How to Pick the Best Food for Your Adult Dog in 2025
Choosing the right adult dog food isn’t just about filling your kiddo’s bowl—it’s about fueling their vitality, supporting their immune system, and ensuring they live their happiest, healthiest life possible!
As a devoted dog parent, you’ve probably stood overwhelmed in the pet food aisle, staring at hundreds of colorful bags and cans, each promising to be the “best” choice for your companion. The truth is, I have been there as well with my two cats. It took me doing a couple years of research and budgeting math to see what I would pick for them both. With the right knowledge about nutritional requirements, ingredient quality, and your dog’s specific needs, you can confidently select a diet that will keep your kiddo thriving for years to come.
Before doing a deep dive into this article, ask yourself these questions:
If money and time was not an issue, what food would I most prefer to feed my dog? Dry, canned wet food, freeze dried or raw.
I was talking to my boyfriend when he asked me this question for our two cats (Kani and Jace).
Why would I prefer this option?
I initially chose fully wet canned food diet for my cats. I chose this option because cats are carnivores and have a mostly or all meat diet is very healthy for them. The moisture content for wet canned food is very good for cats, and my cats do love their wet food.
Can we afford this option, right now?
At the time, the answer was no. But this did not stop me from spoiling my cats with wet food. We decided to do two small dry meals (one in the morning and one in the evening) then one wet food meal in the afternoon. Our schedule at the time did allow us to feed them 3 times a day and they were excited for each meal. We also made it a goal to afford to feed them all wet food one day and we have now succeeded. Although we decided to go with branded raw food instead.
Go over these questions by yourself or with your partner. You can write them down or make a mental note.
Understanding a Dog’s Nutritional Needs
Macronutrients vs. Micronutrients
Macronutrients are nutrients the body needs in large quantities while micronutrients are nutrients that the body needs in smaller quantities.
Essential Macronutrients Dogs Require
Protein: This includes chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, mackerel, beef, lamb, eggs, rabbit, duck and venison (amino acids from animal meat and tissue- Arginine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine). Protein is essential for muscle growth, tissue repair and overall body maintenance.
Fats: This is a very energy rich nutrient for dogs (but not as much as cats). It serves as a transport molecule and conducts nerve impulses, helps skin and coat health, helps wound healing, helps with decreasing inflammation and brain function (Fatty acids- omega-3 and omega-6; healthy fatty food- salmon, chicken, liver and beef)
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are a quick energy source for dogs. Dogs do need it more than cats as it helps with a dog’s fiber intake and digestive health. Carbohydrates that are dog safe are rice, oats, sweet potatoes, peas and specific legumes.
Essential Micronutrients Dogs Require
Amino acids are provided by animal meat and tissue. The list of amino acids cats need are as follows:
Arginine
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine
Fatty acids are provided through fish, chicken fat and dog-safe fish oil supplements. They include omega-3 and omega-6.
Important Vitamins and Minerals:
Calcium
Phosphorus
Sodium
Potassium
Magnesium
Chloride
Iron
Zinc
Copper
Iodine
Selenium
Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K (fat- soluble and water-soluble)
Calorie Adjustments Needed for Small and Large Dogs
For dogs, calorie intake is based individually on activity level, but also significantly by size. Smaller dogs usually have a higher metabolism due to their smaller body sizes (like cats), whereas larger dogs may have a slower metabolism than smaller dogs. Metabolism can vary based on age, activity level, spay/ neuter status, genetics and predispositions.
Understanding AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statements
I have attached the AAFCO nutritional requirements for dog food below for you to see a more legal and exact reference:
Dog Nutrition: Guide to Dog Food Nutrients | PetMD
Decoding Dog Food Labels and Ingredients
What “Complete and Balanced” Really Means
Complete and balanced means the product contains all necessary nutrients for a dog’s health and in correct proportions for specific life stages stated on the product’s label.
