Best Canned Dog Food for Senior Dogs
Have you noticed your dog transition from a lively and
playful puppy to a slower and less active senior canine? Age can take a toll on
your dog despite the breed. A senior dog will lose interest in playing and
taking the usual bonding evening walks. You may also notice that your dog is
getting disinterested in park visits and games.
If your dog prefers lying around or sitting on the couch
all day, it is evident that he is transitioning to his golden days. It can be
sad as every dog owner wants their pet to live forever. Though impossible, you
can hold your senior dog’s paw by feeding them the best canned food for senior
dogs.
Quality canned food for senior dogs is a must-have for
every dog parent as it helps counter health issues such as arthritis and cancer.
It also helps to keep the dog active and strong while battling skin allergies,
which are common in seniors. Are you thinking of switching to canned foods for
senior dogs?
We have undertaken extensive research to bring you the
best canned food for seniors in the market. We have prepared a comprehensive
buyer’s guide for anyone looking for the top-rated products. Let’s get started!
Blue buffalo
homestyle recipe-Best wet dog food
Blue buffalo is packaged in a blue circular can labeled
Blue buffalo homestyle recipe, making it difficult to miss on the shelves. The
canned dog food does not come as a surprise to dog owners as the qualities of
this best canned dog food for senior dogs are mind-blowing.
Natural ingredients
Blue buffalo is made from all-natural ingredients.
Chicken is the main protein used to make this canned dog food. The high-quality
real chicken used in the recipe is great in supporting healthy muscles and
preventing wasting away of muscle mass.
Blue buffalo contains DHA fatty acids and other omega-3
acids, which are essential to reduce inflammation in joints of senior dogs with
arthritis. Blue buffalo is also packed with natural carbs such as brown rice
and barley.
Wholesome ingredients
Unlike other cheap canned dog foods, Blue buffalo is made
from wholesome ingredients. Blue Buffalo does not contain any chicken
by-product meals or any poultry by-products as it uses real chicken for
protein. Also, Blue buffalo is grain and corn-free, making it healthy for
senior dogs with slower and weakened digestive systems.
Pros
Natural ingredients
Promotes easy
digestion
Corn and grain-free
Cons
It only uses chicken
as a protein source.
- Hill’s Science diet wet dog food- Best canned dog food for senior dog’s
Packaged in a clean and quality material, Hill’s science wet food is not one to miss.
High-quality proteins
The first indication of any quality canned food is having a protein source as the first ingredient. Hill’s Science is no exception. Hill’s Science contains high-quality proteins that are essential for bodybuilding. The proteins also build and maintain muscle mass, especially in lean and underweight dogs.
Easily digestible
ingredients
Hills science wet dog food contains easily digestible ingredients since senior dogs have weaker and slower guts. The ingredients in the canned dog food are easy to absorb, making it suitable for dogs with digestion problems. Also, sensitive stomachs are common in senior dogs, but this canned dog food is made for such.
Natural ingredients
Apart from proteins, Hill’s Science contains all-natural ingredients such as omega fatty acids. Omegas are powerful antioxidants, making it suitable for senior dogs with painful joints. The dog food is also a great source of vitamin E for immunity.
Hill’s Science is free of additives such as food colorings and preservatives, which can evoke digestion problems in senior dogs with sensitive stomachs. The dog food is soy-free and does not contain grains and oats.
Pros
Easily digestible
Does not contain
additives
Packed with
antioxidants
Cons
Lacks enough protein
source
- Purina One Smartblend dog food-Best dry food for senior dogs
The Purina canned dog food is not a smart one blend for nothing. The dog food contains all the necessary nutrients in a single blend for your senior dog.
- Natural ingredients
Purina One offers something for every aging dog, whether
those with sensitive stomachs or maintaining a healthy weight. Purina One is
made from a blend of natural and healthy proteins, vitamins, and carbohydrates.
Proteins are the main ingredient in Purina one as the canned food is made using protein-rich real meat, poultry, or fish. The proteins maintain a healthy body and prevent wasting of muscle mass. Canned food does not contain any meat, poultry, or fish by-products.
Purina one is also packed with Vitamins to boost the immunity of your aging dog since they are most prone to infections. Carbohydrates such as brown rice are also included in the canned food for some energy.
- Variety to choose
What we love most about Purina One is the availability of varieties. Purina One is available in crunchy kibble, kibble with meat chunks, tender meat cuts in gravy, and some ground verities for your canine. You don’t have to feed our aging dog the same boring canned food with Purina one.
