All products are unsponsored and we do not receive any amount on any purchase.
Best Dog Food for Senior Dogs for Arthritis
Arthritis is a major concern for dog parents. It becomes difficult for arthritis dog to move their joints and do regular activities like walking, jumping, or playing. Other than aging, factors responsible for arthritis in senior dogs are obesity, over-activeness, poor eating habits, breed, old bone injury, or low production of synovial fluid (which lubricates the joints).
It is difficult to cure arthritis but pet parents can reduce its effect by choosing the right nutrients and ingredients for their senior dog food.
What are these important nutrients? These nutrients are omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin, glucosamine, antioxidants, and L-carnitine. These nutrients help to reduce inflammation, maintain joint health, reduce joint stiffness, and repair tissues.
The best senior dog food for arthritis should avoid high-calorie ingredients like red meat, high-intake of Omega-6 fatty acids, grains, or artificial preservatives.
Finding the right dog food for arthritis can require extra effort from pet parents. Before selecting dog food for your friend suffering from joint pain, you must think…….. Is this the right food for your aging friend? Is the food free from artificial preservatives and processed meat? Does this dog food contain all essential nutrients?
Here, we are with this well-researched article on the best senior dog food for arthritis. In this article, we will review 10 senior dogs’ food with 5 FAQs at the end.
What are the Essential Nutrients for Arthritis?
Omega-3 fatty acid
Naturally sourced fatty acids help to reduce joint pain and stiffness. It also helps to provide a shiny coat and healthy skin which can often fade as dogs age.
Chondroitin
It is a vital nutrient for maintaining healthy joints in dogs. It is one of the primary building cartilage blocks, which help in joint mobility. It can be found in fish, poultry, and other animal meat.
Glucosamine
It helps to maintain the well-functioning of joints and cartilage. It helps maintain joint lubrication by promoting the production of synovial fluid, which reduces friction between bones and allows for smoother, pain-free movement for dogs with arthritis.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are crucial for maintaining joint health in dogs by helping to reduce inflammation and promote collagen production. Key antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E are beneficial for dogs with arthritis or age-related joint issues, as it helps slow down the progression of joint degeneration.
L-Carnitine
Dogs with excess weight put additional strain on joints, especially in senior dogs or those suffering from arthritis. L-carnitine is one of the amino acids that help maintain a healthy weight and joint health. By promoting weight management, L-Carnitine helps reduce the pressure on joints, alleviate pain, and slow the progression of joint degeneration.
Additionally, combining L-carnitine with other joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and antioxidants can further enhance overall joint health, mobility, and quality of life for dogs.
10 Best Dog Food for Senior Dogs for Arthritis
We carefully selected these 15 dog foods for your senior dog to help reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness. I tested all these dog foods and used the following parameters to review all listed best senior dog food for arthritis.
- 4-star and above rating.
- All dog foods follow AAFCO standards.
- There is no space for anything artificial.
- Most reviews are positive.
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Senior Limited Ingredient Chicken, Sweet Potato & Garbanzo Bean Recipe Dry Dog Food
A limited-ingredient diet is useful for senior dogs with skin allergies or food allergies. The Canidae with its limited ingredients helps to maintain the digestive system and limit exposure to allergy-causing ingredients.
We are reviewing the Chicken, Sweet potato, and garbanzo beans recipe. These 3 are the key ingredients of this senior dog food. All ingredients are effective in reducing arthritis in senior dogs.
The chicken is a source of protein and is easy to digest. Sweet potatoes are a good source of carbs and are energy-producing food. Garbanzo beans or chickpeas are full of essential nutrients. It contains fiber for digestive health and produces choline to reduce inflammation.
This grain-free recipe provides 28% protein and 10% fat. It is the least fat-providing recipe.
Why did you buy Canidae Grain-free, the best senior dog food for arthritis?
- Chondroitin and glucosamine are present in this recipe to support joint health.
- It contains Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and joint health.
- It has taurine for heart health.
Summarization
| Flavor | Chicken, Sweet potato, and garbanzo beans |
| First 5 ingredients | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Garbanzo Beans |
| Price | Check to buy on Chewy.com Check to buy on Amazon.com |
Pros
- It has no added wheat, corn, soy, or gluten.
- It does not contain anything artificial.
- It is a premium dog food with a limited-ingredient diet.
Cons
- It does not contain L-carnitine to reduce excess fat.
- It has potatoes, which can increase the weight of overweight senior dogs.
Our Remark: It is a good low-calorie senior dog food.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Senior dogs with arthritis need easily digestible animal ingredients and veggies. Blue Buffalo chicken recipe is crafted to make eating and digestion easy. The size of its kibbes is 11-13 m. Among all recipes, we are reviewing the Chicken and Brown rice. We selected this premium recipe because of its key ingredients: Rice and chicken. Chicken is a good animal protein source and rice is good for digestion.