*Look for AAFCO for “puppy”, “adult”, or “all life stages” label*
How to Read Ingredient Lists Effectively
Ingredients are listed in order by weight, therefore, the first 3-5 ingredients are most important.
For dog food, look for named animal proteins (chicken, salmon, beef, rabbit, turkey). If you are looking for more quality food it is best to avoid “protein flavor” (ex: chicken flavor) or “with protein” (ex: with chicken).
It is best to try to avoid food with lots of fillers that are labeled early in the list. This includes corn, wheat gluten, soy, rice, beet pulp, and animal-by products.
Whole food ingredients are better than heavily processed ingredients if you are looking for quality food. A good rule of thumb is, it is good if you can read and understand the words you are reading (unless you are highly knowledgeable in food chemicals or chemistry).
Understanding Guaranteed Analysis Panels
Guaranteed Analysis panels is used mostly for pet food. It tells you the minimum protein, minimum fat, maximum fiber and maximum moisture their product contains. I have attached the link for AAFCO Guaranteed Analysis minimum and maximum requirements for dry and wet dog food.
Recognizing Marketing Tricks
“High protein”, “premium”, “gourmet” are commonly labeled on the front of the food label and are all not indicative of better food quality or health benefits. Look at the ingredients and food label and follow previous guidelines stated above of what to look for.
“Grain-Free” is technically true but hides the use of other processed carbohydrates.
“Human-Grade” has no significant meaning in pet food.
“Natural” means no artificial or manufactured ingredients; says nothing about overall healthiness of product or ingredients’ origins.
Keep in mind the meat content on the front of the label and in the ingredient list on the label. “Chicken Flavor” means about 0-3% chicken; “with chicken” means about 4% chicken; “Chicken” (as the first ingredient) means at least 26% chicken.
Quality Protein Sources vs. Fillers
"Meat-by-products” or “meat digest” means the product includes non-edible parts of animals that are left over after the meat was processed. This includes:
Bones
Skin
Feathers
Hooves
Organs (such as liver, kidneys, spleen, etc)
Blood
By-products are generally safe for dogs to consume in moderation. They can be a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals. They mimic a dog’s diet if they lived in the wild. It is also a cost-effective way to provide your kitty nutrition. I would keep in mind that meat-by-products can vary widely in quality as certain by-products can be low in nutrients and contain toxins and contaminates. There is also potential risk for dogs to be allergic to a specific animal(s) by-product due to your kiddo’s genetics or the amount of toxin or contaminates in the by-product. With that, look for AFFCO logo on the label or brand’s website.
Main Ingredients to Look for in Quality Dog Food
Quality Animal Protein Sources
Chicken and turkey are the most popular, affordable and most digestible sources of protein.
Tuna, salmon, mackerel are wonderful sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy coat and brain function. You can also supplement other sources of protein with dog safe fish oil supplements.
Beef and lamb are reliable for iron especially lean cuts.
Eggs and egg whites are a good source of protein add on to other sources of protein.
Organ meats (certain by-products) highly digestible and contain certain sources of protein, vitamins and minerals.
Rabbit, Duck, Lamb and Venison are the best sources of protein for dogs with sensitivities and food (protein) allergies. These are called “novel protein” sources. They are not an owner’s typical first go-to due to these sources of protein being more expensive.
Prebiotics and Probiotics for Digestive Health
Typically sourced from legumes, chicory root, bananas, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and oats that support their digestive tract. Owners like to add small amounts of plain yogurt or kefir to their daily diet as a treat or snack. You can use a dog safe supplement especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach or IBS. Pre and probiotic foods are usually already added to most dog foods, but sometimes not all so it is good to have a pre and probiotic.
