Last Updated: 10/08/2026
Vet Picks: Best Senior Dog Food
Want the best food for your senior dog? Read these top tips to help maintain your dog's health.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 16 minutes - medium read
The right senior dog food can make a real difference to how your dog feels and functions as they get older. As dogs age, their nutritional needs shift significantly, and the food that kept them healthy in their prime may no longer be giving them what they need. With more dogs than ever living well into their teens thanks to advances in veterinary care, nutrition has become one of the most powerful tools we have for supporting them through their golden years.
Choosing food for older dogs used to mean simply picking something labelled "senior" off the shelf, but canine nutrition has come a long way. Today, the best senior dog food options are specifically formulated to support joint health, brain function, muscle condition and immune health, often with targeted ingredients backed by solid research. The difference they can make is genuinely noticeable.
In this guide, our vet team reviews the top picks available in Australia, explains how a dog's nutritional needs change with age, and walks you through exactly what to look for when comparing options. Whether you're after dry dog food for elderly dogs, a wet food to mix in, or a grain-free formula, read on.
For a complete guide to caring for your ageing dog, visit our Senior Dog Care hub.
In this article
How ageing changes your dog's nutritional needs
Caloric requirements
As dogs move into their senior years, their metabolism slows and their activity levels tend to drop. This means most older dogs need fewer calories and less fat than they did as adults, to avoid putting on weight that places extra strain on already-ageing joints. At the same time, the food they do eat needs to be highly digestible and rich in quality protein, to help them hold on to lean muscle mass.
Joint health
Joint disease is extremely common in older dogs, with research showing that 2 out of 3 dogs over the age of 7 have some degree of degenerative joint disease or arthritis. For this reason, joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, green lipped mussel, green tea polyphenols and omega fatty acids are a key feature to look for in senior dog food. Research has also shown that these ingredients are more effective when included within the diet itself rather than given as separate supplements.
Cognitive decline
Dog brain cells rely on glucose as their primary energy source for functions like memory, learning and decision making. As dogs age, the brain becomes progressively less efficient at using glucose, which contributes to the signs of cognitive decline we often mistake for "just getting old." Modern senior dog food formulations have started to address this directly, using alternative energy sources to help keep ageing brains functioning at their best.
Signs of cognitive decline in dogs
- Sleeping more
- Less interested in playing or other enjoyable activities
- Appearing lost or disorientated in familiar places
- Nighttime restlessness
- Loss of toilet training
How We Review Our Products
Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.
Top Foods for Senior Dogs in Australia
Best for Brain Health Support: Pro Plan Bright Minds
Pros
- Made in Australia
- Promotes alertness and mental sharpness in ageing dogs
- Does not require your vet's recommendation
Cons
- Not available in specific small breed version - the medium and large breed version is suitable for small breeds also
- May not offer sufficient support for dogs diagnosed with dementia
Oxidative damage, reduced brain mass and blood flow, and the accumulation of toxic substances can all cause age-related changes to the brains of ageing dogs. The brain also becomes less able to metabolise glucose as an energy source, and all these factors together contribute to cognitive dysfunction - what we would call dementia in humans. Pro Plan have developed their Bright Minds senior dog food range to help combat these changes. The Pro Plan senior dog foods contain enhanced botanical oils (also known as medium chain triglycerides) to provide the brain with an alternate energy source to glucose, along with antioxidants and other brain supporting nutrients, to support the brain to function at it's best.
Along with these cognitive benefits, the Pro Plan Bright Minds dog foods contain omega 3-fatty acids and glucosamine to support joint health and mobility, as 2 out of 3 dogs over the age of 7 suffer from some form of arthritis.
What our customers say: "I have been feeding this to my now 16 year old dog for nearly a year now. It has made a huge improvement in her health as far as her alertness, movement and coat condition. Thankful to have found it."
Best for Cognitive Decline: Pro Plan NC Neurocare
Pros
- Specialised nutrition designed to support brain function and cognitive health, especially in ageing or neurologically compromised dogs, with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and targeted nutrients.
