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Best Dog Food Brands Of 2024, According To A Veterinarian
The best dog food that money can buy is the one that suits your best friend's needs. There are many important factors to consider when planning your dog's diet, ranging from their age, size, breed, potential allergies, the food's ingredient quality, and the dog's personal tastes. On top of that, dog owners have to choose from a variety of meat types, such as beef, pork, and salmon, as well as a raw, wet canned, or dry kibble food, depending on your dog's preferences
With so many choices available in the marketplace, it can be tough for a pet owner to make sense of all the options. Here are our top picks for best dog food and why it may be worth asking your vet if it's a wise choice for your own pup.
Our top picks for best dog foodWe scoured the marketplace to find the best dog food options with the key information you need – including the top three ingredients in each formulation– so you can make an informed decision.
Best raw dry dog food: Instinct Raw Boost Dry Dog FoodBest raw dry dog food
Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food by Nature s Variety 4 lb. Bag
Instinct Raw Boost brings the convenience factor of dry food to those following a raw diet for their dogs. This shelf-stable formula combines high-protein kibble with chunks of freeze-dried raw chicken, beef, or salmon. There are also a number of varieties that you can choose from, each tailored to your pup's nutritional needs—from skin and coat issues to puppy-specific formulations.
ProsBest for allergies
Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Healthy Weight Recipe
Pet parents whose pups have allergies will enjoy the luxury of choice in the Merrick Grain-Free line. Since every recipe in this line was crafted without common allergy-triggering filler ingredients like soy, gluten, and corn, it's a simple process of elimination to discover a variety your dog will love. With its priority on fewer overall ingredients, multiple recipes, and quality protein sources (lamb, duck, and beef), Merrick Grain-Free is a reliable choice for dogs with allergies.
ProsTaste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Canine Recipe with Beef in Gravy 13.2oz
Protein is the main focus at Taste of the Wild, with a trio of canned wet dog foods packed with premium meat (and other sources of protein). For example, the Canyon Canine Formula includes beef, lamb, wild boar, egg, beef liver, and peas. To round out the ingredients, there are easily digestible fruits and vegetables like blueberries, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and raspberries. Each 12-pack of cans may be a little pricey. However, this nutritious wet dog food is sure to keep dogs excited for every mealtime.
ProsBest for sensitive stomachs
ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Beef & Pumpkin Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 22.5-lb bag
Some dogs seem to have a digestive system of steel, but others need help finding a tasty and healthy dog food that agrees with their sensitive stomachs. Not only does ACANA offer four high-end dog food recipes that cater for dogs with a delicate palate, each variety is grain-free and offers an easy-to-digest combination of single-source meats and nutrient-rich fruits and veggies. This allows both choosey and food-sensitive dogs a chance to enjoy their favorite protein sources, while their owners can rest easy that their dog's stomach will easily handle this nutritious grain-free kibble.
ProsBest for puppies
Nulo FreeStyle Puppy Grain-Free Salmon & Peas Dry Dog Food 24lb Bag
Since it's important to lay a wholesome foundation for your puppy's health from the start, you'll want to study labels a bit more when shopping. Nulo Freestyle Puppy makes understanding what's inside simple. Offered in both a turkey and a salmon-based recipe, this formula's first three ingredients are sourced from quality protein-rich sources for stronger muscles, teeth, and bones. Nulo's pair of dry puppy foods are fortified with nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables like carrots, blueberries, and apples—these kibble formulas are also both chicken and grain-free to dodge common food allergies.
ProsBest senior dog food
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food Chicken and Brown Rice 15 lb. Bag
Older dogs need specialized nutrition to keep them alert, mobile, and healthy in their senior years. Unfortunately, the high heat needed to kill bacteria and make dry dog foods shelf stable also destroys a disappointing amount of nutrients in the process, but Blue Buffalo's signature "LifeSource Bits" are formed under far less heat to avoid that outcome. The extra antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals from ingredients like pumpkin, spinach, and cranberries add a little extra boost in nutritional value (and add variety to each bite).
ProsBest for weight loss
Nutro Natural Choice Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food for Adult Dog 22 lb. Bag
Everyone indulges from time to time, but once your dog gets a little too heavy, searching for the right diet to help them slim down and maintain a healthy weight can be difficult. Thankfully, there are two recipes of Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight available for overweight dogs, and its leaner chicken and lamb options provide the easy-to-digest protein they need, while the brown rice contains the natural fiber required for proper digestion.