Quality Carbohydrate Sources
Carbohydrates that are dog safe are:
Rice
Oats
Sweet potatoes
Peas
Carrots
Green Beans
Specific legumes
Quality Fat Sources
Dog safe fish oil supplement
Fish (Tuna, Salmon, Mackerel- make sure fish does not contain mercury)
Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables That Boost Immunity and Fiber
Broccoli
Spinach
Cabbage
Cucumber
Green beans
Brussel sprouts
Pumpkin (If you choose canned, needs to be 100% puree with no addatives)
Carrots
Beetroot
Zucchini
Celery
Sweet potatoes
Potato
These are also great snacks, treats, and additives to their meals.
Red Flag Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food
Toxic Substances for Dogs (usually certain human food)
Xylitol: A common artificial sweetener in sugar-free products that is harmful to dogs.
Alcohol: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, impaired coordination, and central nervous system depression.
Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine: Contain methylxanthines, which are toxic to dogs.
Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney failure.
Onions, garlic, and chives: Can damage a dog's red blood cells.
Macadamia nuts: Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia.
Yeast dough: Can cause the stomach to bloat and potentially twist, and the yeast can produce alcohol.
Wild mushrooms, avocado, and unripe tomatoes/potatoes: Can be poisonous and cause digestive issues.
Artificial Colors and Flavors
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
Ethoxyquin
Artificial colors (Yellow 5, Red 40)
Indigestible Processed Ingredients for Dogs:
Grains and Fillers: Corn, wheat, and soy are often difficult for dogs to digest.
Artificial Additives: Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can irritate a dog's digestive system and be potential risks for negative reactions to food.
Dairy Products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy can cause gastrointestinal issues such as gas and diarrhea. More safe dairy options in small amounts are plain Greek yogurt and kefir.
High-Fat Foods: Fatty foods can be hard to digest and may lead to conditions like pancreatitis.
Spicy Foods: Human foods seasoned with spices can irritate a dog's digestive tract.
Wet Food vs Dry Food: Making the Right Choice
Pros of Wet Canned Food
High Moisture Content: Wet food helps dogs stay hydrated, which is crucial for urinary tract and kidney health, especially for dogs who do not drink enough water.
High Protein: Many wet canned food products are higher in protein than dry kibble but check the Guaranteed Analysis Label and Ingredient List to be sure. Higher protein can help with more active, working and even overweight dogs.
Lower Carbohydrates: Many wet canned food products have lower carbohydrates than kibble but check the Guaranteed Analysis Label and Ingredient List to be sure.
Palatability: This can be a perfect option for many picky eaters. Dogs have more taste buds than cats so the smell and the taste can be appetizing for a picky kiddo.
Dental Benefits for Senior Dogs and Dogs with Less Teeth: The moisture and texture of wet food can be easier to chew for senior dogs or those missing teeth.
Weight Management: Wet food has lower caloric density, making it easier to manage your dog's weight and reduce the risk of obesity-related issues.
Cons of Wet Canned Food
Higher Cost: Wet dog food is generally more expensive than dry kibble, which can be a significant factor for owners with multiple cats or a tight budget.
Short Shelf Life After Opening: Wet food spoils quickly once opened and must be refrigerated, becoming unsuitable for prolonged grazing.
Potential for Mess: Wet food can be messier to serve and eat than dry food.
Dental Downsides: As wet food can be good for older dogs or dogs with missing teeth, it can be a downside to younger dogs with all of their teeth. The crunchy texture of kibble helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup on a dog's teeth through chewing, although it is not a substitute for regular dental care. Sort of brushing their teeth without going through the stress of brushing their teeth. Wet food does not allow that since it is all soft.
Not for Automatic Feeders: Due to its perishable nature and texture, wet food is generally unsuitable for use in automatic feeders.
Pros of Dry Kibble
Convenient: Dry food is easy to store and serve, with a long shelf life, making it ideal for busy owners and automatic feeders.
Cost-Effective: It is generally more affordable than wet food, offering more concentrated nutrients and calories per volume.
Dental Health Benefits for Younger Adult Dogs: The crunchy texture of kibble helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup on a dog's teeth through chewing, although it is not a substitute for regular dental care.