- Includes antioxidants, B-vitamins, arginine, EPA + DHA to help manage Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) and support neurological wellbeing.
- Can be used as an adjunct to veterinary therapy for epilepsy when recommended by your vet.
Cons
- Prescription diet – must be used under veterinary guidance, not suitable for general feeding without vet approval.
- Higher price point compared with standard adult or senior dog foods.
PURINA® PRO PLAN® Veterinary Diets Canine NC NeuroCare Dry Dog Food is a clinical nutrition formula specifically designed to help support brain health, cognitive function and neurological challenges in dogs. It features a scientifically developed blend of nutrients and MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) that provide an alternative energy source for the brain, help reduce oxidative stress with antioxidants, and support overall neural wellness.
This diet is often recommended by veterinarians for dogs with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) symptoms (such as declining awareness, disorientation or memory loss) and as a nutritional tool alongside medical management of epilepsy.
Ingredients include whole grain sources, chicken meal, botanical oils (source of MCTs), antioxidants, vitamins, amino acids, fish oil and glucosamine hydrochloride - providing balanced nutrition while targeting neurological support pathways.
To find out more, check out our article about Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs.
Best for Joint Support: Royal Canin Senior Dog Foods
Pros
- Available in specific products for breed size, as well as for dogs in their mature, as well as senior years, to suit your dog's specific age and breed size
- All products in this range contain green tea polyphenols for joint support, along with glucosamine and chondrotin in the Maxi varieties for large breed dogs, and the Medium Breed over 10 years of age variety
Cons
- Not made in Australia
- May not contain enough joint support for dogs with diagnosed arthritis
Dominating the market for their range of senior dog foods, Royal Canin offer varieties for dogs of all breed sizes, in both mature and senior varieties. For small breed dogs under 10kg bodyweight, the Mini Adult 8+ and Ageing 12+ foods contain green tea polyphenols for joint support, along with antioxidants and enhanced palatability to satisfy the commonly fussy appetite of small breed dogs. The Ageing 12+ Mini variety also contains an adapted phosphorus content to support kidney function.
For medium sized dogs, the Medium 7+ contains green tea polyphenols for joint support, while the Ageing 10+ also includes glucosamine and chondroitin. Both the Maxi 5+ and Maxi 8+ contain green tea polyphenols and glucosamine and chondroitin, since large breed dogs are more prone to joint issues as they age.
Each of the Ageing varieties (Mini 12+, Medium 10+ and Maxi 8+) is also available in an equivalent wet food, ideal for mixed feeding. This is particularly helpful as dogs can become more fussy with food as they age, and wet food can help to increase palatability and overall acceptance of food.
All varieties contain antioxidants to help fight the ageing process. Unfortunately, all the varieties are poultry-based so they are not suitable for dogs with sensitivities to poultry proteins. Each variety also only comes in only one bag size option.
For dogs with diagnosed arthritis, prescription mobility diets offer a greater level of joint support, so we would recommend speaking with your vet about the best dietary options for your dog in these cases. A diet such as the Royal Canin Mobility Support contain therapeutic levels of joint support ingredients.
To find out more, check out our article all about Arthritis in Dogs.