- Wholesome
The canned food is free from additives such as food coloring, soy sauce, or flavoring. It also does not contain any fillers such as wheat and grains.
Pros
All-natural
ingredients
Corn and grain-free
Protein-rich diet
Cons
Unsuitable for dog’s
with skin problems
- IAMS Proactive health senior wet dog food-Best affordable canned dog food
The IAMS canned dog food is suitable for any dog owner on a budget but looking for natural and healthy dog food for their aging canine. What does IAMS bring to the kibble?
- Natural and safe ingredients
IAMS is made by slowly cooking chicken and brown rice together in Sause, giving off a portion of highly nutritious dog food. The chicken is a natural source of proteins necessary for bodybuilding and maintaining natural muscles. The canned food does not contain any additives such as wheat or by-products of chicken.
The canned food is packed with vitamins c and e for immunity boosting against infectious diseases in which senior dogs are prone. A healthy diet also promotes healthy skin and coat in your senior dog.
Wholesome ingredients
IAMS uses pure natural ingredients in their canned food. The meal is free of additives such as flavors and sweeteners. It is also grain and corn free and does not contain any fillers.
Pros
Affordable
Wholesome ingredients
Natural ingredients
Cons
Contains minimal
proteins
- Wellness Complete Health Canned Dog Food-Best canned food for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs
Wellness complete natural wet canned food is a great way to maintain your senior dog’s health through natural ingredients safe for his health.
- Natural easily digestible ingredients
Wellness contains natural ingredients such as proteins, carbs, and vitamins. Wellness canned food uses real chickens as the main protein in the meal. The high-quality protein is responsible for bodybuilding and restoring muscle mass in underweight pups. The canned food also contains low-calorie carbs, which are essential for providing energy.
Wellness complete is packed with fibers, which are a must-have for dogs with a sensitive stomach. Also, canned food does not contain any grains or corns since they understand the sensitive stomachs of senior dogs.
- Wholesome and safe
Wellness canned dog food is made from natural and pure ingredients. The dog food does not contain any fillers such as wheat, colorings, flavors, and sweeteners.
Pros
Made from pure and
natural ingredients
Safe and healthy
Suitable for
sensitive stomachs
Cons
Very expensive
Buyer’s Guide
As your canine begins to age, he will need a diet change to be able to combat the health changes that will come knocking. An older dog is likely to experience physical and medical changes that will take a toll on their activeness and health.
The tight canned food will come handy in helping your dog maintains a healthy life and reverse the health effects. A proper diet of canned food will also guarantee your old pouch a longer and healthier life. How do you choose the best canned dog food for your senior dog?
Nutrients adjustments
The digestive system of your dog does not remain as powerful as when they were younger. As a dog-parent you need to know which nutrients to change to that your dog will love.
An elderly dog is likely to have problems with pooping and experience sensitive stomachs. Here are some of the nutrient adjustments you can make for your canine.
- Increase protein intake
Proteins are an essential part of a senior dog’s diet as
they are vital in every aspect of the pup’s life. Remember that as dogs grow
older, just like their human owners, their body muscles begin to waste away.
Proteins are important for growth, repair of worn-out muscles, and maintenance
of their bodies and health.
Unlike for younger pups, proteins in the body mass and
muscles of a senior dog wastes away faster. There is a need to replenish
proteins in your dog every now and then as proteins also play a role in
boosting the immune system of the pup.
It is advisable that the diet of senior dogs contains 75
protein content out of 1000 calories. The diet should be protein-rich as
protein is easily used up in the body. The proteins should be sourced from
animal sources such as meat. These proteins contain amino acids for optimum functioning
of body parts.
The owner should take caution while increasing the
protein content as the level of phosphorus increases as proteins increase. An
increase in phosphorus is dangerous for dogs that suffer from kidney disorders.
Carbohydrates and
fats
Senior dogs can take different weight paths as they age.
Some dogs may lose weight while some can pull on some real weight fast.
Depending on the weight changes you observe in your canine, you should schedule
a meeting with your vet to determine the causes of the change.
If you notice your pup losing weight too fast, or
becoming underweight, you can add some carbohydrates and fats in their diet.
However, you should be sure about any underlying health issues affecting their
weight. If the problem is solely muscle mass, you can add some good quality
carbohydrate sources in their diet.
If your dog is struggling with excess weight, which can
result in a diabetic senior champ, you should reduce the carbohydrate intake.
You should also shift to a low-fat diet to resolve the problem of overweight.