Weight Management for Underweight Dogs: The high-energy-density of dry food can efficiently provide calories to thin dogs.
Cons of Dry Kibble
Low Moisture Content: Dry food contains very little water, forcing you and your dogs to increase their overall water intake to stay hydrated. Dogs tend to drink water better than cats though.
Higher Carbohydrate Content: Compared to wet food, dry food tends to have a higher carbohydrate percentage, which can be problematic for overweight and diabetic dogs.
Risk of Obesity: The high calorie density and easy availability make it simple for dogs to overeat, potentially leading to weight gain.
Increased Risk of Urinary & Kidney Issues When They Are Older: The lack of moisture in dry food can increase the risk of urinary tract and kidney problems if your dog does not drink enough water, as the dog's water intake may not be sufficient to flush toxins.
Less Nutritionally Complete: Dry food is less protein-dense and more carb-dense than wet food. This is a con depending on the situation, dog and owner preferences.
Pros of Branded Raw Food
Nutrient Density: Proponents claim raw food has more natural vitamins and minerals compared to processed foods, as processing can destroy heat-sensitive nutrients.
Digestibility: The absence of fillers and additives found in some commercial foods may lead to less bloating and firmer stools.
Skin and Coat Health: The natural fats in raw diets can contribute to a shinier coat and healthier skin.
Dental Health: Depending on the brand or adding in yourself, chewing on certain raw bones, a component of some raw diets, can help clean teeth naturally.
Palatability: Some dogs may find raw food more appealing and easier to eat than others.
Potential Cons and Risks of Branded Raw Food
Pathogen Contamination: Raw meat can harbor bacteria (like Salmonella, E. coli) and parasites (Toxoplasma gondii) that pose a health risk to both the dog and the people handling the food, especially to children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.
Risk Nutritional Imbalance: If the branded raw food is not accredited, balancing a raw diet is complex, as the lack of consistency in raw ingredients can lead to nutritional deficiencies or excesses that cause health problems.
Injury Risk: Feeding raw bones can pose a risk of dental fractures or internal injuries.
Cost and Inconvenience: Ready-to-serve raw meals can be expensive, and the limited shelf life of thawed raw food requires careful handling and storage.
Lack of Scientific Evidence: There is no scientific consensus that raw diets are superior to high-quality commercial foods, with claims of benefits often based on anecdotal evidence rather than robust data.
Important Considerations
Always consult a veterinarian before transitioning your dog to a raw diet to ensure it is nutritionally complete and balanced for your dog's specific needs.
Raw meat can harbor bacteria (like Salmonella, E. coli) and parasites (Toxoplasma gondii) that pose a health risk to both your kiddo and the people handling the food, especially to children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.
If you choose to feed raw, strict hygiene practices are essential to minimize the risk of pathogen exposure to your family and pets.
Consider Alternatives especially if you have a busy lifestyle and/ or have smaller children. High-quality canned or dry foods can provide your dog with complete and balanced nutrition, often without the risks associated with raw diets.
Pros of Freeze-Dried Food
High-Quality Nutrition: Freeze-drying preserves the high nutrient content found in raw ingredients, offering a minimal and natural source of food for dogs.
Long Shelf Life: Freeze-dried food can last for years without spoilage, making it convenient for storage and ideal for emergencies or travel.
Shelf-Stable & Lightweight: The process removes moisture, making the food lightweight and easy to ship and store without needing refrigeration.
Palatability: The taste and texture can be appealing to dogs, and it can be easily rehydrated with water or pet-safe broth, similar to wet food.
Raw-Like Diet: It provides a diet that closely resembles a dog's natural, raw food diet without the mess, preparation time and cost of raw food.
Cons of Freeze-Dried Food
Cost: Freeze-dried dog food is generally more expensive than wet canned and dry kibble.
Can Require Rehydration: Many freeze-dried foods need moisture added before feeding, which requires an extra preparation step.
