The 10 Best Senior Dog Foods For Weight Loss In 2024

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Image	Product	View on Amazon
1	Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula	View on Amazon
2	IAMS Healthy Aging Adult Large Breed	View on Amazon
3	Senior Chicken Dinner Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe	View on Amazon
4	ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food	View on Amazon
5	Diamond Naturals Senior Real Meat Recipe	View on Amazon
6	Purina Pro Plan Senior Dog Food With Probiotics	View on Amazon
7	NUTRO ULTRA Adult Weight Management High Protein	View on Amazon
8	VICTOR Purpose - Senior/Healthy Weight, Dry Dog Food	View on Amazon
9	Merrick Senior Dry Dog Food, Real Chicken and Sweet Potato	View on Amazon
10	Purina Pro Plan Senior Wet Gravy, BRIGHT MIND 7+ Turkey and Brown Rice	View on Amazon

Reviews

1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe  is a high-quality dog food that features deboned chicken as its primary ingredient. Additionally, it contains brown rice, barley, and oats.

This dog food also contains Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits, which are rich in antioxidants that support immune system health.

Additionally, it contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help maintain and preserve skin and coat health, while other ingredients focus on joint health to ensure your senior dog can continue to be active.

Although the meal is low in protein, accounting for around 18% of the total weight, senior dogs benefit from a greater protein intake to maintain muscle mass. The ideal percentage of protein should be 28% or more, however, this is exceptional in a dry meal.

While Blue Buffalo is a premium dog food with a higher price tag, it contains high-quality nutrients that help senior dogs retain health and mobility without gaining weight.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Dry Dog Food in Chicken and Brown Rice flavor comes in a 15 lb. bag. It is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and overall mobility.

It contains essential proteins and carbohydrates to maintain energy requirements for a healthy lifestyle.

This dog food is made with natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals, and it does not contain chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

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2. IAMS Healthy Ageing Mature & Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food

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IAMS Healthy Aging Mature & Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food  is formulated specifically for large breed canines over seven years old. The primary ingredient in this dish is farm-raised chicken; it also contains chicken by-product meal, barley, and corn.

This dog food is free of artificial additives and preservatives, and it contains omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for the coat health of senior dogs. This is because the skin and coat are typically the first areas to show signs of aging.

Despite its affordable price, this is the best senior dog food for weight loss due to the high-quality protein and nutritious ingredients. You can purchase a 30-pound bag of IAMS Healthy Aging Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken.

This dog food is formulated with a balance of essential nutrients to promote healthy bones and joints in large, senior dogs. It supports a robust immune system with antioxidants and promotes healthy digestion with a blend of fiber and prebiotics.

This specially formulated healthy aging dog food is recommended by veterinarians and meets the specific wellness and nutritional needs of senior dogs.

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3. Senior Chicken Dinner Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe

 

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The main ingredients in  Blue Buffalo Homestyle Senior Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables  are real chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver.

The diet contains 7.5% protein, which may be inadequate for some senior dogs, but the protein is mainly derived from meat sources.

This senior dog food does not contain any artificial flavors, preservatives, or by-products, making it a natural and nutritious option.

Additionally, it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which are beneficial for promoting healthy joints and a strong immune system.

The Blue Homestyle Recipe senior dog food is available in twelve 12.5-ounce cans and can be given to senior dogs in three ways: as a treat, mixed with dry food, or on its own.

The company prides itself on using natural ingredients and enhancing them with added vitamins and minerals to create a balanced diet for senior dogs.

It is recommended that a senior dog consume half to one can per 10 pounds of body weight per day. Any remaining portion should be refrigerated, and fresh water should always be available.

Overall, this wet food meal may be somewhat expensive, but it is well worth the cost because it contains high-quality ingredients and no artificial additives. It is an excellent option for senior dogs who need a natural and nutritious diet.

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4. ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food

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Introducing ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food , a nutrient-dense and grain-free* formula specifically designed to support the weight and joint health of senior canines.

This premium dry dog food is made with up to 85 percent** animal ingredients, including ORIJEN WholePrey ingredients that mimic the ancestral diet of canines in the wild.

