best dog food for older dogs uk

Best and worst dog food brands

There are hundreds of dog food options available, from dry to grain-free to raw, but which ones will have your furry friend licking the bowl clean?

We surveyed 2,304 dog owners about the pet food they buy to uncover the brands that customers (and their dogs) love and which offer the best value for money.

See how brands such as Burns, Harringtons and Royal Canin are rated by customers, as well as supermarket options from the likes of Aldi and Lidl.

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Dog food brands rated

Our top-scoring dog food brand achieved an impressive customer score of 82%, and five-star ratings for how much pets liked it, as well as their wellbeing when eating it.

At the other end of the scale, two brands scored less than 60%, with just two stars out of five each for how healthy the dog seemed when eating food from that brand.

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Table notes: Survey of 2,304 Which? Connect members who owned a dog in July 2023. Customer score is based on overall satisfaction with the dog food and how likely people are to recommend it to a friend. n/a means not enough responses to include a star rating.

Make sure your furry friend is covered see our guide to the best pet insurance for your dog

How to choose the best dog food for your pet

Deciphering all the pet nutrition information on the internet can seem like an impossible task. It can range from confusing to completely contradictory.

We spoke to real pet nutrition researchers to understand what actually matters. Good news: it isnt as complicated as it seems.

The most important part of choosing a food is actually monitoring your pet, said Dr Teresa Hollands, senior lecturer in veterinary nutrition at the University of Surrey. If you're feeding your pet a particular brand of food, and they have plenty of energy and seem well in themselves, then you are on the right track.

Dr Nigel Kendall, lecturer in nutrition at the University of Nottingham, agreed: If your pet is on completely the wrong diet, then there will be physical signs.

Signs that your pet is eating a nutritious diet, and the right food for their needs, include:

• good overall health
• plenty of energy
• good sleeping habits
• regularly passing firm stools
• maintaining a healthy weight.

Also a cat owner? See our guide to thebest and worst cat food brands

How to feed your dog the best and healthiest diet

As well as choosing the right food, you can also maximise the nutritional value of your pets diet by feeding them in the right way.

We spoke with Dr David Gardner, professor of physiology at the University of Nottingham, to find out more:

Choosing a complete food

Start by making sure you are feeding your pet a complete food, he said. Thats really important, but it isnt always clearly labelled.

Complete foods are designed to give your pet all the nutrients they need, so you can feed them the same thing every day without causing a nutritional imbalance or deficit.

Weighing your pet food

David also highlighted the importance of weighing your pets food every time you feed them.

Remember, you may not notice that you're overfeeding your pet if you increase the size of their feed very slightly each day.

Varying your pet food

If you want to take additional steps to ensure your pet is getting the best nutrition, David also suggested varying the food you give them, provided that this doesnt upset their stomach.

These changes could be as small as varying the flavour of food that you give to your pet.

If you buy a bag of lamb dog food one month, try the chicken next time, David suggested.

If you do want to try changing the type or brand of your pet food, remember to do so gradually. Your pet's meal should be no more than 25% new food for the first couple of days, increasing over the course of a week.

Dogs can be fussy, so know that varying your pet food is not essential. The main thing is that they eat and enjoy their food and that it's nutritionally complete.

Best dog harnesses see our pick of the best and worst as tested by dog owners

Is wet or dry dog food better?

Both wet and dry foods can be nutritionally complete, meaning that they should contain all the nutrients your pet needs. That means there is no significant advantage to either food type.

David recommended feeding your pet a mixture of wet and dry food.

Evidence suggests that there are slight differences in the nutritional composition of wet and dry food. That means you are going to cover more nutrients if you mix them together.

If you want to feed your dog exclusively one type of food, then wet food does tend to be more appealing. However, it is often more expensive and it can predispose pets to dental disease.

In contrast, dry food is beneficial to dogs teeth and gums, and it is usually easier and cheaper to use and store. Just make sure that your dog has access to plenty of fresh water, as they will not be getting hydration from their food.

Best food and drinkwe've rated the tastiest food for humans too. Discover our top picks, from chicken soup to red wine

Can dogs be vegan?

Yes, provided you are careful about the type of food you give them.

There are commercial dog foods available that are vegetarian or vegan and nutritionally complete.

Some people may want to prepare homemade vegetarian or vegan meals for their dog, which is not typically recommended by experts.

This is because evidence suggests that homemade food (including meat-based diets) is typically not nutritionally complete even when people follow recipes labelled as such.

Is raw food good for dogs?

Raw pet food has become more popular over the past few years, especially for dogs, but experts don't generally recommend it.