This high-end healthy dog food is worth feeding to dogs long after they've reached their optimum weight due to its quality protein sources and lack of filler grains like corn, soy, and gluten.
ProsBest for large breed
Taste of the Wild PREY Angus Beef Limited Ingredient Recipe Dry Dog Food, 25 lbs
xtra-large dog breeds have different nutritional needs than smaller dogs. Taste of the Wild PREY makes it easy to ensure that they're getting enough protein. It features more single-source protein per piece than most other dry dog foods on the market, as well as a healthy limited-ingredient recipe. Offered in a trio of top-tier protein sources, Angus beef, turkey, and trout, alongside its other three main ingredients of lentils, tomato pomace, and chicken fat, this simple dry dog food is also an attractive diet for dogs with food allergies.
ProsBest for small dogs
Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Some of the most important features to keep in mind when food shopping for a small breed are tiny bite-sized pieces and quality ingredients. Castor & Pollux ORGANIX has easy-to-eat pieces and features no fewer than ten organic ingredients in their small-breed dog food. Although it is only available in a single recipe, it is hard to top the quality of its organic free-range chicken, vegetables, and fruits. Small-breed ORGANIX also features a combination of pro- and prebiotic fiber to promote a healthy digestive system.
ProsDr. Matthew McCarthy, a veterinarian and founder of Juniper Valley Animal Hospital in Middle Village Queens, New York offers advice on how pet parents can wisely choose the best dog food for their fur children. "The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), which is a global volunteer association of more than 200,000 veterinarians and whose mission is to raise the standards of care for companion animals worldwide, has developed criteria that veterinarians and pet parents can use to select a pet food and evaluate the overwhelming amount of nutrition claims flying around the internet. Some of the minimum criteria from WSAVA guidelines include:
If you find food that aligns with this criteria, then it may be worth consideration for your pet. "The best approach is to partner with your veterinary team to figure out what's going to work best for your doggie, as they are going to have to best handle on all of this," advises Dr. McCarthy.
As Dr. McCarthy mentioned, the Association of American Food Control Officials, or AAFCO, also offers guidance on selecting the best food for your dog. In addition to reading the label carefully, you should check that the food corresponds to your pet's species, life stage, and condition.
Before selecting the food, ask the following questions:
What are the main ingredients listed?No matter what breed you have, one of the top considerations to keep in mind when selecting dog food is ensuring that a quality protein source is the first ingredient on the label, which indicates the protein is the most prominent ingredient in the food.
What life stage is your dog in?Puppies, adults, pregnant and lactating dogs, and seniors have different nutritional needs, so consider choosing a food that closely matches the life stage they're in. For instance, a puppy formula is likely higher in calories versus a formula for seniors, since an older dog doesn't require as many calories. If you're unsure which one is best for your dog, it's wise to consult the veterinarian for clarity.
Does your pet have any special conditions?Digestive issues, skin issues, or allergies are examples of conditions you need to consider when selecting the best dog food. If your pooch has a special condition you feel needs addressing, talk to your vet about any specialty food they may recommend for a specific condition.
How we chose the best dog foodNo matter the recipe, age range, or kind of dog food, there are a few key points where great dog foods stand apart from the competition. The best dog foods feature fewer ingredients overall, but the quality of each ingredient must be excellent, and they do not include any unhealthy or filler ingredients, such as wheat, artificial colorings, or soy.
We especially value dog foods that are offered in multiple formulas, because they are especially valuable for dogs with allergies and picky eaters. It is important to note that cost was never a consideration when we selected the best dog food available, because giving your dog the healthiest diet for the happiest life you can give them is invaluable.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) What ingredients should I avoid?While choosing between key ingredients like pork, beef, and chicken will vary by your dog's personal taste and potential allergies, there are some ingredients some pet parents tend to avoid when comparing dog food recipes. These include fillers like corn, meat by-products, and soy, which can mean less of the "premium" ingredients that are touted on the label.
How much should I budget for dog food a month?The price of premium healthy dog food may seem steep at first, but consider it a major investment to sidestep the high cost of treating conditions such as obesity, digestive issues, and allergies that may arise from a poor diet. Whether you plan on getting wet or dry dog food, purchasing in bulk and searching for promotional codes online will help to reduce costs, but whatever you are feeding them, set aside between $30 and $90 a month for buying quality dog food.