The first five ingredients in ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food are fresh or raw chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, and chicken liver. These ingredients provide a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

This high-quality formula is carefully crafted in the United States using ingredients sourced from around the world. You can trust that this kitchen never includes soy, corn, tapioca, or wheat ingredients.

At ORIJEN, we firmly believe in feeding your senior dog a diet that aligns with their evolutionary and biological needs. Senior Dry Dog Food is formulated with the ideal nutritional balance to promote overall health, vitality, and longevity in your furry companion.

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5. Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food Senior Formula

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Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food features chicken as the primary ingredient, along with a chicken meal, full-grain brown rice, and cracked pearled barley.

The diet contains 25% protein, which may be inadequate for senior dogs, but it includes glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, probiotics, and antioxidants that help promote joint health and a strong immune system.

The meal is reasonably priced, and the small kibbles make it easy for senior dogs to consume. However, some senior dogs may require a higher protein content to meet their nutritional needs.

This product is made in the United States, and only high-quality ingredients are used in its production.

It is an excellent source of vitamins, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, all of which are essential for the health and well-being of senior dogs.

Overall, Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food is an acceptable option for senior dogs, but it may not be enough for those who require a higher protein content.

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6. Purina Pro Plan Senior Dog Food With Probiotics

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The Purina Pro Plan Senior Dog Food With Probiotics  is an excellent option for pet owners looking to provide their aging dogs with optimal nutrition and support.

This dog food is specially formulated for canines aged seven and older, promoting mental acuity and alertness to ensure that your senior companion can continue to live an active and vibrant life.

Containing real chicken as its primary ingredient, this formula provides a high-quality protein source to support muscle maintenance and overall health.

Additionally, the inclusion of EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, and glucosamine promotes joint health and mobility, allowing your senior dog to move comfortably and freely.

These essential nutrients work together to support overall health and provide the necessary vitality as your dog ages.

One standout feature of this dog food is the inclusion of guaranteed live probiotics. These beneficial microorganisms promote healthy digestion and immune function.

By incorporating probiotics into the formula, Purina Pro Plan ensures that your senior dog’s immune and digestive systems remain balanced.

In conclusion, the Purina Pro Plan Senior Dog Food With Probiotics is an excellent choice for pet owners who prioritize their aging dog’s health and well-being.

With a focus on mental acuity, joint health, and digestive support, this formula provides comprehensive nutrition for senior dogs. Trust in Purina Pro Plan, a leader in pet nutrition for decades, to ensure that your senior dog receives the best care possible.

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7. Vet’s Choice Nutro Ultra Small Breed Dry Dog Food

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Nutro Ultra Small Breed Weight Control Dry Dog Food  is a premium dry kibble specially formulated to promote healthy weight management in senior small breed dogs.

It contains chicken as its primary ingredient, along with lamb meal, salmon, and poultry fat. This high-quality dog food is made with a blend of 15 superfoods, including coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries, to provide complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs in every bowl.

With 28% protein, antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, essential vitamins, and minerals, this dry dog food is nearly ideal for senior dogs.

Additionally, this recipe is free from chicken by-product meal, maize, soy, or wheat, as well as artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The ingredients are sourced from a network of reliable producers and distributors.

This product comes in an 8-pound bag and is specially formulated to assist higher weight adult dogs in maintaining a healthy weight.

Although the food is expensive for its small size, it will last due to the reduced quantities needed for small breed dogs. It’s worth noting that a recent recipe adjustment increased the calorie count while simultaneously increasing the protein amount from 24% to 28%.

Overall, Nutro Ultra Small Breed Weight Control Dry Dog Food is a nutritious and high-quality option for senior small breed dogs that require assistance with weight management.

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8. Dry Dog Food Victor Purpose Senior Healthy Weight

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The primary ingredient in Victor Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food  is beef meal.

Other animal sources, such as chicken fat, fish meal, and chicken meal, are also included, making up a significant portion of the food’s 27% protein content.

While the protein level may be borderline for senior dogs, a slight increase can still be beneficial to their health.

The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which are beneficial for joint health in older dogs. Additionally, it is enriched with a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

Although this meal is priced competitively, it may not be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those who need to avoid specific meat proteins due to its high animal protein content.

This super premium weight management dog food is specially formulated for less active senior dogs and adult dogs that would benefit from weight loss.