This best senior dog food for arthritis provides 18% protein from real chicken. With high-quality chicken, it shares veggies, fruits, and wholesome grains.
Why did you select Blue Buffalo Life Protection senior dog food?
- Designed for senior dogs, this formula addresses the specific nutritional needs of aging dogs.
- It contains glucosamine and chondroitin sourced from chicken for joint health and mobility.
- Carbohydrates (sourced from potatoes) are present in this senior dog recipe to provide energy.
- This premium senior dog food contains Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin.
- It contains antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation.
| Flavor | Chicken & Brown Rice |
| First 5 ingredients | Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Chicken Meal |
| Price | Check the price on Chewy.com Check the price on Amazon.com |
Pros
- It has no space for artificial preservatives and flavors.
- It is free from wheat, corn, and soy.
- Its key ingredient is brown rice, rich in fiber and easy to digest.
Cons
- It comes in one recipe.
- It is not for pea-sensitive dogs.
Our Remark: Strongly recommended
American Journey Grain-Free Senior Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Senior dogs need more protein-rich food with their increasing age. American Journey high-protein dog food with all essential nutrients is good for senior dogs with arthritis. The 2 key ingredients of this best dog food for senior dogs with arthritis are Chicken and Sweet Potato. Chicken is all dog’s favorite and a good source of animal protein. Sweet potato is an energy power bank, that keeps your senior dog active the whole day.
This senior dog-dedicated recipe provides 30% protein and 11% fat. This completely balanced senior dog food is useful for all dog breeds and is good for maintaining a healthy dog weight.
Why did you select American Journey Grain-free senior dog food?
- This recipe contains L-carnitine, which helps lose weight and maintain a healthy heart.
- There are glucosamine and chondroitin sourced from chicken for joint health. These nutrients are essential for reducing joint pain and helping senior dogs with arthritis.
- It has antioxidants to support the immune system.
- Fatty acids are present in this recipe. Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce joint stiffness.
- It has taurine for heart health.
Summarization
| Flavor | Chicken and Sweet Potato |
| First 5 ingredients | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas |
| Price | Check the price on Chewy.com |
Pros
- It has no space for artificial preservatives and flavors.
- It is free from wheat, soy, corn, or poultry by-products.
- This dog food comes in 2 delicious recipes.
Cons
- It is costly.
- It has no different bag sizes.
Our Remarks: Recommended
Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Senior Recipe Dry Dog Food
Now Fresh small and extra small breed senior dog food is crafted with 3 animal meats. It has turkey, duck, and salmon with individual benefits for your dog’s health. All these animal meals are effective in weight loss (a major reason for arthritis). Arthritis dogs need chondroitin sulfate for their joint health. In this healthy grain-free recipe chondroitin (which helps joint mobility ) is naturally sourced from green mussels.
This grain-free dry dog food has small-sized kibbles for easy chewing and peppermint for fresh breath. Senior dogs need more protein and this dog food provides 24% protein.
Why did you select Now Fresh: the best senior dog food for arthritis?
- It contains fruits like apples, bananas, cranberry, and blueberry for essential nutrients and taste.
- This grain-free best senior dog food for arthritis contains Omega-3 fatty acids for joint lubrication and skin health.
- It has glucosamine and L-carnitine for joint health.
Summarization
| Flavor | Turkey, Duck, & Salmon |
| First 5 ingredients | De-boned turkey, Potatoes, Peas, Potato Flour, Pea Flour, Whole Dried Egg |
| Price | Check the price on Chewy.com Check the price on Amazon.com |
Pros
- Probiotics and fiber from pumpkin and apples to aid in digestive health.
- Dogs with gluten intolerance can eat this recipe.
- It is a grain, soy, corn, wheat, and chicken-free recipe.
- It has no space for anything artificial.
Cons
- It contains potatoes. Not for overweight senior dogs.
- It is expensive.
- It has only one recipe.
Eukanuba Senior Lamb 1st Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Eukanuba senior dog food recipe is a completely balanced diet for senior dogs of small and senior breeds. The key ingredient of this recipe is Lamb. Lamb is a good source of animal protein and contains essential vitamins like B12, selenium, and zinc.
This high-protein recipe contains 27% protein. This high-energy dog food helps your senior dog stay active all day.
Why did you buy Eukanba: the best senior dog food for arthritis?
- The primary source of animal protein is lamb.
- It is a source of chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health.
- It provides Vitamin E for reducing joint pain and inflammation
Summarization
| Flavor | Lamb |
| First 5 ingredients | Lamb, Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Wheat, Lamb Meal |
| Price | Check the price on Chewy.com Check the price on Amazon.com |
Pros
- It has DHA for the brain health of senior dogs.