Potential Nutritional Imbalance: Not all freeze-dried foods are nutritionally complete for dogs, and some may lack necessary vitamins and minerals so make sure the food is accredited and has all the necessary ingredients.
Picky Eaters: Some dogs may find the texture crumbly and may refuse to eat it until moisture is added back. My cat, Kani, does not like freeze-dried food especially if it has been left out. He refuses to eat it if it has been left out for too long.
Combination Feeding Strategies
Rotational Diet: Offer wet food for one meal and dry food for another, providing variety and ensuring a balanced intake of both nutritional types. My cats received dry food in the morning and evening then wet food for lunch. They were excited for each mealtime especially when it was time for wet food.
Blended Feeding: Combine wet and dry food in the same bowl at mealtime. This requires carefully calculating the total portion size of both foods.
Topping Method: Place a small amount of wet food on top of your dog's dry food to entice them, especially if they are a picky eater or need extra moisture.
Key Considerations
Portion Control: When mixing wet and dry food, ensure you do not overfeed. A general rule is to use half the recommended amount of each type of food to reach the total daily portion.
Freshness: Wet and raw food should be refrigerated after opening and served within a few hours. Discard any uneaten wet and raw food promptly to prevent spoilage.
Serving Temperature: Many dogs prefer wet food at room temperature, so let cold food sit out for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
Consult Your Vet: Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice on portion sizes and the best balance of wet and dry food for your individual dog's age, activity level, and health.
Cost Comparison for Wet Canned, Dry Kibble, Branded Raw and Freeze-Dried
I am going to use specific brands and Chewy for purchasing the wet canned and dry kibble and use my cat, Kani and his previous food as examples. I know you all have or will have dogs, but the math is the same process for dogs. Viva Raw has their own website. Sometimes each brand has their own calculator on their site either listed on the product itself or on the homepage. Be sure to use this information and use it accurately and use it per product to get the most accurate calculations.
Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Seafood Entree in Gravy Wet Canned: For this product it is recommended to feed 1 can per 3.5 lbs your cat weighs daily. They do recommend checking the weight every day. I normally go off of how my boys look, but we are going to focus more on how to do the math.
Kani weighs around 11-12 lbs. I would recommend divided their highest normal weight by the weight recommended for each can, in this case is 3.5 lbs. 12 / 3.5 = approx. 3.4 cans. 11 / 3.5 = approx. 3.1 cans per day. I do usually calculate both his minimal weight and maximum weight so I can calculate a price window of what to expect. Kani would need 3.1-3.4 cans per day of this product in order to make sure Kani is well fed and has the proper nutrition.
For one month worth of food Kani would need approximately 4 cans a day (I am overestimating especially if I am sharing this food with my other cat, Jace). 120 days x 4 cans = 120 cans total. Say you go through Chewy.com, they offer a 24 pack of seafood favorites variety for $40.32 before taxes and shipping. 120 cans / 24 cans (representing 24 pack) = 5 boxes. $40.32 x 5 = $201.60 before taxes and shipping. This is for one month supply.
Iams Healthy Enjoyment Dry Cat Chicken & Salmon: They do not offer calculations you can do yourself. They do offer a food calculator and food measured by cups per day in specific weight ranges. I looked both at the chart and used the calculator and Kani would need 3/4 cups (0.75 cups) per day. We will 0.75 for the math to represent Kani’s daily intake needed for a well-fed diet.
I would normally get one 15 lb bag if it was just Kani. One 15 lb bag has approximately 67 cups (I just googled it). Mathematically, this food would last almost 3 months in a vacuum sealed container. I would always buy food at the 2 and 1/2 mark. One bag is $33.98. That is almost $12 per month. So, this is significantly cheaper than the Purina Pro Plan canned wet food.