I would not recommend a raw food diet due to the risk to human health, says Dr Heather Bacon, dean of veterinary medicine at the University of Central Lancashire.

Bacteria present in raw meat can include salmonella, listeria, campylobacter and E-coli. These cause significant illness in humans and animals, particularly young, old and immune-compromised individuals.

These can be spread around the house during food preparation and eating. They can also be passed from animals to humans if your pet kisses your face after eating.

All of these bacteria are destroyed when meat is correctly cooked.

How much should my dog weigh?

According to a 2022 survey by UK Pet Food, 50% of dogs (and 43% of cats) are overweight or obese.

Your pet being overweight can have a huge impact on its quality of life, including limiting their ability to exercise or sleep properly. According to the RSPCA, it also predisposes them to illness including:

• diabetes
• heart disease
• cancer.

How to if tell your dog is overweight

Dr Teresa Hollands recommends an easy method for checking your pets weight.

Create a fist with your hand, and feel your knuckles with your fingers, she said. If your pets ribs feel like that, they are underweight.

Then lay your hand flat, and feel your knuckles again. If their ribs feel like that, they are the perfect weight.

Finally, keep your hand flat, turn your hand over, and run your fingers over the pads on your palm at the base of your fingers. If their ribs feel like that, they are overweight.

Physical signs that your dog is overweight

• Very thin(more than 20% below ideal body weight) Ribs, spine and hip bones easily seen (in short-haired pets), obvious loss of muscle bulk, no fat can be felt under the skin.
• Underweight (10-20% below ideal body weight)Ribs, spine and hip bones easily seen, obvious waist and abdominal tuck, very little fat can be felt under the skin.
• IdealRibs, spine and hip bones easily felt, visible waist and abdominal tuck, small amount of fat can be felt.
• Overweight(10-15% above ideal body weight): Ribs, spine and hip bones are hard to feel, waist barely visible, broad back, layer of fat on belly and at base of tail.
• Obese (more than 15% above ideal body weight)Ribs, spine and hip bones extremely difficult to feel under a thick layer of fat, no waist can be seen and belly may droop significantly, heavy fat pads on lower back and at base of the tail.

How we rated dog food brands

To uncover the best and worst dog food brands, in July 2023 we surveyed 2,304 Which? members who had bought dog food recently, and asked all about their experiences with their chosen brand.

We asked them to rate the brand on various attributes including value for money, how their dog responded to the food, and its perceived wellbeing on the food.

Overall customer scores are based on how satisfied customers were with the brand overall and whether or not they would recommend it.

Discover the best head torches for taking your dog for a walk in the dark

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Best Senior Dog Food UK Top 5

Picking The Best Senior Dog Food In The UK

It is common for ageing dogs to get slower and lose appetite. Your brave canine buddy may have chowed down chunks like a pro but that is unlikely to be the case. That often sounds like something to worry about. In reality, you just need to recognise the fact that their dietary needs are changing.

If youre in a hurry and you want to know our top pick for the best senior dog food in the UK, here it is:

Sale Harringtons Complete Senior Dry Dog Food Chicken & Rice 15kg...

• 1. THE NATURAL CHOICE - At Harringtons, we believe every dog deserves natural food that's balanced,...
• 2. SPECIALLY FORMULATED - Contains a blend of glucosamine and chondrotin to help support joint...
• 3. NO NASTIES - The #1 ingredient in our dry dog food is meat, for a nutritionally balanced meal....

When should I switch to senior dog food?

The first way to recognise this is when your dog reaches half their life expectancy. So, that mark for a big dog is at around six or seven years of age and for a small dog, it is around eight or nine years of age. The word senior applies to a dog not just by age but based on their breed and body weight, according to expert veterinarians. It is important to note that large dogs age faster than their smaller counterparts. The same is also true for overweight dogs.

What is the difference between senior dog food and regular dog food?

For most dogs, a standard diet of kibble or wet food is sufficient. However, as dogs age, they may require a different type of food that is tailored to their needs. Senior dog food is designed to meet the changing nutritional needs of older dogs. At this point in life, senior dogs need a diet that is low in calories and high in fibre, a combination which helps their gut health. Their energy needs are much lower than in their youth and when their metabolism is slow, older dogs tend to become obese. It is often lower in calories and fat to help control weight, and it may also contain added fiber to help with digestion. In addition, senior dog food often contains higher levels of certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, to support cognitive function and joint health. As dogs age, their nutritional needs change, and senior dog food can help to ensure that they are getting the proper nutrition.

