How to buy the best senior dog food, according to veterinarians

We’ve previously covered the best dog food to consider, as well the best dry dog foods and even dog treats — but how do you decide what’s best for an older dog?“Pets age at different rates than humans age,” says Katharine Boyle, DVM, of the Banfield Pet Hospital, noting that large breed dogs like Great Danes can be considered senior at six years old but smaller breeds like miniature poodles may not become seniors until they turn 10 years old. And while some senior foods have supplements like essential fatty acids or glucosamine for joint disease, Boyle notes that “the amount of supplement in a diet is very limited, so additional supplementation may be needed.”Pay special attention to your dog’s coat, look for “patchy hair loss, excessive dandruff or the appearance of a dull, non-shiny, coat.” Boyle notes that “skin problems resulting from nutritional issues are generally caused by a nutritional deficiency.” This is where a chat with your vet could help determine if fatty acid supplements or a dietary change could improve your dog’s coat or skin issues.While some dogs with dental issues may find wet food easier to eat, dry food is more convenient and doesn’t spoil easily. A blend of chicken and pork by-products, it can be used as a supplement to entice a dog to eat dry food or as a meal on its own.A dry dog food from Diamond Naturals combines chicken, a lean protein, with superfoods like coconut, chia seeds, blueberry, kale, spinach and quinoa.The Hill’s Science Diet wet food is a stew that sports chunks of beef with carrots and peas in gravy designed to be easy on your pup’s tummy — and likewise to be delicious.The subscription service from Nom Nom uses AAFCO nutrition guidelines for formulating its recipes.