"Bear in mind that expense doesn't necessarily equal quality. There are some really inexpensive diets that have years of rigorous scientific testing behind them and some very expensive diets that are lacking in vital nutrients or based on unsound science" according to Dr. Matthew McCarthy.
Which is better: Wet or dry dog food?Dry kibble aids in dental health by scraping plaque from teeth, tends to last longer, and is easier to store. Canned wet food adds much-needed hydration to a dog's diet, is easier for dogs to chew, and generally has a higher protein and fat content. While some owners serve a mixture of both so their dogs get the best of both diets, talking to your vet and discussing the best food option for your dog is the best approach.
The Best Senior Dog Food, According To A Veterinarian
Selecting the best senior dog food requires knowing what your individual pet needs. Though things like teeth, joint health and weight are often the first things that come to mind when thinking of food for a senior dog (and rightfully so!) there's something that often goes overlooked: Maintaining lean muscle mass. As with people, sarcopenia—the loss of muscle mass that accompanies aging—is also a concern for dogs. For healthy senior dogs who don't have a medical reason for needing a low protein diet, protein intake is a priority.
Though dietary protein alone won't help any of us maintain all the muscle mass of youth, it is an important component. With protein in mind, I've rounded up my choices for the best senior dog food from some of the best dog food brands. Please discuss your pet's individual needs with your veterinarian before making any changes.
How to choose the best senior dog food Talk with your veterinarianThis is an absolute first step. One senior dog's dietary needs may be significantly different than the next. Factors that need to be evaluated before selecting a food include—but are not limited to—lab results (such as kidney and liver function), body condition score, muscle condition score, dental health (can my dog comfortably chew dry food?), fiber content (does my dog need less fiber to increase the digestibility of their food?), sodium content (does my dog have a heart condition?), and fat content, to name a few.
Your veterinarian may also choose to formulate a diet specifically for your senior pet. They may partner with a nutrition service, such as Balance It (which is recommended for healthy pets by Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine), or they may refer you to a specialty veterinarian who is board certified in nutrition.
IngredientsLook for foods where the protein is primarily from animals. Dr. Joseph J. Wakshlag, DVM, PhD, DACVN, DACVSMR, the Chief of Nutrition at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine says that for senior dogs, animal protein sources may be better than plant protein because animal protein has a better amino acid profile for dogs. Animal protein is also more digestible than higher fiber-containing plant proteins, which becomes important as a dog ages. In general, dietary fiber decreases a dog's ability to digest and absorb certain amino acids.
Dietary fat is another factor when selecting a food. As dogs age, the propensity for body fat increases. Dogs who are overweight and/or have decreased activity levels may need to be switched to foods with reduced fat.
Dry versus soft/wet foodAn upside of dry food is that dogs may accumulate tartar more slowly compared to wet food. A downside is that dogs with dental pain or not enough teeth to comfortably chew kibble, may gulp down unchewed kibble. Food is meant to be chewed.
Wet food is great for dogs who have dental issues, such as no teeth or just a few teeth left. Wet food also has significantly more moisture content, which can help with hydration. Whether or not a senior dog needs wet food, a combination of wet and dry, or dry food with or without added water, should be determined on a case by case basis.
Keep in mind that when evaluating the percent of protein, fat and fiber on a label for wet food, because of the moisture content, these 'as fed' values don't directly correlate to the values on dry dog food labels. There are calculators online to help determine what the percentages translate to on a dry matter basis. 'Dry matter basis' is the percentage of nutrients in a food when all moisture has been removed. But to complicate things further, dry food is not void of all moisture. It contains up to 14%. For fresh pet food products, some of them have both the 'as fed' values and the 'dry matter basis' values on their website but some do not. A simple way to compare wet food to dry is calories per cup, however that won't be enough information if your pet's protein, fat and/or fiber intake need to be between specific values due to medical reasons. Your veterinarian can serve as a resource in sifting through pet food labels.
