What's the Best Kibble for Senior Dogs?

We all know food is one of the fundamental pillars of our dog's health, which in plain terms means the better its diet, the better its health.

Older dogs are more prone to health problems due to the natural decline of their body, which is why now more than ever it's necessary to invest in a high-quality diet specific to older dogs.

When Is a Dog Considered Senior or Elderly?

It all depends on the type of dog, actually, on its size. Small dog breeds have a much longer life expectancy than large breeds, so the age at which they're considered senior or elderly is higher.

In this simple table you can see when a dog should be considered senior or elderly, based on its size and regardless of breed.

Size Senior Elderly Giant size 7 years 9 years Large size 8 years 10 years Medium size 10 - 12 years 12 - 14 years Small size 12 - 14 years 14 - 16 years

Why Do Senior Dogs Need Different Food?

The older they get, the less physical activity and calorie burn. Feeding a senior or elderly dog with food for younger dogs is completely counterproductive.

Being overweight, kidney problems, or even digestive issues are just some of the serious consequences that can come from feeding an elderly dog kibble not appropriate for its age.

Older dogs need less calorie- and protein-heavy food, with an extra boost of chondroprotectants and adapted to their lifestyle. In summary, a moderate-calorie or senior kibble.

Top Best Kibbles for Senior Dogs

Based on our extensive experience in canine nutrition, on ingredients and production processes, and of course on the results we've gotten with these products, we can say these are the best kibbles for senior and/or elderly dogs.

NFNatcane Beef & Vegetables

This is a range made in Spain with top-quality ingredients, so much so that its protein digestibility index exceeds 95%, something very few companies can claim.

It's a single-protein product (ideal for preventing intolerances), moderate in calories (to prevent weight gain), made with no cereals and with an extra boost of chondroprotectants (to care for its joints). In addition, it contains fruits and vegetables, for a complete vitamin supply and to meet fiber needs. With 3,750 Kcal/kg.

• Complete Beef & Vegetables profile

Orijen Senior

Moving on to a product made in Canada, also made with high-quality ingredients and formulated for adult dogs with low energy expenditure.

Among its ingredients we can find meat and fish such as chicken, herring, turkey, or pike-perch. It's made with no cereals and also contains fruits and vegetables to cover vitamin needs. With 3,710 Kcal/kg.

• Complete Orijen Senior profile

Black Angus Senior

Now for another great product, this time made in Germany. Made with a variety of high-quality ingredients and chondroprotectants for joint care.

Checking its ingredients we can find Black Angus beef, duck meat, herring, mussel, a variety of clays (food-grade, beneficial), brown rice, and fruits and vegetables. Plus a wide variety of herbs and roots beneficial for our dogs' health and maintenance. With 3,445 Kcal/kg.

• Complete Markus-Mühle Black Angus profile

The Amount Matters Too

Remember that even if you correctly choose a kibble for senior dogs, you need to give your dog the right daily amount. Choosing a moderate-calorie kibble specific to elderly dogs but not respecting the amounts is like doing nothing at all.

• How to calculate a dog's daily ration

Although sometimes its ration may seem small to you, the kibble contains, in concentrated form, all the protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals it needs. Giving it a larger amount can cause it to become overweight and other associated diseases.