What do I feed my senior dog with allergies?

Some food makers do produce food for senior dog with allergies. Take a look at our section on Autarkys product. If your dog also has allergies, you may want to browse our article on the best hypoallergenic dog food to ensure that your pet is getting the food that will not upset their stomach or cause any undesired reactions. It might be a balance between finding food that fits their age profile, but also does not trigger any of their allergies.

Thankfully, a lot of dog food makers have the right kind of food formulations to help older dogs and their parents. If you havent got time to go through our detailed review, heres a table summarizing our picks:

Harringtons Complete Senior Dry Dog Food Chicken & Rice 15kg...

Arden Grange Senior Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken and...

Autarky Hypoallergenic Mature Lite Delicious Chicken Dry Dog...

Pooch & Mutt - Complete Senior Dry Dog Food (Grain Free),...

Wagg Senior Complete Dry Dog Food Chicken & Rice 15kg - 28%...

Dog food that prioritises health and is made of only natural ingredients.

Naturally hypoallergenic dog food that is low in calories. Just what older dogs need.

Lots of natural ingredients to boost immunity and take care of the heart, the gut and the skin and coat too.

Chicken kibble packed with superfoods from a small, ethics-oriented company.

An affordable food choice with essential vitamins.

Top Choice

Harringtons Complete Senior Dry Dog Food Chicken & Rice 15kg...

Dog food that prioritises health and is made of only natural ingredients.

Arden Grange Senior Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken and...

Naturally hypoallergenic dog food that is low in calories. Just what older dogs need.

Autarky Hypoallergenic Mature Lite Delicious Chicken Dry Dog...

Lots of natural ingredients to boost immunity and take care of the heart, the gut and the skin and coat too.

Pooch & Mutt - Complete Senior Dry Dog Food (Grain Free),...

Chicken kibble packed with superfoods from a small, ethics-oriented company.

Wagg Senior Complete Dry Dog Food Chicken & Rice 15kg - 28%...

An affordable food choice with essential vitamins.

1. Harringtons Complete Senior Dry Dog Food

Sale Harringtons Complete Senior Dry Dog Food Chicken & Rice 15kg...

• 1. THE NATURAL CHOICE - At Harringtons, we believe every dog deserves natural food that's balanced,...
• 2. SPECIALLY FORMULATED - Contains a blend of glucosamine and chondrotin to help support joint...
• 3. NO NASTIES - The #1 ingredient in our dry dog food is meat, for a nutritionally balanced meal....

This product is on top of the list because, in our opinion, it is the best. Just because your dog is getting older does not mean they should stop being active. To help them with that, Harringtons has come up with this chicken food that will give them the nutrition that supports mobility with omega-3 fatty acids and keeps up their natural defence with antioxidants. This product is formulated with natural ingredients (always the best choice) and has prebiotics that will help with digestion. This way, they have the right amount of energy, get mobility support and can digest what they ingest with ease. And you get all of this with no artificial flavours or preservatives.

The number one ingredient in this food is chicken and the kibble size is on the larger side. Ideally, you should introduce this gradually over seven days to avoid any upset stomachs.

The recommended feeding amount varies from breed and size of the dog. You must also take their activity into account. That ranges from 115 grams per day for a 5 kg dog with normal activity and 130 grams if they are quite active to 670 grams per day for a 70 kg large dog with normal activity and 770 grams if they are really active.

Advantages:

• Contains no artificial additions
• Does not have allergens
• Tailored for ageing dogs
• Contains ingredients that help mobility and natural defences

Disadvantages

• The biscuit size is a bit big for some smaller dogs

Overall Value

This is a good product that does not have a lot of wheat or gluten to fill the pack. All the ingredients are natural which is a relief for dog parents. It helps with the dogs movement and is easy to digest. Your canine will like it and you will be relieved.

Summary

• Value for money
• Good flavour and scent
• Well packaged

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2. Arden Grange Senior Dry Dog Food

Our second choice of food for senior dogs is Arden Grange which is a family-run pet food company. This is fresh chicken and rice that has been formulated by experts. It has the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, fats, minerals and vitamins that will meet your geriatric canines nutritional requirements.

The food also comes with a boost of glucosamine, chondroitin and methyl-sulphonyl-methane (MSM) which is a natural derivative of pine bark. MSM is anti-inflammatory and is usually recommended to prevent and treat osteoarthritis and some other joint-related problems. It also contains L-carnitine which helps improve stamina and then there are natural prebiotics, krill and yucca extract. It also has trace elements of zinc, copper, manganese and iodine.