- It has penny-sized kibbles.
- It contains brewers’ rice for easy digestion.
Cons
- It does not provide Omega fatty acids that are essential for joint health.
- It is not for grain-sensitive dogs.
Our Recommendation: It is not a regular dog food, you can use it for occasionally feeding your overweight senior dog.
Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey + Duck Senior Recipe Dry Dog Food
Go solution recipes are crafted with quality ingredients to reduce the extra fat of your senior dog. They have an expert team of nutritionists and vets to check the quality of the dog food. This senior dog recipe has the benefits of 3 animal ingredients: Chicken, turkey, and duck.
Duck is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is one of the important nutrients for balancing the senior dog’s joint health. Chicken is rich in protein and is easily digestible. It attracts every dog due to its mouth-watering taste. Turkey is a protein source with a lot of minerals and vitamins. It is rich in chondroitin and glucosamine.
This grain-free senior dog food is crafted with 11 animal ingredients. It provides 32% protein and all other nutrients in the required amount.
Is Go Solutions Carnivore a good dog food?
- 87% of protein is sourced from animal ingredients.
- It contains chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health.
- This limited-ingredient senior dog food contains L-carnitine to reduce the dog’s weight.
- It contains added probiotics, prebiotic fibers, and digestive enzymes for your dog’s gut health.
- This senior dog food contains Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids to support joint and skin health.
Summarization
| Flavor | Chicken, Turkey & Duck |
| First 5 ingredients | Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, De-Boned Chicken, De-Boned Turkey |
| Price | Check the price on Chewy.com Check the price on Amazon.com |
Pros
- This best senior dog food for arthritis does not contain artificial preservatives and by-product meals.
- It is grain-free senior dog food and does not contain soy, corn, or wheat.
- It is a limited-ingredient diet.
Cons
- It comes in only one recipe.
- It does not provide antioxidants to promote collagen and reduce inflammation.
- This senior dog food is not recommended for pea-allergic dogs.
Our Remarks: Smart buy at this price.
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe
Moving to the list of the best senior dog food for arthritis, we are reviewing the Merrick Lil’s Chicken & Sweet Potato recipe. This small and extra-small senior dog breed food has chickpea-sized kibble making it effortless to chew.
Senior dogs have weak digestive systems and need more energy-producing food to support their body movement. The key ingredients of this grain-free recipe are Chicken and Sweet Potato.
Chicken is easy to digest and is rich in protein. Senior dogs need more protein. Sweet Potato is a carbohydrate source that keeps senior dogs energetic all day.
Why did you buy Merrick Lil’ Plates grain-free senior dog food?
- This high-protein recipe provides 30% protein, which is mainly sourced from cage-free chicken.
- It has chondroitin and glucosamine to maintain joint health.
- It has Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids for skin health. This premium recipe contains the required Omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce stiffness and joint pain.
- The L-carnitine present in this recipe helps senior dogs to reduce their weight. Excess weight puts more pressure on joints, leading to more pain and reduced mobility.
- Probiotics are present in this recipe to support the digestive system.
Summarization
| Flavor | Chicken & Sweet Potato |
| First 5 ingredients | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes |
| Price | Check the price on Chewy.com Check the price on Amazon.com |
Pros
- It has no artificial preservatives or flavors.
- It is crafted with limited ingredients, making it useful for senior dogs with food allergies.
- It is free from grain, corn, wheat, soy, or gluten.
Cons
- It is not recommended for pea-sensitive dogs.
- It has less amount of omega-3 fatty acid.
Holistic Select Senior Health Chicken Meal & Lentils Recipe Dry Dog Food
The Holistic senior dog food is crafted with hand-picked ingredients from parts of the world. This premium dog food has an 8-millimeter kibble size for easy chewing without teeth injury.
The main ingredients of this healthy senior dog food recipe are chicken and lentils. The lentils are a good source of natural fiber and antioxidants. Fiber helps in digestion and antioxidants reduce joint pain and inflammation. Chicken is an excellent protein source and supports the digestive system.
This all-breed senior dog food with arthritis provides 27% protein and all other essential nutrients. It contains fruits and veggies to make it a complete dog food. It has added all the nutrients.
Why did you buy the best senior dog food for arthritis?
- Glucosamine is present in this recipe to reduce joint pain.
- It has L-carnitine for balancing body weight.
- Omega-3 fatty acid is present in this recipe to support joint health/
- It has antioxidants for a strong immune system and reduces stiffness.
- Calcium is present in this grain-free recipe for the strong bones of senior dogs.
Summarization
| Flavor | Chicken & Lentils |
| First 5 ingredients | Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Chickpeas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Peas, Chicken Fat |
| Price | Check the price on Chewy.com Check the price on Amazon.com |
Pros
- It does not contain artificial flavors or preservatives.
