Looking for the best soft dog food for older dogs with bad teeth? You’ve come to the right place! This buying guide will show you what to look for when shopping for soft dog food. We’ll share our top 8 picks of the best brands of soft dog food for senior dogs.
When it comes to senior dogs, their nutritional needs can change as they age. For example, older dogs are more likely to develop health problems like arthritis, kidney disease, obesity, and heart disease. As a result, they may need a different type of dog food that is easier to digest and has more nutrients to help them stay healthy.
While many pet food brands are improving in quality, some poor-quality foods are still on the market. To help you avoid these, we’ve put together a list of ingredients to avoid in your dog’s food.
It’s also never a bad idea to add some fresh fruits and veggies, meal toppers, and enhance the nutritional value of a kibble-based or wet food diet. This adds more nutritional value, giving your furry best friend new tastes with delicious flavors.
Here are the ingredients to avoid:
- Artificial flavors
- Artificial colors
- Preservatives
- Sweeteners
- Fillers
When it comes to your dog’s food, you want to choose a high-quality option packed with nutrients. Avoiding foods with the above ingredients can help you when searching for healthier soft dog food options for your senior furbaby.
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
- Pros
- Packed with the finest natural ingredients
- Enhanced with vitamins & minerals
- Formulated to support the nutritional needs of senior dogs
- Features cranberries, blueberries, & flaxseed
- No added thickening agents like wheat
- Lots of formulas to choose from
- Suitable to mix with Blue senior
- It contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health & mobility in older dogs.
- Cons
- Often sold out
Blue Buffalo’s Homestyle Recipe Natural Senior Wet Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of senior dogs. It is made with real chicken, vegetables, and fruit. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids for cognitive health and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. This food is easy to chew and swallow, making it excellent for seniors with bad teeth. It is also free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. The first five ingredients include chicken, broth, chicken liver, carrots, peas, and brown rice.
Features
- Affordable
- It contains twelve (12) 12.5-oz cans
- No chicken (or poultry) by-products
- Enhanced with vitamins & minerals
- Senior formula
- No corn, soy, wheat, or soy
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Over 5,000 positive reviews
- Pros
- Crafted with whole food ingredients
- No preservatives, zero rendered meats, zero artificial coloring, zero growth hormones, & no BHA, BHT, or LFBT.
- Cooked to maximize the nutritional value
- Fully balanced, nutritionally balanced
- Exceeds AAFCO standards
- Promotes a healthy immune system
- 1 unit feeds up to a 25 lbs. dog
- Cooked in kitchens, not factories
- Ready to serve- a complete meal
- Cons
- May be pricey for multi-pet homes
Just Food for Dogs’ Pantry Fresh Dog Food is a fresh, whole food diet made with human-grade ingredients. It is grain-free and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs and puppies. It is also easy to chew and swallow, making it excellent for senior dogs with bad teeth. Ingredients include pork loin, quinoa & rice starch, kale, carrots, apples, coconut oil, sunflower oil, