The Best Senior Dog Food for Large Dogs

Not only do large breed dogs have specific dietary needs, but senior dogs have additional nutritional requirements, too.

At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Senior Dog Food for Large Dogs:

• Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken –  Our Top Pick
• Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Senior 7+ Shredded Blend Adult Dry Dog Food
• Nutro Max Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
• Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Dog Food
• Nulo Senior Grain-Free Dog Food With Glucosamine And Chondroitin, Trout And Sweet Potato Recipe

So how do you go about picking the best senior dog food for large breeds?

We’ll try and help with our list of the best dog food for senior dogs with 10 top-rated picks.

Use this guide to check out the features and benefits of each dry dog food on our list and decide which is the right recipe for your older dog and your budget.

Best Senior Dog Food for Large Dogs

#1 –Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken

Blue Buffalo is at the top of the game when it comes to premium dog foods. Their Grain-Free Natural Senior Dry Dog Food is no exception.

The first ingredient is deboned chicken, which is a much healthier choice than a chicken meal, which can include bones. Being grain-free, this food is a great choice for dogs who suffer from food allergies and pet parents who believe that dogs do better without gluten or grain in their diet.

This senior dog food recipe maintains a good balance between protein and carbohydrates to keep your older dog full and provide plenty of energy. Unlike some other foods, this senior dry dog food also includes taurine, which is crucial for maintaining good heart health.

Blue Buffalo also adds LifeSource Bits to all their recipes. These soft bits are cooked at a lower temperature than traditional kibble and cold-pressed. This helps the bits retain more nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are easily destroyed by heat.

Blue Buffalo’s Senior Grain-Free Recipe also contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Grain-free
• Deboned chicken is the first ingredient
• LifeSource Bits contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• Contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3
• Has no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Ingredients:

Deboned Chicken, Tapioca Starch, Potatoes, Chicken Meal, Peas, Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene), Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Potato Starch, Fish Oil (source of DHA-Docosahexaenoic Acid), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Fiber, Dried Egg, Dicalcium Phosphate, Alfalfa Meal, Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride,DL-Methionine, Dried Chicory Root, Choline Chloride, Caramel, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Garlic, Salt, Parsley, Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Turmeric, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Oil of Rosemary, L-Carnitine, L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Calcium Iodate.

User Reviews:

Most reviews raved about their senior dogs loving the flavor, digestive issues improving, and skin itching and other problems disappearing. The few negative reviews are mostly related to a few dog food recalls, with the most recent being nearly a year ago.

Bottom Line:

Based on user reviews and the quality of the ingredients, Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Senior Dry Dog Food earns our Top Pick rating for the best dog food for senior dogs.

It includes great ingredients along with supporting probiotics, omega-3, and glucosamine and chondroitin to help your older dog feel their best.

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#2 – Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Senior 7+ Shredded Blend Adult Dry Dog Food

Big dogs are expensive to feed, and if a premium dog food isn’t in your budget. Purina Pro Plan’s SAVOR Dry Senior Dog Food is a more budget-friendly option that is healthier than most of the cheaper foods out there for a perfect mix of affordability and quality for your senior large breed dog.

Chicken is the first ingredient rather than a meal or byproduct, which is excellent for a budget option. This senior dog food also contains glucosamine to give it a bit of a boost over cheaper foods.

Guaranteed live probiotics along with prebiotic fiber are excellent for supporting digestive health. This shredded blend includes tender meaty pieces that dogs love alongside the traditional kibble.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Chicken is the first ingredient
• Affordable
• Tender meaty pieces for a taste dogs love
• Contains 28% protein

Ingredients:

Chicken, Brewers Rice, Poultry By-Product Meal (Natural Source of Glucosamine), Whole Grain Corn, Soybean Meal, Barley, Fish Meal (Natural Source of Glucosamine), Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols (Form of Vitamin E), Animal Digest, Dried Egg Product, Glycerin, Fish Oil, Wheat Bran, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Manganese Proteinate, DL-Methionine, Ferrous Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Sulfur, Copper Proteinate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Garlic Oil, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Sodium Selenite. D-4486

User Reviews:

Most reviewers said their senior dog was healthy and happy on this senior dog food, although there were some reports of bad batches.

Bottom Line:

Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Senior 7+ Shredded Blend Adult Dry Dog Food contains more fillers than premium senior dog foods, but it’s still a solid choice if you’re looking for a more affordable option for your large breed senior dog.

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#3 –Nutro Max Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for budget-friendly dog food for older dogs that isn’t grain-free, this dry dog food from Nutro Max is a good option.

While this recipe isn’t entirely grain-free, it is free from corn, wheat, or soy protein. Corn, in particular, is a filler ingredient with little nutritional value, so a senior dog food like this one that avoids it is a good option.

Nutro is also committed to using non-GMO ingredients. They also own and operate their own facilities in the United States.

It’s important to note that while the packaging says that it’s “made with no chicken by-product meal,” the first ingredient is chicken meal, so this isn’t an appropriate food for senior dogs that are allergic to chicken.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Affordable
• Made in the United States
• Contains no corn, wheat, or soy protein
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Ingredients:

Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brewers Rice, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Beef, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavor, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Whole Brown Rice, Chickpeas, Lamb Meal, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Salt, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium Yeast, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract, Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract

User Reviews:

Most reviews are pleased with how much their dog loves the food or how it’s improved their digestion or skin problems. However, there are some reviews stating how their pet got very sick after starting this senior dog food, with some reviews saying the quality used to be good, but they got a bad batch that made their dog ill.

Bottom Line:

Nutro Max Natural Dry Adult Dog Food isn’t a premium dog food for senior dogs, but for a budget-friendly option, this is a good choice for your aging dog. While it may upset their stomach, odds are better that your older dog will love the flavor and thrive on it.

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#4 – Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Dog Food

Science Diet is scientifically formulated and recommended by veterinarians more than any other dog food. It’s perfect dog food for senior dogs who have slowed down as they’ve aged and don’t need as many calories. It’s also made in the United States.

The Adult Light food has a clinically-proven antioxidant blend with vitamins to support a healthy immune system. It also has vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Made in the United States
• Scientifically formulated
• Recommended by more vets than any other brand

Ingredients:

Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Oats, Pork Fat, Dried Beet Pulp, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Soybean Oil, Lactic Acid, Pork Flavor, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Iodized Salt, Choline Chloride, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), L-Lysine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Oat Fiber, L-Carnitine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli, Carrots, Cranberries, Green Peas

User Reviews:

Most dog owners say their older dogs loved the taste of this food. Several reviews mention their dog having smaller, firmer stools, and some reviews mention that their dog’s skin or energy levels improved. There are some mentions of bad batches, and some dogs became sick after switching to the Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Dog Food.

Bottom Line:

While some older dogs seem to suffer stomach problems, Science Diet is a good option for most senior dogs, and it’s veterinarian recommended.

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#5 – Nulo Senior Grain-Free Dog Food With Glucosamine And Chondroitin, Trout And Sweet Potato Recipe

If you’re looking for a premium senior dog food, Nulo Senior Dog Grain-Free is a great option. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin along with probiotics so your dog’s joints and intestinal tract can both be well-supported. It’s 80% protein, and the first three ingredients are all meat-based.

Be sure to closely follow the feeding guidelines, because your senior dog may need less of this high-protein diet than one that’s full of carbohydrate fillers. This senior dog food recipe also manages to avoid tapioca and white potatoes, which are common fillers with little nutritional value. Aside from the meat ingredients, there are plenty of fruits and vegetables to round out your pup’s nutritional needs. 

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Contains no corn; wheat; soy; white potatoes; tapioca; artificial colors, flavorings or preservatives
• Made in the USA
• Includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and probiotics
• 80% animal-based protein
• Grain-free

Ingredients:

Deboned trout, turkey meal, salmon meal, yellow peas, sweet potato, chickpeas, deboned turkey, pea fiber, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols & citric acid), lentils, natural flavor, yeast culture, dried chicory root, dried tomatoes, dried carrots, dried blueberries, dried apples, salt, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, l-carnitine, choline chloride, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, zinc proteinate, vitamin E supplement, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), iron proteinate, niacin, copper proteinate, thiamine mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, manganous oxide, pyridoxine hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), sodium selenite, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin, dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product, vitamin B12 supplement, calcium iodate, folic acid, rosemary extract

User Reviews:

Many reviews mention how their senior dogs had more energy; shinier, healthier coats; reduced stomach problems; and reduced joint pain after being switched to this food. There are very few negative reviews, and they mostly revolve around the pungent fish smell and picky dogs who wouldn’t eat it.