It is gluten-free and packed with high-quality beef, fish, and chicken meals, as well as L-Carnitine to support lean muscle development.

Moreover, this VICTOR Purpose dog food provides glucosamine and chondroitin to promote long-term hip and joint health.

Every VICTOR dog kibble formula begins with the exclusive VPRO blend of supplements, vitamins, and minerals, which are designed to maximize the genetic potential of every dog, regardless of breed, age, or activity level.

Each bag of VICTOR kibble is proudly made in Texas, and the company is committed to providing high-quality nutrition that sources from ranches, farms, and other trusted suppliers within a day’s drive of their East Texas plant.

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9. Grain-Free Merrick Senior Dry Dog Food

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Merrick Grain-Free Senior Chicken with Sweet Potatoes Wet Dog Food is a high-quality dog food that features deboned chicken as its primary ingredient. Additionally, it contains chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and turkey meals.

This grain-free dog food is specially formulated for dogs with grain sensitivities and allergies. The meal has 30% protein, with more than three-quarters of the protein coming from animal sources.

To encourage healthy joints, glucosamine, and chondroitin are incorporated, as are omega fatty acids for enhanced coat and skin condition.

Merrick Grain-Free is a premium dog food with a higher price tag, but it has a 30% protein ratio that is appropriate for senior dogs, especially since the majority of it comes from chicken and meat sources.

Merrick Senior Dry Dog Food, Real Chicken and Sweet Potato Grain Free Dog Food Recipe comes in a 22 lb bag. Real deboned chicken is always the first ingredient in this grain-free dry dog food.

It is formulated with fewer calories and fat to help aging dogs maintain a healthy weight, and L-carnitine to support a healthy metabolism.

With 77% of protein from animal sources, this healthy dog food offers the ideal combination of protein and healthy fats to help a dog maintain optimal weight and increased energy.

This high-protein dog food is enriched with omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and a shiny coat. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to maintain healthy hips and joints in senior dogs.

The dog food is made with vitamins and minerals, plus real, whole foods sourced from farmers Merrick knows and trusts. It does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Overall, Merrick Grain-Free Senior Chicken with Sweet Potatoes Wet Dog Food is a high-quality food that provides senior dogs with the essential nutrients they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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10. Wet Dog Food Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Senior Adult 7+

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Senior dogs can benefit from Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Senior Adult 7+ wet dog food .

The primary ingredient in this wet dog food is turkey, a lean and low-fat meat that provides senior dogs with essential nutrients. This wet food contains 12% protein, making it suitable for senior dogs.

Wet dog food is particularly helpful for senior dogs with dental issues, as it is easier to chew and digest. Moreover, it contains water, which helps keep senior dogs hydrated.

To maintain your dog’s healthy weight, it’s important to follow the feeding instructions and portion sizes.

This wet food also includes essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B complex, which increases vitality, fights parasites and ticks, and prevents cardiac problems and certain cancers.

Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Senior Wet Dog Food is slightly more expensive than dry food and might produce gas and odorous feces. It comes in eight (8) 10 oz. tubs, providing senior dogs with 100% complete and balanced nutrition.

This wet dog food promotes alertness and mental acuity, nourishes the skin and coat, and supports a healthy immune system.

Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Best Weight Loss Senior Dog Foods

When looking to purchase senior dog food for weight loss, there are two key qualities to look for in a meal: one suitable for dogs aged 7 years and older and one that helps prevent weight gain or aids in weight loss.

In addition to ensuring that the meal contains enough protein and does not have too many calories per serving, it’s crucial to search for nutrients that can help improve joint health, maintain cognitive function and brain health, and promote healthy skin and coat.

These nutrients are especially helpful for senior dogs. If your dog has poor dental health, which is typical in older dogs, you may want to consider a diet that is easy to chew without causing discomfort.

1. Dry vs. Wet

When purchasing dog food for any dog, the first decision to make is whether to offer wet or dry food. Both have advantages and disadvantages and the debate over which is better continues.

Wet food is softer, making it easy to chew and digest. It also has a higher moisture content, which helps keep your dog hydrated.