What our customers say: "After trying ALL the other aged dog foods this one excelled. Dry food was gentler on his teeth and the wet food he loved. Pricey, but compared to all I have wasted over the years - I am now saving... anyone who is in the same boat and has tried everything including gourmet chicken and raw should try this. "
What our vets say: "I like to recommend the Royal Canin ageing dry food range for senior dogs for several reasons. Firstly, Royal canin is a premium brand of dog food which is highly nutritious and based on the individual dog's life stage and suited to that. For example, our giant breed dogs age faster than our smaller breeds so there is a maxi adult 5yrs + and 9yrs+ option (for our large breed dogs) and small breed having an 8yrs+ and 12yrs+ option. All the senior diets are formulated to help prevent age related loss of muscle mass which all dogs will experience with ageing. They also contain omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and glucosamine to help your dog stay active by supporting their bones and joints. The kibble size is related to the breed size with the mini ageing 12 plus diet having a unique kibble which is rehydratable and has exclusive flavours to stimulate appetite in our ageing small breed dogs. All the senior dry food range contains nutrients to bind salivary calcium which helps to reduce dental tartar formation for good oral health." - Dr. Angie
Best Grain-Free: Open Farm Senior Dry Food
Pros
- Contains only humanely and sustainably sourced ingredients, with a focus on animal welfare in the production process
- Every ingredient is traceable using the lot code on the packaging
- No grain, corn, wheat or soy
- Contains glucosamine, chondroitin and New Zealand green lipped mussel for joint support
Cons
- Not made in Australia
Every Open Farm product is proudly produced with a focus on transparent sourcing and traceability, humane production animal welfare standards, ethically sourced ingredients, and sustainable fishing practices in line with Ocean Wise Standards. For an environmentally friendly, grain-free senior dog food, you can't go past this one.
Alongside their environmentally friendly values, Open Farm foods are made with the most premium proteins and superfoods, providing the highest quality ingredients for your dog. Their recipes are free from grain, corn, wheat and soy.
Along with glucosamine, chondroitin and green lipped mussel for joint support, the Open Farm Senior dog food also contains flaxseed, salmon and coconut oil for skin support, as well as ingredients for gut support.
On the down side, the Open Farm foods are expensive options, though you do 'get what you pay for' with the highest quality, premium ingredients. The Open Farm foods are also not made locally - they are imported from Canada.
What our customers say: "I am very happy to have found this dry food for my dog. The quality and the mix of ingredients are great. My dog has a sensitive stomach and after several tries, this food has not given him any reaction and he loves it! Open Farm will always be my first choice. "
Pros
- Australian-made, scientifically based premium food
- 3 different breed size formulations - small, medium and large
- Contains ingredients to support the brain, joints, immune system and digestive system of ageing dogs
- Comes in a range of bag sizes depending on breed size
Cons
- Not all diets have bulk buy options
- Larger bags (20kg) are not resealable
ADVANCE is a premium quality, Australian made product backed by over 45 years of experience and science to deliver the best nutrition to your dog. ADVANCE focuses on top of the range nutrition and providing for long term health with all of their diets using omega fatty acids and zinc for a healthy skin and coat, antioxidants for immune support, fermentable prebiotic fibres for healthy gut and a delicious, highly palatable formula to tempt even the fussiest eaters.
Whilst there are cheaper foods, we have chosen ADVANCE as the most affordable senior dog range, because we know that premium foods are the most beneficial to your dog's daily health. Supermarket foods, while they may look cheaper initially, often have batch inconsistencies that can lead to frequent tummy upsets and subsequent further expense. They use lower quality ingredients and poorly digestible nutrients that lead to you feeding more food to meet your dog's daily requirements, which makes them more expensive in the long run. The use of lower quality ingredients can also mean more wastage, with larger, smellier poops! Supermarket diets also often lack added supplements for health support such as joints, skin and coat, and dental as well. So, while you are looking to cut costs wherever you can, it is still important to ensure that your dog is receiving a nutritionally balanced and complete diet that is going to nourish them and keep them looking and feeling their best.
The ADVANCE range of senior foods contains ingredients to support many aspects of the ageing process, including DHA and antioxidants to support brain function, green lipped mussel powder to help maintain healthy joints, antioxidants to support a strong immune system and prebiotics to support healthy digestion for smaller, firmer stools.
What our customers say: "My 11 yo dog was struggling with jumping onto the couch and general mobility. Changed his diet to Advance and he's a puppy again."