Bottom Line:

Nulo Senior Grain-Free is quite pricy, but it’s one of the best foods for senior dogs you can buy if you can afford it. Most older dogs seem to have an improved quality of life after being switched, especially dogs with food allergies or joint pain.

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#6 – Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity Adult 7+ Formula Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for something more affordable, Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity Adult 7+ Formula Dry Dog Food is a decent low-cost dog food for senior dogs. The first ingredient is chicken rather than chicken meal, but this food does contain a lot of fillers, including chicken by-product meal as the fourth ingredient listed on the label.

Purina One SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity contains tender morsels for a taste your senior dog will love and antioxidants for mental sharpness and healthy energy.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Affordable
• Chicken is the first ingredient
• Contains glucosamine

Ingredients:

Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Germ Meal, Oat Meal, Medium-Chain Triglyceride Vegetable Oil, Whole Grain Wheat, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Pea Fiber, Poultry And Pork Digest, Beef Fat Naturally Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Glycerin, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Dried Egg Product, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Caramel Color, Potassium Chloride, Dried Carrots, Dried Peas, VITAMINS [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Choline Chloride, MINERALS [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Sulfur, Garlic Oil. E-4181

User Reviews:

Most dog owners report that their senior dogs love the taste and seem to be doing fine on this food. There are a lot of reports of dogs having allergic reactions and stomach problems. There are also reports of bags of food containing mold or insects.

Bottom Line:

You could do a lot worse than this product. If you need a more affordable senior dog food for your large breed, this food may be the best way to go.

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#7 – Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe

If your adult dog has diarrhea, pumpkin will often clear it up due to the fiber content. Since this food includes pumpkin as one of the major ingredients, it’s perfect for dogs with stomach problems. It’s also grain-free and contains glucosamine.

Beef is a common food allergen for dogs, so this beef-free food is a great option for those older dogs. Phosphorous and calcium help your dog build strong bones and teeth, while antioxidants support your dog’s overall health.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Contains glucosamine
• Grain free
• All life stages formula is perfect for households with dogs of different ages
• Pumpkin is great for digestion

Ingredients:

Chicken, Potatoes, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Poultry Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Apples, Pumpkin, Natural Flavor, Tapioca Starch, Tomato Pomace, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Inositol, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Beta-carotene, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Lactic Acid, Citric Acid (Used as a Preservative), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract

User Reviews:

With the addition of pumpkin, this food is great for most older dogs with stomach problems, and many owners reported that their dog’s stomach problems improved after switching to this food. Most dogs enjoy the taste. Many negative reviews mention some quality control problems, with a new bag of food making their dog sick after being on this brand for years.

Bottom Line:

Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin recipe is affordable, and most senior dogs do well on it. It’s a great middle of the road senior dog food that sensitivities often thrive on.

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#8 – Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Nutro is one of the first brands to make their dog food non-GMO, which makes it appealing to a lot of people. It not only contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help your senior dog’s joints, but it also contains omega-3 for healthy skin.

This is also one of the only senior dog foods specifically designed for large breed dogs, with larger kibble to help prevent gulping.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Non-GMO
• Contains omega-3
• Has glucosamine and chondroitin

Ingredients:

Chicken, Brewers Rice, Whole Brown Rice, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Split Peas, Rice Bran, Barley, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Sweet Potato, Natural Flavor, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Salt, Dried Apples, Dried Blueberries, Dried Carrots, Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid (preservatives), Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Selenium Yeast, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract

User Reviews:

Most big breed senior dogs do well on this food and enjoy the flavor. However, some dog owners complained that all changed when Nutro modified the formula of this food last year and it now makes their dog sick, or their dog refuses to eat it.

Bottom Line:

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Large Breed is non-GMO and contains a lot of good ingredients. While there is a chance your dog may have a negative reaction, most senior dogs do well on this dog food.