Many dogs enjoy the scent and taste of wet food, making it helpful when a senior dog refuses to eat or doesn’t eat enough. Wet food usually contains more protein, but this varies depending on the protein ratio of individual meals.

Despite its advantages, wet food is more expensive than dry food, has a shorter shelf life, and requires refrigeration once opened. If your dog doesn’t eat the entire portion at each meal, the remainder must be stored in the fridge until the next feeding.

Dry food comes in the form of hard kibbles and is less expensive per meal than wet food. It lasts longer and doesn’t require refrigeration once opened.

Some argue that dry kibble is better for oral hygiene because it helps eliminate plaque, but research to support this claim is lacking. Dry food may be less enticing to your dog, and hard kibble may be difficult for some aging dogs to chew, which can cause dental discomfort.

If your dog has poor dental health or dental hygiene issues, it may be best to avoid hard kibble. It is not necessary to provide both dry and wet food.

You can feed a mix of the two at different times or even at the same meal. This allows you and your dog to reap the benefits of both while adhering to a balanced diet.

In addition to dry and wet food, there is also the option of raw food. Raw food is less processed than most commercial food and can be made at home using fresh ingredients.

Some companies specialize in creating this dish and delivering it to your home. Fresh food is designed to more closely resemble the diet of wild dogs.

It is high in protein, making it healthy for senior dogs. However, it is the most expensive option, and the food must be portioned and stored in the fridge between meals.

[quote]Best Wet and Dry Dog Foods[/quote]

Discover the top picks for the best wet and dry dog foods in our comprehensive articles: “Best Wet Dog Foods” and “Best Dry Dog Foods.”

2. Protein for Older Dogs

Protein is one of the most important components of any dog meal. Protein amino acids help develop and maintain muscle, repair tissues, and promote healthy skin and coat.

Senior dogs often require more protein than healthy adult dogs because their muscles degrade more quickly and require more repair and maintenance. According to experts, older dogs should consume 50% more protein than healthy adult dogs.

If your vet has suggested that your aging dog be fed a low-protein diet, you must be careful not to overfeed. Senior dogs should be fed food that has between 28% and 32% protein by dry matter.

This is easy to calculate with dry food, and you can use the crude nutritional analysis on the packet. Foods containing no significant moisture should contain 28% to 32% protein.

The protein ratio is a little more difficult to estimate with wet meals. Wet food can contain up to 85% moisture, so protein must be calculated by dry matter.

To calculate protein content, take the protein ratio, divide it by the amount of dry matter in the food, then multiply by 100. For any wet food, this amounts to (10/25) times 100 = 40% in our scenario.

3. When Should You Start Feeding Senior Food to Your Dog?

Although the best age to start feeding a senior diet to a dog varies depending on the breed, health, and condition of the individual dog, senior food is typically recommended for dogs 7 years and older.

Consider your dog’s activity levels, and if you see that they are moving less, lying down more, and their hair and skin are beginning to show signs of aging, it may be time to switch to a senior-specific diet.

4. What to Do If Your Senior Dog Refuses to Eat?

It’s crucial that your dog gets enough food and essential nutrients, so it’s a big problem if they stop eating or refuse to eat the food you’ve purchased for them. However, there are certain things you can do to entice your senior dog to eat:

Wet Their Food – If your dog is having difficulty chewing their kibble without pain, soaking the food may make it simpler to consume. To make the food more pleasant and simpler to chew, add a little warm water or a bone broth or other supplement.

Change to Wet Food – You can also try moving from dry kibble to wet canned food. Make sure you buy a senior-friendly meal that also fulfills your dog’s dietary and nutritional needs.

Add a Topper – Toppers are not intended to be entire meals and may not include everything your dog requires to be healthy, but they can be effective in moistening food and making it more enticing and digestible. However, don’t forget to add the topping in your protein and calorie calculations, or you may overfeed your pet.

Try Home-Cooked Meals – Most dogs would love to join their owners at the table for a delicious home-cooked dinner. A raw food diet is one that matches a dog’s natural diet that they would consume in the wild, and since it is softer, some dogs find it much more appealing. There are various firms that provide raw food meals if you wish to serve one without having to cook it yourself.