Viva Raw: This is Kani and Jace’s current diet. It did take some adjusting because they were used to the larger amount of carbohydrates and processed food from the wet canned and dry kibble, but they do love it now. They provide a pretty accurate calculator (I did all the math out myself and have been experimenting with the early stages of transitioning them to this food) so it might be easier to use the calculator. They calculated with Kani being 3 years old, weighing at 12 lbs and highly active (more than 1 hour per day of activity) he would need 7 ounces of food per day. They also calculated at the top right-hand corner I would need to purchase 12 lbs of food every 4 weeks.
They do calculate the food by lbs; each package holds 2 lbs which contains 32 ounces. I, personally, supply for a month and a half and purchase every 5 weeks. For 5 week supply (to prepare for one month supply), I would need 15 lbs of food.
It is good to note, that you need to purchase at least 6 lbs for each order being shipped and you get free shipping (that is normally $20) if you spend $200 or more in one order (this goes for dogs too). I do recommend planning to stock up for 1-2 months. I stock for at least 1 and 1/2 months and allow enough food for one week to allow enough shipping time.
For 16 lbs of raw chicken mix for cats, it is $84 before taxes and the $20 shipping for 1 just over 1 month supply.
I was quite surprised how this raw food was technically less expensive than the canned food for one cat. I wanted to get both of my boys on canned wet food initially because they love it and it allows enough hydration for their bodies, but due to this math, I went with Viva Raw.
I did choose to do a lot of the calculations myself when I was choosing food for my cats because they are both very active, even with staying indoor. Please feel free to choose how you would like to calculate your kiddo(s) well-fed diet.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog’s Lifestyle
Large vs. Small Dogs
The right food can be based individually on activity level, but also significantly by size. Smaller dogs usually have a higher metabolism due to their smaller body sizes (like cats), whereas larger dogs may have a slower metabolism than smaller dogs. Metabolism can vary based on age, activity level, spay/ neuter status, genetics and predispositions.
Active Dogs
Due to energetic and working dogs being highly active it is better to put them on a higher protein diet with slightly higher calories. It may be best to consult a veterinarian, especially, if they are senior working dogs. Many people like to go off how a dog looks which is called a dog’s body condition score.
Dog Body Condition Scoring | Assess Your Dog’s Weight — Association for Pet Obesity Prevention
Minimally/ Non-Active Dogs
Adult dogs who have a lower activity level, do not need as many calories as a more active and outdoor dogs. They do need the minimal AAFCO micronutrients and macronutrients.
Weight Management Options for Overweight Dogs
For managing your dog’s diet if they are overweight, please consult your veterinarian. They will be able to run tests and personalize recommendations to your dog’s needs. Your dog may be just overweight; they could be overweight and diabetic or overweight with other concerns. Your veterinarian can prescribe the right medications, recommend the right supplements and let you know if your kiddo needs to be on a specific prescription food diet to maintain or better their health.
General rule of thumb is to slowly decrease your dog’s food down a tablespoon or two every few days. By slowly transitioning, you will not risk your dog’s body to go into any kind of shock. This is not huge in the moment but over time it may cause other issues with insulin levels, energy levels, etc. and your dog may be much hungrier because they are not used to eating that much less each day.
Prescriptions diets for dogs tend to be low calorie and high-fiber and protein. You can switch your kiddo to wet, raw or freeze-dried, but costs can be higher than dry food.
Diet For Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs and Allergies
Note that the word “diet” means the food a person, animal or community habitually eat. This does not JUST mean restricting. That is just the definition that society put on the word “diet”. Diet means food habits a person, animal or community have.
For kiddos with sensitive stomachs, like seniors with sensitive stomachs, kiddos with IBS or kiddos going through a “stomach bug”, bland diets are highly recommended. Bland diet, in general for cats and dogs is plain chicken and rice. No seasoning, gravy or broth. Plain chicken and rice is the easiest for cats’ and dogs’ stomachs to process. Easiest meaning the less work their digestive system has to do to process the food.