- It has no space for meat by-products, wheat, or fillers.
Cons
- It does not contain chondroitin.
Our Remarks: It is Ok dog food.
VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
pic credit: Amazon.com
Victor’s nutritionally balanced food focuses on maintaining the healthy weight of senior dogs. Excess weight enhances joint pains. Arthritis in senior dogs reduces physical activities and this results in increasing weight. But…dog parents can try Victor’s healthy weight dry senior dog food to maintain an ideal weight.
This premium limited-ingredient dog food helps in sensitive digestion. All ingredients are carefully picked to reduce excess weight. This chicken recipe provides 27% protein with all essential nutrients to relieve arthritis pain.
Why did you buy Victor Purpose Senior healthy weight good senior dog food for arthritis?
- The primary source of animal protein is Chicken.
- Chondroitin and glucosamine are present in this recipe to support joint health.
- It contains L-carnitine to reduce body weight.
- It has fatty acids for skin health. Omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing stiffness and joint pain.
- Vitamin E helps in joint health and is an antioxidant to boost immune health.
Summarization
| Flavor | Chicken |
| First 5 ingredients | Beef Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Millet, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat |
| Price | Check the price on Chewy.com Check the price on Amazon.com |
Pros
- It contains fruits and veggies for essential nutrients.
- It is free from gluten, wheat, corn, or soy.
- Its key ingredient is rice, which is easily digestible.
Cons
- It has a beef meal which increases weight. Not recommended to feed every day.
- It has only one recipe.
- Its small bags are costly.
Our Remarks: We recommend it for only 2-3 times a week due to the presence of beef meat.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Mature & Senior Chicken, Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Chicken Soup for the Soul crafts premium recipes with quality ingredients. This senior dog food is crafted with easily digestible and low-calorie ingredients. After chicken, turkey is the important ingredient of this recipe. Turkey contains Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and low-fat content.
This recipe provides 23% protein. It is useful for senior dogs of all breeds. Chicken is the main protein ingredient followed by real turkey.
Why did you buy Chicken Soup for the Soul, the best senior dog food for arthritis?
- Chondroitin and glucosamine are present in this recipe to support joint health.
- L-carnitine in this recipe helps to burn fat and reduce weight.
- It has prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion.
- It contains Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and joint health.
- Antioxidants are present in this recipe to reduce joint pain and make it easy for senior dogs to walk, sit, and stand up.
Summarization
| Flavor | Chicken, Brown rice, & Turkey |
| First 5 ingredients | Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Meal (Natural Source Of Glucosamine And Chondroitin Sulfate), Turkey Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Brown Rice |
| Price | Check the price on Chewy.com Check the price on Amazon.com |
Pros
- Artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are not present.
- It is not filled with wheat, corn, or soy.
- It is a grain recipe with superfoods like apples, blueberries, or cranberries.
Cons
- It contains meals with real animal ingredients.
Our remark: Highly recommended
Tips to Select the Best Senior Dog Food for Arthritis
- Check the ingredient list.
- Check whether all the essential nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, L-carnitine, Chondroitin, and glucosamine are present in the dog food.
- Buy only senior dog food.
- Check the amount of Omega-6 fatty acid present in the food.
- Avoid buying more calorie food.
- Check ratings and reviews of the dog food.
- Prefer buying reputable dog food.
Conclusion
Arthritis in senior dogs is a common problem and dog food plays a crucial role in reducing joint pain. Before buying the best senior dog food for arthritis go through the ingredient list and check all essential nutrients.
We strongly recommend Chicken Soup for the Soul, Victor, and American Journey for your senior dog to reduce joint pain and help him live a painless life with easy mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are anti-inflammatory foods for senior dogs?
Anti-inflammatory foods for senior dogs contain Omega-3 fatty acids. It can be found in fish, turmeric sources, blueberries, or cranberries.
What meat is best for dogs with arthritis?
Low-calorie and easily digestible meat like chicken, fish, and turkey are good for senior dogs. High-calorie meat increases body weight which increases joint pain. They should avoid red meat or beef.
What is the best dog food for old dogs with arthritis?
The best senior dog foods for arthritis are Victor, Canidae, American Journey, Eukanuba, Go Solution, Merrick lil’, Holistic Select, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Now Fresh.
Does senior dog food help with joints?
Yes, dog food plays an important role in relieving joint pain. Dog food with essential nutrients like antioxidants, L-carnitine, fatty acids, Chondroitin, and glucosamine sulfate helps to support joint health. Low-calorie ingredients reduce body weight and make mobility easy.
What is the best thing for senior dogs with arthritis?
Senior dogs should have an ideal weight, excess weight increases joint pain. Overweight senior dogs avoid high-calorie intake. Senior dogs with arthritis should not do more physical activities and dog parents should carefully select their food after vet recommendation.