Senior food versus adult maintenance versus all life stagesDue to various biological factors as dogs age, their muscle mass decreases. Dr. Wakshlag says, "We may not necessarily see it because the dog remains the same weight" due to the amount of body fat increasing. He says that veterinarians often focus on Body Condition Score (BCS) but don't assess Muscle Condition Score (MCS.) Even though dietary protein alone isn't enough to maintain lean muscle mass in an aging pet, it is an important component.
Since senior dog foods (which are labeled for dogs older than 7) vary widely in their nutritional composition—particularly in the area of protein—they may or may not be suitable for your pet. For example, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Chicken & Brown Rice has 18% crude protein (min.) whereas Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior High Protein—that I featured in this article—contains 30% (min.) Breed also needs to be taken into consideration. A small breed dog isn't a senior until 8 to 10 years of age but a large breed is a senior at age 7, and a giant breed at age 5.
For some dogs—based on their physical exam, lab work, breed and physical activity levels—an adult food (labeled for dogs between 1 and 7 years old), or an all life stages food (for dogs of any age), may be more appropriate. Your veterinarian, or a board certified veterinary nutrition specialist, is your best resource on which food best suits your pet's needs.
Our top picks for the best senior dog foods Best wet dog food for senior dogs: Nom Nom Turkey FareNom Nom is a newer dog food company, founded in 2014, that offers four, gently cooked recipes for dogs. Their All Life Stages diets were formulated by board-certified veterinarians specialized in nutrition and are sold frozen, either as a subscription or through PetSmart. One of the reasons I like this food is because it doesn't contain peas, chickpeas, lentils or dry beans. These ingredients—also known as pulses—are being further researched, as they've been linked to some cases of canine diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a type of heart disease. It also doesn't contain potatoes or sweet potatoes, which are a lesser concern than pulses but are also being evaluated to see if they play a role.
Specifications:This veterinarian-formulated food is one of the best wet dog foods, and it can be fed as a meal or used as a topper.
Best wet dog food for senior dogs
Best dry dog food for senior dogs: Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein SeniorNot all of Blue Buffalo's senior dog foods have enough protein for a generally healthy senior dog, but this one does. It also avoids the potentially problematic pulses (peas, lentils, chickpeas and dry beans), instead featuring ingredients like chicken, oatmeal and brown rice.
Specifications:This senior diet has a nice combination of reduced fat, 30% protein, and nutrients to support skin, coat and joint health.
Best dry dog food for senior dogs
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior High Protein Natural Chicken & Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food Best senior dog food for small breeds: Wellness CORE Small Breed Digestive Health Chicken & Brown Rice
The interesting thing about a lot of senior dog foods is they tend to be low in fat (that's good) but also low in protein, e.G. 18 to 23% for dry food (not so good.) As I mentioned, I like a senior dog food that's higher in protein, preferably 30 to 32%, which is the recommendation from Dr. Wakshlag for a generally healthy senior dog.
Many 'All Life Stages' premium dry foods (e.G. Earthborn, Zignature, Solid Gold,) hit this ideal protein amount. But for a senior, the fat content in these is often on the high end of the spectrum (17 to 18%.) That is, except in this Wellness CORE 'All Life Stages' food, an adult (i.E. Not senior) small breed food that is surprisingly what I want. This food also contains nutrients for gut, skin/coat and joint health.
Specifications:With its moderate fat, high protein, and nutrients for joint and gut health, this adult maintenance diet for small doggos can be suitable for some healthy seniors.
Best senior dog food for small breeds
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Wholesome Grains Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Small Breed Dry Dog Food, 12-lb bag Best large breed senior dog food: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Healthy Weight with Chicken
Due to the low protein content of some senior dog foods, Dr. Wakshlag says that he doesn't always recommend a senior diet. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed is an adult maintenance diet with a good amount of protein (28%,) low fat content (9 to 12%,) and joint support from glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids. With your veterinarian's guidance, they can help you determine if this is suitable for your healthy, large breed senior dog. However, depending on your large breed dog's needs, the amount of joint support may not be enough. You should talk with your veterinarian about whether additional supplementation with a joint health product is needed.
Specifications:If your large breed senior dog needs to be on a low-fat food, this chicken-based, adult maintenance diet with joint support might be suitable.
Best large breed senior dog food
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Wholesome Grains Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Small Breed Dry Dog Food Best senior dog food for sensitive stomachs: Ollie Chicken Dish With Carrots
This easy to digest, All Life Stages, human-grade food is great for senior dogs with a sensitive stomach but who aren't allergic to chicken. It's minimally processed and contains nutrient packed produce, such as carrots, spinach and cranberries.