For kiddos with food allergies (this is normally to specific proteins), hydrolyzed and novel protein food help manage food sensitivities and allergies. Rabbit, Duck, Lamb and Venison are the best sources of protein for dogs with sensitivities and food allergies. They are not an owner’s typical first go-to due to these sources of protein and hydrolyzed protein food being more expensive.
Foods and Preparation for Senior Dogs
Our senior kiddos are just as important to prepare for just like our puppy kiddos. If you plan on adopting a senior dog or your kiddo is getting to be 8 years or older, I recommend doing research and budgeting if you are not already. Just like humans, as dogs get older their bodies grow then at some point their bodies and bodies organs very slowly start going down. It is our duty as pet owners to do the best we can to support their health. I have added the link for the AAFCO requirements for adult and senior dogs at the end of this section.
High-Quality Protein: Let us start with protein. It will be beneficial for our older kiddos to be on higher-quality protein to help them maintain muscle mass and overall health.
Moisture: I cannot stress this enough. Moisture, moisture, moisture. This is very important for our senior kiddos. Some dogs do not drink water very well; therefore, many kiddos end up with kidney issues once they are older.
Digestibility: How easy is the food and protein for your kiddo to digest? There are senior dog stages in food especially higher quality food. The most digestible proteins are chicken and turkey. Most digestible carbohydrate is rice (make sure the food is higher in quality protein). The more digestible a diet is, the more it can aid in nutrient absorption for our senior kiddos.
Healthy Fats: While some geriatric dogs have difficulty digesting fats, they remain an important part of a complete and balanced diet. Again, the best approach is to find foods that is specifically for senior dogs or consult your veterinarian if you would like to do a homemade or raw diet.
Food for Senior Dogs Tips
Veterinary Consultation: As I have mentioned in the beginning, your veterinarian is the best resource for creating a personalized feeding plan, as each senior dog has unique needs.
Monitor Weight: Regularly weigh your cat or pay attention to their body condition score (Dog Body Condition Scoring | Assess Your Dog’s Weight — Association for Pet Obesity Prevention) to ensure they maintain a lean, healthy body condition and adjust portions as needed.
Consider Wet Food: Canned wet or branded raw foods are a great option as they provide essential moisture and are often softer, making them easier for dogs with dental issues to eat.
Increase Water Intake: Place multiple bowls of fresh water in various locations throughout the home, or consider a pet fountain, to encourage more drinking by adding water to their food.
Adjust Meal Size: Older dogs may prefer smaller, more frequent meals to help with digestion and appetite, especially if they have difficulty chewing. It is good to plan ahead of time to work with your busy schedule and pay attention to your kiddos’ habits to see if they are interested in their food or if they quit halfway through the bowl and come back later, etc.
Palatability: A faded sense of smell and taste can make senior dogs picky eaters especially if their stomach becomes sensitive; you can warm food slightly to enhance its aroma, making it more appealing. Some owners have to add wet food on top of dry kibble, add broth or treats to make their senior kiddo more interested.
Popular Dog Food Brands: What Veterinarians Recommend
I am going to list off popular brands from the top of my head from both school and my work experience in the field from 2021- 2023. Note that each brand will vary especially in product and reviews may change over time. For example, Purina has it’s One product line, but the higher quality version is Pro Plan. Vet offices always keep either Hills Science Diet, Royal Canine, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet prescription products on hand.
Premium brands worth the investment
Hills Science Diet, Royal Canine, Purina Pro Plan, Iams Active Health
Budget-Friendly Higher Quality Options
Dry: Iams Active Health and Purina Pro Plan
Wet: Iams Proactive Health and Purina Pro Plan
Branded Raw: Viva Raw and Darwin’s Natural
Freeze-dried: pawTree, Open Farm
Types of Prescription Diets
The prescription diets listed below may not be the actual name of the diet for each prescription brand, but the veterinarian will know what you are talking about if you mention the main name and not the abbreviated name. Each prescription diet is made for each condition. Ingredients are either added, lowered or disregarded to help treat or maintain a condition.