Consult your veterinarian – Your dog may not be able to or won’t eat its meals due to an underlying medical problem. If you’ve tried all of the above methods and your dog still won’t eat, take them to the vet to be checked out and to ensure there’s nothing significantly wrong.

5. Exercise and Weight Management for Senior Dogs

In addition to providing a healthy diet, senior dogs also require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. However, it’s important to adjust their exercise routine based on their age and fitness level.

You can engage your senior dog in low-impact activities, such as short walks, swimming, or gentle playtime. Regular exercise helps to maintain muscle mass, support joint health, and keep weight in check.

Weight management is also crucial for aging dogs, especially for those that are higher weight. Excess weight puts additional strain on joints and can lead to other health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

If your senior dog needs to lose weight, it’s important to do so gradually. You can adjust their portion sizes and reduce the number of treats they receive.

Additionally, you can consult with your vet to develop a weight loss plan that is tailored to your dog’s individual needs and health conditions.

[quote]How To Choose The Best Dog Food For Your Pet[/quote]

Check out “Dog Food Reviews 2023” for expert guidance on selecting the ideal dog food for your furry friend.

FAQs

1. How much weight loss food should I feed my dog?

It’s impossible to predict the exact serving size that’s perfect for each individual dog, as well as for each brand. Start with the feeding instructions on the package or use a reputable dog food calculator.

Over time, adjust the serving size up or down to reach and maintain your dog’s ideal weight.

2.. What’s the safest rate of weight loss for an higher-weight dog?

To avoid serious health problems, keep the rate of weight loss to about 1-2% of your dog’s total body weight per week. For a 100-pound German Shepherd, this means safely losing about 1 to 2 pounds per week.

3. What’s the best way to switch my dog to a weight-loss food?

To minimize the risk of digestive upset, transition your dog gradually from regular food to weight loss food. If you switch too quickly, your dog may experience diarrhea, vomiting, or other digestive issues.

Start by mixing about 25% of the new food with 75% of the regular food, then slowly increase that amount to 100% over the next 5 to 7 days.

4. What should I feed an older higher weight dog?

To feed an older higher weight dog, look for a low-fat, high-fiber dog food that’s also low in sodium. Choose a dog food that specifically targets senior dogs and is formulated to help them maintain a healthy weight.

5. Will senior dog food help my dog lose weight?

Senior formula dog food may not necessarily help your dog lose weight. While these foods are often marketed as being lower in calories and fat, they may not have the right balance of nutrients your dog needs to maintain a healthy weight.

Dogs age at different rates and burn calories differently, so a senior formula food may have fewer calories than your dog needs to maintain a proper weight.

If your dog loses too much weight after switching to a senior formula, it’s better to switch back to a regular adult dog food.

6. What is the fastest way for a dog to lose weight?

One simple solution to jump-start your dog’s weight loss is to feed your dog his normal food in the morning but replace his second meal with mostly green beans (low sodium), a bit of kibble, and a doggie multivitamin in the evening.

This low-calorie meal is a great way to reduce your dog’s calorie intake and help him lose weight. Additionally, switching your dog’s treats to healthier options will help him lose weight over time.

7. Do senior dogs need more or less protein?

While senior dogs may need fewer calories overall, they still need a protein-rich diet to maintain muscle mass and support healthy organ function.

The usual recommendation for senior pets is more than 75 grams of protein per 1,000 calories. Choose a senior dog food that contains high-quality sources of protein to ensure your dog gets the nutrition he needs.

Conclusion

Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional requirements than senior dogs. High-quality meals should be formulated to meet their unique needs and help maintain their health.

The best dog foods for weight loss may also aid in weight maintenance or loss. IAMS Healthy Age Mature is an affordable dry food that contains no artificial ingredients.

On the other hand, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula contains antioxidants and omega fatty acids that promote overall health and help senior dogs maintain a healthy weight.

Although A Merrick Grain-Free Senior Chicken Recipe and Sweet Potato Recipe is a healthy grain-free diet, it should only be fed under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Lastly, Nutro Ultra Small Breed Weight Management Dry Dog Food is designed specifically for small-breed senior dogs to help them lose weight and stay healthy, with a protein content of 28%.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) thanks our visitors for exploring our website and discovering the best senior dog foods for weight loss. We hope you have found the perfect food for your senior pup.