Joint supplements
If you are a dog parent to an overweight pup, the chances
are that they are struggling with arthritis. You need to add joint supplements
in the diet to reduce the symptoms of the disease. The canned food you choose
should contain chondroitin and glucosamine. These ingredients reduce
inflammation and reducing friction on the joints. You should also check for
canned foods with omega fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA.
the cost
The price of whatever item is always a bone to contend
with. Before we even say much, remember that buying the most expensive canned
foods for your senior pup does not make you the best dog parent. The depth of
your pocket will greatly determine the price of the canned food you buy.
If you are under a flexible budget, you can opt for
high-end canned foods. If you have a small budget for your dog’s canned food,
it is still okay. The price does not always determine the quality of canned dog
food. A flexible budget will only ensure you have more room for choice, but the
key point is the ingredients in the canned food.
Vet’s advice
The first place to visit when deciding to change your
pups’ diet should be your vet. The vet always knows best. Also, it is important
to know the health position of your best friend before making any sudden
changes in their diet. Unplanned changes may result in stomach upsets such as
loose stool. The dog owner should only proceed to change the dog’s diet after
careful consultation with a vet.
Good nutritional content
The canned food of your choice should be one that
provides all nutrients in a single can. Apart from having protein, the first
ingredient, the canned food should provide carbs and fats as well as veggies
and whole grains.
Vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals
for your aging champ. Whole grains also provide energy to the dog. You should
look for canned food that contains about 18-25% protein composition, 10-25%
fats, and 30-70% carbs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best canned dog food for older dogs?
There is no single canned food we can point to as being
the best for your aging dog. To know the best canned food for your senior dog,
you first need to pay a visit to your vet. A vet visit will help determine the
underlying health conditions which attack as your dog ages.
Once you are aware of the health condition of your pup, your vet should recommend the nutrients which need to be included in the diet. You can then find the best canned food for your aging best friend. The canned food you choose should, however, contain a balanced diet.
Is canned food better for older dogs?
Canned foods are a lifesaver for many dog owners. First
canned foods contain all nutrients needed for a senior dog, from proteins to
carbohydrates. Canned foods even contain fibers, veggies, and nuts, which help
with digestions and immunity building.
Canned foods are also a time saver for dog parents with demanding schedules. Canned dog foods allow a dog owner to serve their senior pup a quick but utterly healthy food.
If you can cook for your dog, even the better, canned foods are, however the best since you cannot miss a single nutrient essential for your pup’s health, even with limited time.
What is the best dog food for small senior dogs?
Small senior dogs, like other senior dogs, require extra attention through diet. Small senior dogs need a balanced diet containing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and fibers. Carbohydrates are essential in an aging small dog’s diet as they are a source of energy.
Proteins are a must-have as the muscles and body of a senior dog tend to waste away, and the dog gets thinner. Proteins are essential for their bodybuilding property and should be served according to the needs of the dog. Vitamins and vegetables are needed for an immunity boost since aging dogs are a great target for illnesses.
The best dog food for small senior dogs is one that contains all the necessary nutrients and a properly balanced diet. Canned dog food should meet your dog’s nutritional needs.
What is the best thing to feed an old dog?
An old requires proteins more than carbohydrates, especially for an overweight dog suffering from arthritis. An old dog requires proteins to avoid losing weight or wasting of body muscles. Proteins are also essential for an underweight old dog as they build the muscle mass.
Carbohydrates should be given in very small amounts of energy. Old dogs need energy for activities such as walking and playing, although most prefer lying around. A senior dog should also be fed canned foods with ingredients such as glucosamine and omega acids to prevent and reduce inflammation of the joints. Vitamins are also important for immunity building against infections.
How much wet food should a senior dog have?
Senior dogs, unlike adult dogs and puppies, don’t do so well on wet and soft foods. Wet foods cause diarrhea in senior dogs since their guts are not as powerful as when they were younger. Wet food is not absorbed fully and ends up being passed as waste. The nutrients in the food are not fully utilized since most of it is not absorbed.
A senior dog should be put on kibbles and canned, dry
foods for the best absorption into the dog’s system. The dry food should be
given in small amounts but on a regular to give the dog’s
gut time to fully absorb the food.
Resources
https://petlabhouse.com/best-canned-dog-food/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033Z2EVC/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004INEWHC/?th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0026LIXHI/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000084ERR/
https://petlabhouse.com/best-canned-dog-food/
https://therapypet.org/blog/dog-food-for-aging-canines/