relative weights of the ingredients. Feeding-trial tested versus formulated foods: The best senior dog foods have been formulated — and in some cases, feeding-trial tested — to meet the AAFCO's nutritional standards for adult maintenance or all life stages. If your dog's food has an AAFCO label, you'll know the recipe fulfills the recommended protein, fat, and nutrient requirements for adult dogs. A label indicating feeding trials confirms the food's safety and palatability based on testing with a group of dogs. Luisana says the age at which dogs are considered seniors can vary based on breed size. Smaller dogs may not reach senior status until age 10 or 11 since they generally have longer life spans than other pups.

These foods from Hill's, Wellness, and Blue Buffalo are formulated for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs. Giving less food can be a successful approach to weight loss, but there is the risk of not providing adequate nutrition," says Freeman. Alternatively, your veterinarian might suggest a specialized weight-loss diet formulated to meet your dog's nutritional requirements in fewer calories. Our recommendations for the best dog food for weight loss are formulated to keep your pup fuller for longer without sacrificing essential vitamins and nutrients. The best senior dog food provides tailored nutrition for aging pups. Your pup may benefit from foods for older dogs if they show signs of aging, such as decreased mobility, muscle loss, or cognitive decline. These foods often include beneficial additions like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, antioxidants to counter the effects of aging, and extra omega fatty acids to reduce inflammation. Dr. Mark Freeman is a board-certified veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Freeman earned his BS in Biology at Morehead State University and earned his DVM at Auburn University. His research interests include animal behavior and molecular biology. While you'll find wet food generally contains more fat per serving than dry food, it tends to have fewer calories per serving than kibble, and the water content can be more filling. When it comes to protein, the AAFCO recommends a minimum of 18% for adult dogs, but Luisana says senior dogs experiencing muscle loss may need more, and pups with renal or liver disease may need less.

Pricing

For this reason we've calculated the approximate 'as fed' percentages for the main ingredient categories in the finished product. Senior dogs who have multiple tooth extractions or dental disease may also benefit from a soft food diet such as canned or fresh food, says Dr. Emily Luisana, a veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC.

We've also had the chance to get input from our dogs by feeding them many different brands and types of food, some of which we included in this guide. Instead of solely relying on the ingredient list to evaluate food quality, Luisana suggests considering other factors. For example, most quality brands will employ veterinary nutritional experts, provide ingredient tracing, maintain quality control measures, and contribute to research efforts.Wet dog food has a higher moisture content, typically 75% to 78%, whereas dry dog food contains only about 10% to 12% moisture. This is a perk for pups prone to dehydration or ones with reduced kidney function, which is common in older dogs, says Dr. Mark Freeman, a veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

Calorie content: A dog's metabolism typically slows as they age, and many seniors are less active. So, senior dog foods usually contain fewer calories than adult formulations, according to Churchill. Freeman adds that overweight senior dogs are at greater risk of weight-related conditions like arthritis and diabetes. That said, feeding your dog less food could result in a nutritional deficiency. That's why Freeman recommends switching to a low-calorie senior diet or a weight-management diet based on guidance from your vet. Dr. Julie Churchill is a board-certified nutritionist, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine-Nutrition, and a professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing veterinary training at Michigan State University, Churchill pursued Internal Medicine and Nutrition residencies and earned her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Her interests include seeing patients in the clinic, mentoring students, and finding more effective ways to teach nutrition and facilitate the integration of nutrition into the care of all patients by healthcare teams. Breed-size formulation: The best food for your senior pup may depend on their size. Our experts say small and large breed seniors have different health risks and may also require different calorie amounts and kibble sizes. Buying food specific to your pup's size helps ensure they get a recipe formulated for their needs.If your senior dog has eaten kibble all their life and continues to enjoy it, you don't need to switch to wet food unless your vet recommends it. In fact, Luisana says some of her patients with no teeth still prefer kibble. However, she recommends feeding your dog a grain-inclusive senior diet, as long as they aren't sensitive to grains. Freeman says some evidence suggests grain-free dog food can increase the risk of specific types of irreversible heart damage in dogs — namely, canine cardiomyopathy (DCM), which leads to an enlarged heart. "Taking that into consideration, grain-free diets are not recommended for any dog," Freeman says. Freeman says it's not unhealthy to transition older dogs to a senior diet based on their age alone. However, a more reliable indicator is overall healthier rather than age. Some dogs remain healthy throughout their senior years, so they may not need or benefit from a senior diet like other dogs might, he says. To select foods for this guide, we spoke with two board-certified veterinary nutritionists and two small animal veterinarians. They helped us understand the unique dietary needs of senior dogs and what makes the best senior dog food. No, our entire grain free wet dog food range can be fed to dogs as a topper to any of our dry foods or as a complete meal on its own. Does Skinner’s use mixed protiens in their recipes?