All the dog food products from Arden Grange are naturally hypoallergenic which means they do not contain wheat, gluten, soya, beef and dairy. But it gets better. They also dont contain artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Perfect, isnt it? This particular product is tailor made for dogs that are beginning to slow down and could use a little help in their joints. This is also good for large dogs that generally start to slow down because of joint problems.

Arden Grange has been in the business of producing healthy pet food since 1996 and the aim of this product is to provide balanced food for older dogs. Their tagline is nutrition without compromise and you might find that to be true. Their feeding guide says that you can give 25 to 60 grams per day to a dog that weighs one to three kilos and consumption can go up to 333 to 370 grams per day for a dog that weighs 30 to 35 kilos.

Advantages:

• Contains ingredients that help your dogs joints
• Has fewer calories which is good for older dogs
• Contains has L-carnitine to help convert fat to energy and maintain lean body mass
• Has harmless prebiotics that aid the immune system
• Contents of this product are naturally hypoallergenic and have no artificial additives

Disadvantages

• Some buyers said the kibble is too small
• Some customers found it to be low on protein content

Overall Value

This is a cost-effective food option for older dogs. Some buyers have even said it helped their dogs with existing tummy troubles. So, you have nothing to worry about.

Summary

• Good packaging and thickness
• Users reported getting value for their money
• Right balance of nutrients for older dogs

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3. Autarky Hypoallergenic Mature Lite Delicious Chicken Dry Dog Food for Senior Dogs

Autarky Hypoallergenic Mature Lite Delicious Chicken Dry Dog...

• Mature lite (delicious chicken) is a hypoallergenic naturally balanced dry dog food with a moderate...
• 17 percent protein, 17 percent fat, an ideal option for mature dogs entering their senior years or...
• Includes taurine and carnitine to keep a dogs heart healthy

If you want to give your buddy delicious chicken without worrying about calories, this is perhaps the one for you. This product from Autarky comes with natural antioxidants with some beneficial herbs in the mix that help your furry friends immune system. It is naturally hypoallergenic and also has prebiotics that help improve your pets gut health.

Autarky dog food also comes with amino acids taurine and carnitine that keep the heart healthy and turn fat into energy quickly. Then there are the essential omega acids and B vitamins that help your dogs skin and coat look and smell great. Plus, there is glucosamine that helps your dogs joints which is important for dogs that are in their golden years.

This product is the result of a combination of locally sourced quality ingredients and a factory approach to creating tasty food that is rich in nutrition. This chicken is free from wheat, gluten and soya while being nutritionally balanced so that your dog is active and healthy at every stage of life. The recipe also contains yucca schidigera which has been added to give your dog extra digestive support. And, as a bonus, you will notice that their stool will not smell as pungent.

And yes, there are no artificial flavours or preservatives that will damage your dogs system. Every bag is filled with natural antioxidants so that it is as fresh as it was on packing day.

This is meant to be introduced to the dog gradually over five to seven days. You can give it to them dry or with a little water or gravy depending on what your dog prefers. You must also check out their feeding guide and stay in those boundaries so that your dog does not get obese. And you must build an exercise programme around the amount of food your canine is consuming. Remember not to give them excess food as a treat.

Advantages:

• Contains natural antioxidants and herbs that help the immune system
• Includes prebiotics that are good for gut health
• Comes with amino acids like taurine and carnitine that are good for the canines heart
• B vitamins and essential fatty acids help keep the coat and skin glowing
• Naturally hypoallergenic food
• Well-balanced nutrition for older dogs

Disadvantages

• Shipping charges are not included

Overall Value

This is a pretty good product with a lot of natural ingredients that will keep your dog happy and healthy. It takes care of the immune system, gut and heart health but also cares for the skin and coat. We would call it a win-win but it is more than that.

Summary

• Great flavour and packaging
• Smells good
• Has no artificial ingredients
• Value for money

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4. Pooch & Mutt Complete Senior Dry Dog Food

Sale Pooch & Mutt - Complete Senior Dry Dog Food (Grain Free),...

• Grain free food packed with natural goodness to keep your pooch feeling great both on the inside and...
• Containing highly digestible protein, omega 3 fatty acids and glucosamine for joint protection as...
• Highly palatable, ensuring even dogs with a diminished sense of smell and taste will enjoy

Then there is this. A grain-free dog food product, this is a mix of chicken and lots of superfoods like kale and spinach tailor made for older dogs. This Pooch & Mutt product also has antioxidants and probiotics to help your canines gut health. This is a health food company for dogs. So, unsurprisingly, they have a few awards to back up their reputation.