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#9 – Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Senior Dry Dog Food, Turkey & Potato

Chicken is a common allergen for dogs, so this limited ingredient dog food is a great choice for older dogs that are allergic to chicken. In addition to glucosamine and chondroitin, it also has DHA, an amino acid that’s great for the brain and eye health.

The addition of pumpkin makes this food highly digestible, while taurine improves heart health.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Limited ingredient diet with turkey instead of chicken
• LifeSource Bits are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
• Contains no chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs
• Has DHA for brain and eye health

Ingredients:

Deboned Turkey, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Peas, Turkey Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Potato Starch, Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (source of DHA Docosahexaenoic Acid), Potassium Chloride, Alfalfa Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Pumpkin, Dried Chicory Root, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Caramel, Vitamin E Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Salt, Taurine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Glucosamine Hydrochloride, DL-Methionine, Dicalcium Phosphate, Ferrous Sulfate, Parsley, Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Turmeric, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Oil of Rosemary, L-Carnitine, L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite

User Reviews:

Most dog owners report that their senior dog’s allergies cleared up pretty quickly after starting this food, with reduced itching, improved skin quality, and better digestion. Some dogs don’t like the taste.

Bottom Line:

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Senior Dry Dog Food is a great limited ingredient diet dog food that many senior dogs who suffer from food allergies will do well on (as long as they’re willing to eat it).

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#10 – Taste of The Wild Grain Free Premium Dry Dog Food Pacific Stream Adult – Salmon

Taste of the Wild has several different formulas that you can rotate to keep your dog interested in their food. The salmon formula is great for senior dogs who are allergic to more common proteins like chicken or beef. This dry dog food also includes probiotics, which are added after the cooking process, to help improve digestion.

The salmon is a mixture of wild-caught and farm-raised salmon, and fruits and vegetables probe natural antioxidants.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Salmon is a unique protein for the main ingredient
• Contains probiotics
• All life stage formula is great for homes with dogs of different ages
• Grain free

Ingredients:

Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, canola oil, lentils, salmon meal, smoked salmon, potato fiber, natural flavor, salt, choline chloride, taurine, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, yucca schidigera extract, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D supplement, folic acid. Contains a source of live (viable), naturally occurring microorganisms

User Reviews:

Most large senior dogs love the taste of this food and seem to thrive on it, but there seem to be some quality control issues.

Bottom Line:

Taste of The Wild Grain-Free Premium Dry Dog Food Pacific Stream Adult – Salmon is a high-quality food that most older large breed dogs thrive on. As long as you get a good bag, this is may be the best choice for most senior dogs, especially those who are sensitive to more common proteins.

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What Makes a Dog a Senior?

The old adage that one dog year equals seven human years isn’t quite accurate, especially when it comes to large dog breeds because they generally have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds.

Large dog breeds are generally considered senior citizens around 5-7 years of age, with giant dog breeds like Great Danes and Newfoundlands falling at the lower end of that spectrum.

Ultimately, though, a vet considers a dog to be a senior when they start to show signs of aging, which might include things like:

• Weight gain or loss
• Signs of dental problems such as excessive drooling or bad breath
• Vision problems
• Skin issues, like lumps

If your older dog has not yet met these standards, a more appropriate large breed dog food would suffice. We’ve performed a thorough review of the best dog food for large breeds here.

As dogs continue to age, they move from senior dogs to geriatric dogs, who are considered to be toward the end of their senior years.

Signs that a dog has become geriatric include:

• Loss of muscle mass
• Impaired mobility due to things like arthritis or hip dysplasia
• Changing sleep patterns
• Memory loss
• Urinary incontinence or increased urination
• Altered behavior like irritability or confusion

Senior and geriatric dogs should visit the vet twice a year so that any hidden illnesses or health problems can be caught and treated early on.

For many health conditions, early detection and treatment can add months or even years to your dog’s life compared to a late diagnosis. Your veterinarian can also make recommendations about how your dog’s diet should change as they age.