Specifications:If your senior dog doesn't have a poultry allergy and your veterinarian has determined that peas and potatoes are okay for your pet, this food is one to consider.
Best senior dog food for sensitive stomachs
Ollie Chicken Dish With Carrots Best senior dog food for weight loss: Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Weight Control with Alaskan Pollack
This All Life Stages diet is low-calorie for the senior dog who might be less active or needs to lose weight. With an array of nutrients coming from ingredients like Alaskan pollock, carrots, blueberries and salmon oil, this food might appeal to the seafood loving dog.
Specifications:This low-calorie, fiber-rich food is for All Life Stages and helps support skin, coat, gut and joint health.
Best senior dog food for weight loss
Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Weight Control with Alaskan Pollack Best grain-free senior dog food: Earthborn Holistic Venture Limited Ingredient Duck Meal & Pumpkin
This low-calorie, adult maintenance food has a nutritional profile which can be suitable for generally healthy senior dogs. It may also be a good pick if your aging pet requires a limited-ingredient dog food for allergies. But your veterinarian should ultimately determine if a diet like this is suitable.
Specifications:This limited ingredient diet has the benefit of containing a single protein source, it's chicken-free and pulse-free, and it's lower in fat (crude fat minimum is 13%,) which is ideal for older dogs who are less active.
Best grain-free senior dog food
Earthborn Holistic Venture Limited Ingredient Duck Meal & Pumpkin Best senior dog food for arthritis: Wellness CORE Digestive Health Age Advantage Chicken & Brown Rice
This low-fat diet contains nutrients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (such as EPA) to support joint health. It's more ideal for less active senior dogs or seniors who are overweight. For dogs who are still fairly active, another alternative—with the same amount of EPA as Hill's prescription j/d diet for joint health—is Zignature Select Cuts Trout & Salmon. This was also my overall top pick for the Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach. This Zignature diet, however, contains 14.5% fat (min.), which is a bit much for an arthritic dog who needs to lose weight. Granted, EPA alone isn't the reason to pick a food, it's worth considering. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints is another overall good option but it has 15% fat.
Specifications:If your senior dog doesn't have a poultry allergy and your veterinarian has determined that peas are okay for your pet, this food is one to consider.
Best senior dog food for arthritis
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Age Advantage Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food, 24-lb bag Best budget senior dog food: Iams Proactive Health Healthy Aging Chicken & Whole Grain Recipe
This meat-first senior food is budget-conscious while still containing prebiotic fiber for gut health along with nutrients from chicken, carrots, egg and marine microalgae. It only comes in one flavor but they do offer a large breed formula and a canned food option.
Specifications:This budget-friendly, low-fat food meets the basic needs of generally healthy senior dogs, though it's possible some dogs will need more protein, as determined by their veterinarian.
Best budget senior dog food
Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food, 29.1-lb bag Best premium senior dog food: Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon & Ancient Grains
With its ethically sourced and human-grade ingredients, this 'All Life Stages' food (and brand) is the Rolls Royce of dog foods. Even though it has more than one type of fish, if your pet needs a poultry-free dog food for allergies, this food is one to consider discussing with your veterinarian.
Specifications:This premium food contains nutrients that support skin and gut health, and is made by one of the best dog food brands.
Best premium senior dog food
Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon & Ancient Grains Best prescription senior dog food: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets JM Joint Mobility
Prescription dog foods (which you need vet authorization to purchase) address a specific health issue, such as joint health, brain health, gut health, etc. The prescription foods available in the United States specifically for joint health, which is a significant concern for senior dogs, are Purina Pro Plan's JM, Hill's j/d and Royal Canin Advanced Mobility Support. (Eukanuba makes a veterinary diet called Joint Mobility that's available in Europe.)
There are also prescription formulations that address more than one medical issue, such as Blue Buffalo Weight Management + Mobility Support. Despite this food having salmon as the first ingredient, the primary reason I didn't select it for senior dogs was because of its 17% fiber (max.) content. Fiber reduces a food's digestibility, which I discuss a little later.