They are also a small independent company that focuses on health and happiness and hence, the recipes are filled with goodies. It is also free from wheat, corn, rice, beef, soya, dairy, cereal, gluten and GM produce. There are no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives to tinker with your dogs health.

This too is a product that must be introduced to your dog slowly over the course of five to seven days to replace the previous food. You must feed your dog according to the guidelines from Pooch & Mutt to make sure their body weight conditions can be maintained without going overboard. This, of course, also depends on activity levels and your dogs conformation. This is a recommended product for dogs who are above the age of seven.

Advantages:

• Hypoallergenic food which contains superfood and probiotics
• Comes with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to keep your dog healthy
• Has chamomile and L-tryptophan that have naturally calming qualities
• Helps improve mobility and takes care of joints thanks to glucosamine, omega-3, seaweed, zinc and linseed
• Contains salmon oil, rosehip, olive extract, yucca that are good for your dogs skin and coat
• Has fibre and activated charcoal that are good for digestion

Disadvantages

Overall Value

This is a good product from a company that is less about being flashy and more about keeping senior dogs in good health. The product is affordable and the quantity is good for the price. It is not just a good one for the road ahead but also helps with existing tummy issues.

Summary

• Excellent quality of ingredients
• The thickness and flavour is good
• Warmth and scent have been appreciated

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5. Wagg Senior Chicken and Rice Complete Dry Dog Food

Wagg Senior Complete Dry Dog Food Chicken & Rice 15kg - 28%...

• 1. COMPLETE & BALANCED - Wagg Senior Dog food contains 100% natural ingredients including delicious...
• 2. JOINT SUPPORT - Our food for senior dogs contains added Glucosamine and Chrondroitin alongside...
• 3. HEALTHY WEIGHT SUPPORT - Contains the amino acid L-Carnitine to help support lean muscle in older...

Our last choice is from Wagg which is exclusively for senior dogs. This is a chicken and rice recipe which is filled with ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin that are good for your dogs joints. It is also loaded with L-carnitine which helps maintain your canines body weight especially in those who are not so active anymore. This food also contains fish oil that particularly focuses on improving weak joints and improves skin.

This is nutritious and well-balanced meal with a good-quality fibre and a prebiotic that helps the digestive system. It also has added antioxidants, several vitamins (A, E, C) and citrus extracts. All these elements are a great boost to the immune system. Theres more. If you are looking for food which can give your furry friends coat a glow, this is the one thanks to all the zinc and omega-3 and 6 fats in it.

Advantages:

• Comes with prebiotic MOS and fibres that are good for gut bacteria
• Citrus extracts and vitamins help improve immunity
• Glucosamine, chondroitin and the fish oils help with mobility in the joints
• L-carnitine, the amino acid, supports building of lean muscle in older dogs

Disadvantages

• Comes only in one flavour

Overall Value

This is a pretty good product packed with all the essential vitamins. It does not come in many flavours but if your dog is fine with chicken, this is a healthy choice. You can start with a smaller bag and move to the 15 kg option once you are satisfied. If stocks dont last long that is because this is a preferred choice by many customers and affordable too.

Summary

• Affordable
• Good flavour and thickness
• Value for money

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FAQs

What are the two things I should look for in the specifications?

First, the ingredients should be natural and of high quality. Second, the diet should be low in calorie count but converts fat to energy quickly.

What are the disadvantages of buying economy food?

Their ingredients are cheap and the energy value is relatively low. The proteins are low grade and you will find more fillers like wheat and gluten in the food. Your dog might have digestion problems because of that.

Are semi-moist foods a bad idea?

A lot of dog parents find them to be convenient but a lot of semi-moist foods have high levels of sugar and are not good sources of nutrition. They may also have artificial additives.

In Conclusion

To pick a brand for your senior dog might feel like a big change since it has probably been a while. If you look at the specifications properly and make sure you dont overfeed your canine, most of the above choices should work. But our vote goes to Harringtons . Get our top pick for the best senior dog food in the UK below:

Sale Harringtons Complete Senior Dry Dog Food Chicken & Rice 15kg...

• 1. THE NATURAL CHOICE - At Harringtons, we believe every dog deserves natural food that's balanced,...
• 2. SPECIALLY FORMULATED - Contains a blend of glucosamine and chondrotin to help support joint...
• 3. NO NASTIES - The #1 ingredient in our dry dog food is meat, for a nutritionally balanced meal....

If you are looking for more tips on how to care for your senior dog, consider watching this excellent video.