Senior Dog Nutrition Guidelines

When it comes to nutrition, adult and large breed senior dogs are prone to three common health problems:

1. Obesity
2. Bloat
3. Joint health and orthopedic problems (like hip dysplasia or arthritis)

How does this relate to the best senior dog food you buy for your dog?

You want to pay careful attention to the levels of fat in the food you buy for your dog.

Too much fat can lead to obesity. Too many carbohydrates can leave your dog feeling hungry and begging for food, and too many treats can also lead to obesity.

Look for a senior dog food that’s high in protein to give your dog strong muscles and help prevent obesity and its associated health risks.

Additionally, senior dogs tend to be less active, so you may need to reduce the amount of food you give to account for the fact that your dog is burning fewer calories than they previously did.

Keep in mind that feeding guidelines are just that, and you may need to feed less than the dog food company recommends to keep your big breed dog at a healthy weight as they age.

To prevent dog bloat, try to find a kibble that’s a larger size. That’s easier said than done, so you may want to consider giving your senior dog 2-3 meals per day in a slow feeder bowl rather than one bigger meal in a regular bowl. This will help slow down your dog’s food intake.

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One of the primary causes of bloat is dogs swallowing excessive amounts of air when they gulp down their food in a hurry. So anything you can do to slow down their eating should help reduce the odds of your senior dog developing a potentially deadly case of bloat.

Just like in humans, glucosamine and chondroitin can help ease joint pain, so look for senior dog foods that include these nutrients to help support them running around for as long as possible.

ALSO READ:  7 Best Hip and Joint Supplements for Dogs

Obesity and orthopedic problems tend to become worse as big dogs age, so it becomes even more important to look for low-fat dog foods with glucosamine and chondroitin the older your dog gets.

Other beneficial ingredients and nutrients you should look for to help improve your senior dog’s quality of life are omega-3 for healthy skin and coat, probiotics for better digestion, and DHA for improved cognitive function.

What Else to Look For in the Best Senior Dog Food

Whole meat as the first ingredient

Try to avoid senior dog foods with chicken (or another meat) “meal” listed as the first ingredient, and definitely avoid dog foods with “byproduct meal” as the first ingredient (preferably, there shouldn’t be any byproduct in the food at all).

The byproduct is the parts of the animal that humans don’t like, such as beaks and feet – not exactly the most nutritious part of the animal.

Foods made in the United States

Many countries have lower quality standards, which may result in more problems with contamination. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Western Europe have high-quality standards, so dog foods from these locations can be trusted almost as much as foods made in the United States.

Avoid dog foods made in China, as many dog food recalls have been traced back to contamination from dog food manufacturers in that country.

Avoid unidentified meals or byproducts

Chicken meal is acceptable, but “animal meal” is scary because you don’t know what animals might be included.

If the source of the meal isn’t listed, they could be including things like euthanized horses, dogs, or cats. It shouldn’t happen, but it could, so don’t buy any dog food with ambiguous meat meals.

Avoid artificial flavors or dyes

Many senior dogs are allergic to these unnecessary ingredients. Also, your dog doesn’t care what their food looks like and should enjoy the taste of their food without the addition of artificial flavors.

What Should I Do if my Senior Dog Refuses to Eat?

There are a lot of reasons your senior dog may stop eating. The first thing you should do is take your dog to the veterinarian to rule out any serious illnesses. If the vet says your dog seems to be healthy, here are some things you can do to help encourage your senior dog to eat:

• Add moisture. Many dogs develop dental problems as they age, and loose, cracked, or sore teeth could make eating kibble painful for your dog. Adding water to soften your senior dog’s kibble may work, or you may consider switching your dog to a canned, fresh, home-cooked, or freeze-dried raw dog food that’s easier for your dog to eat without pain.
• Pick a dog food that’s higher in fat – these foods tend to taste better to picky dogs.
• Try a new flavor. You would likely get bored eating the same food every day for years, so try switching your canine to a dog food with a different primary source of protein to see if they’ll eat more.

Summing Up the Best Dog Food for a Senior Dog

What’s your favorite senior dry dog food for your large breed? Share in the comments and let us know if we missed something.

Have you considered including a more natural way of feeding by cooking your older dog’s meals at home? If so, check out our guide to the 10 Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Large Breeds.

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