All of these diets have pros and cons, so I picked Purina because it has 30% (min.) protein, whereas Hill's j/d only has 17% and Royal Canin Advanced Mobility has 23%. The first two ingredients in j/d are wheat. In JM it's brewers rice, but the second ingredient is trout. In the Royal Canin diet they are brewers rice and wheat.
Specifications:The world of prescription food for joint health is limited but with 30% protein and nutrients to support joint health, this food can be a part of managing your senior dog's arthritis.
Best prescription senior dog food
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets JM Joint Mobility Dry Dog Food, 32-lb bag How we selected the best senior dog food Quality
I selected foods based on the overall quality of ingredients, favoring meat as the first ingredient instead of non-meat ingredients, by-products or meat meal/by-product meal. There are two exceptions on my list (Earthborn Holistic Venture and Purina ProPlan JM,) however veterinary nutrition specialists say that a quality food can still contain these types of ingredients. I also tried to pick foods with at least 28% protein, but several of them didn't meet this amount. Finding the "perfect" ready-made food can be a challenge, which is why your veterinarian may decide to partner with a veterinary nutrition service who can help you create, or find, the ideal diet.
With the exception of the prescription JM diet and the Iams diet, the products I selected aren't formulated with corn, wheat or soy. I also picked foods that contain nutrients which support digestion and overall health, such as prebiotic fiber and omega fatty acids. Some even contain glucosamine +/- chondroitin for joint health, though I'll admit, they may not be in sufficient quantities to make a clinical difference.
LabelingAll of the foods I chose are complete and balanced, and are from reputable brands. The diets meet the nutritional guidelines of the Association for the American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for the life stage for which they are labeled, with the exception of senior dog foods. AAFCO doesn't have specific nutrient recommendations for senior dogs, so senior dog foods meet the AAFCO requirements for adult maintenance. This is all the more reason to discuss your senior pet's nutritional needs with your veterinarian or a specialty veterinarian who is board certified in nutrition.
I also chose foods based on their protein content and fat content. For protein, I aimed for 28% to 32% and for fat, I aimed for under 15%, though some of the foods fall outside both of these ranges. How much dietary protein and fat your dog requires should be determined by your veterinarian.
Pulses and exotic proteinWhether or not a food contained pulses—peas, lentils, chickpeas or dry beans—in the first three ingredients was a big factor in the foods I selected due to the FDA's concern that, for some dogs, these ingredients may be linked with some cases of diet-associated DCM, a type of heart disease. Since more research is needed, I avoided exotic protein sources (e.G. Kangaroo, buffalo, etc) for the same reason.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) Is senior dog food really different?Yes, but not always in a good way. Many senior dog foods have reduced protein (e.G. 18 to 22% min. For dry food) but Dr. Wakshlag says that in many cases—for dogs who are generally healthy and don't have medical conditions where protein needs to be decreased—dietary protein may actually need to be increased, such as to 28 - 32%. However, senior foods do tend to be reduced in fat, and that is generally a good thing.
Senior dog foods (and even some All Life Stages foods) will have a type of omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA.) EPA reduces joint inflammation and can improve mobility in dogs. However, the amount of EPA in most non-prescription dog foods won't be enough to make a noticeable difference. This means additional supplementation under the guidance of a veterinarian may be needed. Dogs may need other types of joint health products as well, such as collagen and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs.)
Besides diet, what else is important to help maintain muscle mass in a senior dog?An important factor for maintaining or building lean muscle is exercise, specifically concentric exercises (e.G. Weight lifting in the form of carrying a weighted backpack.) Eccentric exercises, like walking and running, are also important but this type of activity doesn't do as much for building and maintaining muscle mass. But to avoid injuries or worse, talk with your veterinarian before implementing concentric exercises into your dog's routine. Realize that for some dogs, concentric exercises just won't be feasible.
And two products worth discussing with your veterinarian that pertain to muscle health are Myos Canine Muscle Formula and CanEVA PETS.
If I buy dog food with joint supplements in them, will that be enough for my dog's arthritis?Just because a food contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and/or omega-3 fatty acids, doesn't necessarily mean the amounts are going to be sufficient for a dog's joint health needs. In fact, it's likely that the amounts in non-prescription dog foods aren't going to be enough. Depending on what stage of arthritis your dog has, they may need additional joint health products. Your veterinarian can help you determine what those are.
Another interesting factor is that research is showing that though they a
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