Yes, wet food is often better for older dogs because its high moisture content boosts hydration, its soft texture is easier to chew for dogs with dental issues, and its strong aroma and flavor can entice seniors with reduced appetites, while often providing nutrient-dense formulas to support aging bodies and muscle mass. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your senior dog's diet, as individual needs vary, notes Pedigree and Houndsy.
Wet food is a great choice for senior dogs. Wet dog food is usually easier to digest (as long as it has high-quality ingredients), which can be helpful for senior dogs. Wet foods can also be easier to eat for senior dogs with tooth decay, sensitive gums, or other oral health issues.
Wet food is easier to eat for dogs with dental health issues, but if they have good dental health, high quality dry dog food can help keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. Wet food contains more moisture, so it helps older dogs stay hydrated.
Your veterinarian may recommend wet dog food for a variety of reasons: to help make eating easier for dogs with dental disease, to help encourage a dog's appetite by mixing it in with dry food, to provide extra calories for senior dogs, and more.
Best 7 Dog Foods for Senior Dogs
Candy, gum and peanut butter that contain Xylitol can cause seizures and liver failure in dogs. Garlic can cause vomiting and red blood cell damage. Onions can cause vomiting and red blood cell damage.
The 90/10 rule for dogs means 90% of their daily calories should come from a complete, balanced dog food, while only 10% should come from treats, training rewards, and any extra human foods or toppers, preventing nutritional imbalances and obesity. This guideline ensures essential vitamins and minerals are met through their main diet, keeping treats as occasional indulgences rather than dietary staples.
Cons of Feeding Wet Food to Dogs
Vets may recommend fresh dog food for conditions like food allergies; low appetite or picky eating; skin conditions; or sensitive stomach. The best fresh diets come from reputable companies whose diets are developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, such as JustFoodforDogs, Freshpet, and Nom Nom.
Small breeds are considered senior dogs when they turn 10 to 12 years old. Medium breeds are considered senior dogs when they hit 8 to 9 years old. Large and giant breeds are considered senior dogs at around 6 to 7 years old.
Wet dog food's high moisture content can lead to more frequent bowel movements. Increased fiber in wet food can contribute to larger stool volume. Transitioning to wet food may temporarily alter bowel habits. Individual dog characteristics play a significant role in digestive health.
Due to the range of benefits that wet and dry diets boast, a mixed feeding approach can help your dog get the most out of mealtime. Combining both wet and dry to their diet can give them some variety, where they are exposed to different textures that they will generally be more tempted to try.
The healthiest dog food depends on your dog's specific needs, but top veterinarian-recommended brands known for science-backed nutrition and meeting AAFCO standards include Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan, offering options for life stages and health conditions. For sensitive dogs or allergies, limited ingredient diets (LID) from brands like Prime100 (single protein, human-grade) or raw/air-dried diets from Eureka (high meat, organs) are excellent choices, focusing on whole, digestible ingredients for better gut and skin health, but always consult your vet first.
As your dog gets older, their teeth may become more sensitive, which can make chewing kibble more difficult and even uncomfortable. Switching to a soft food can help to alleviate your pet's oral discomfort when eating.
Wet entrees are also less processed than kibble but much less expensive than raw diets. Contrary to the myths around wet entrees, dogs can enjoy them every day without worry of upsetting your pet's gastrointestinal system, especially if you stick to high-quality brands.
Overfeeding
Wet food tends to be richer than dry kibble, making it easy for dog owners to mistakenly overfeed their pets. Excessive calorie intake can overwhelm your dog's digestive system, resulting in diarrhea. Follow feeding guidelines that are based on your dog's weight, age, and activity level.
Best Dog Food for Senior Dogs
Wet dog food, or “canned food,” sometimes provides benefits that dry food doesn't offer, such as: Higher moisture content: Wet food may be a good choice if your dog doesn't drink as much as they should, or if they have a medical condition that could benefit from proper hydration.
Is it healthy for dogs eat only dry food. Good news: our furry friends are completely ok with eating only dry food. Even though tastes and preferences vary from one dog to another, the nutritional properties of quality dog food allow pets to get all the essential elements needed for their healthy and active life.
Our Verdict. Royal Canin Canine Health Nutrition wet product range is made up of three recipes with ratings varying from 3.5 to 4 stars. The average rating of the whole range is 4 stars.
Common Signs a Dog Is Dying
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
For an adult dog between 30 to 50 lbs. – 1 ¾ to 2 ⅔ cups of food per serving. For an adult dog between 60 to 100 lbs. – 3 to 4 ½ cups of food per serving.