Urinary Health: Designed to dissolve struvite crystals and prevent their recurrence, supporting overall bladder health.
Kidney Support (e.g., k/d): Formulated with controlled phosphorus and protein levels to help slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Digestive Care (e.g., i/d): Contains highly digestible ingredients and prebiotics to support dogs with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal upset.
Metabolic & Weight Management: Is formulated to support a healthy metabolism and promote satiety, helping dogs lose weight safely.
Food Sensitivities & Allergies: This is limited ingredient or hydrolyzed protein formulas help manage food sensitivities.
Other diets include liver support, which manages liver disease (hepatic diets).
Transitioning to New Dog Food Safely
This process should take at least a month. Note you should notice any negative symptoms within the first 14 days of transitioning.
Day 1-7: Start with 25% of your kiddo’s new food and 75% of the old food each meal.
Day 8-14: Change to half of the new and half old food each meal.
Day 15-21: Transition to 25% of old food and 75% of new food each meal.
Day 22-30: Your kiddo should be eating a full meal of their new food, each meal.
Signs your dog is adjusting well to new food is not vomiting, no diarrhea, no allergic reactions and they are interested in the food. Some dogs will be very hesitant or sensitive about the food change, and some will not. Be prepared for anything because you might be surprised to how your dog will react. When I was transitioning my cats to Viva Raw, my younger cat Jace sniffed it and ate it immediately. My older cat, Kani, looked at and walked away even though he was yelling at me he was hungry. It took many methods and many different variations to try to get Kani to eat his new food.
What do you do if your dog refuses to eat the new food?
It depends on the food, but I will provide examples. For all food types, you can add broth or their favorite treats. For wet canned, freeze-dried (soaked in broth or water), or raw you can slightly cook it to bring out the aroma.
How To Manage Digestive Upset During Transitions
Pre and Probiotics: You can order dog specific pre and probiotics online or go through your veterinarian and most will prescribe for you.
Keep Them HYDRATED: If they are vomiting and having diarrhea make sure, they are drinking water and add water to their food as cats can get dehydrated easily due to their size and lack of habit of drinking.
Stop Their New Diet and Consult Your Veterinarian: If vomiting and diarrhea happen for more than 48-72 hours or your kiddo is having an obvious allergic reaction (swelling of face or body, hives or rash), stop the food and contact your veterinarian for advice.
Common Dog Food Mistakes to Be Aware of
Overfeeding and Portion Control: It is best to calculate your dog’s caloric intake or measurements of food (per brand product) per day and match it to the chosen food in order to avoid weight gain and worst-case health concerns from long term weight gain.
Feeding Cat Food to Dogs: As required dog ingredient levels are not the same as cats. This can cause malnutrition and upset stomach.
Ignoring Expiration Dates and Storage: Do not ignore expiration dates and storage requirements. This is important for your kiddo’s health (and your health if you are handling raw food).
Choosing Food Based Solely on Price: You are more than welcome to do this because I understand not everyone can afford the more expensive options, just keep in mind the risks. Just like picking your food at the grocery store. Be sure to at least do your research to make sure the food meets the minimum requirements for AFFCO.
Not Considering Your Dog’s Individual Preferences: This is difficult to keep up at times. I say this from personal experience. It is not impossible, though. It would be best to feed either in separate rooms, on different levels, or invest in a collar motion activated feeder.
Selecting the right adult dog food is an important decision you will make for your kiddo. Remember, the “best” food isn’t necessarily the most expensive or heavily marketed option—it’s the one that meets your dog’s individual nutritional needs while fitting your lifestyle and budget. Start by examining the ingredient list and guaranteed analysis, prioritize high-quality proteins, and consider your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Do not forget that every dog is unique! What works wonderfully for your neighbor’s Golden Retriever might not be ideal for your Beagle.
Your kiddo’s wagging tail, shiny coat, and boundless energy will thank you for making an informed choice that supports their long-term health and happiness. You got this!