What our vets say: "I love that Advance is Australian made, so you can support the local industry whilst feeding your dog a premium, nutrient-dense diet backed by science. Advance has a wide range of diets available so you can ensure you are choosing the best tailored diet for your dog's life stage, breed or health concern. Advance is a great option if you're looking for value for money, as it compares to the quality of other premium brands but often at a reduced price." - Dr Jacqui
Best Wet Food: Advance Healthy Ageing Single Serve Trays
Pros
- Formulated specifically for senior dogs with a tailored fat content to reduce excessive weight gain, and enriched with antioxidants
- Increases a dog's water intake, which is beneficial for kidney function and overall vitality
- Made locally in Australia
Cons
- Available only in single serve trays
- Not specifically formulated for breed sizes
Advance Healthy Ageing Single Serve trays are a great way to add variety to your senior dog's diet. They contain a tailored fat content, to help prevent excessive weight gain as dog's age, as activity levels do tend to drop with increasing age. The Advance Healthy Ageing wet food also contains antioxidants to help reduce the effects of ageing on the body.
I personally feed my senior dog the Advance Healthy Ageing Single Serve trays as her nightly meal, and it's safe to say, dinner time is her favourite time of the day. As taste and smell can reduce with age, offering food that is at it's freshest is ideal, and as this Advance food comes in single serves, it's easy to ensure that what you're offering is the freshest it can be.
On the downside, as it comes in single serve trays, the Advance Healthy Ageing wet food is more expensive than other premium senior wet foods that are available in cans per 100g, and also uses more packaging. The number of trays which would need to be fed to larger breed dogs may make this food uneconomical.
What our customers say: "Small but good for pill pockets or a lickymat - I have a senior greyhound who loves this product and it seems to agree with her stomach too."
What our vets say: "For our older dogs, I recommend Advance Healthy Ageing wet food trays to support their changing needs. It contains antioxidants to improve their brain health and nutrients for healthy digestion and strong immune system. Wet foods help to increase hydration which is beneficial for our golden oldies to support their kidney and urinary health." - Dr. Michelle
What to look for in senior dog food
Selecting the best food for older dogs comes down to a handful of key factors. Here's what our vets recommend looking for.
Breed size specific food
Small and large breed dogs age differently, and the best dog food for elderly dogs accounts for this. Small breeds tend to live longer and benefit most from antioxidant-rich formulas that help slow the cellular ageing process. Large breed dogs, on the other hand, are more prone to joint problems and do better with food that's high in joint-support ingredients and lower in calories to reduce strain on their joints. Look for a formula designed specifically for your dog's size.
For more information, take a look at our article on Breed and Size Specific Dog Food.
Joint Support
For medium to large breed dogs in particular, look for senior foods with multiple joint-support ingredients: green lipped mussel, green tea polyphenols, glucosamine and chondroitin are all worth looking for on the label.
For more on managing joint health, read our full article on Arthritis in Dogs.
High-quality protein
Senior dogs actually need more quality protein than many people realise, to help maintain muscle mass as their bodies naturally lose muscle with age. Look for food that lists real meat or a named meat meal as the first ingredient.
Reduced calories and fat
Most older dogs become less active and are more prone to weight gain. Choosing a formula with controlled calories and lower fat helps prevent obesity, which only adds to joint strain and other age-related health concerns.
Antioxidants and vitamins
Antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene help support immune function and reduce the cellular effects of ageing. They're a worthwhile feature in any senior formula.
Add in a wet food
Adding wet food to your older dog's diet can help tempt fussy eaters and also keeps their water intake on track to support optimal hydration, which in turn helps to reduce the risk of urinary stones and kidney issues. Water intake in dogs can be lowered if their mobility is reduced due to arthritis or other health conditions, as they are less inclined to make their way to the water bowl for a drink. You can help by making sure that your senior dog has multiple bowls of fresh water around your home which are easy to access.
The best senior dog food is one that's matched to your dog's size, age and specific health needs. Look for a formula with high-quality protein to support muscle condition, appropriate calorie levels to prevent weight gain, and targeted ingredients for joint health and brain function. For dogs showing signs of cognitive decline or diagnosed with arthritis, there are prescription options that go a step further. When in doubt, your vet is the best person to guide you.
FAQs
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Mon 10 Aug 2026
Edited by Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
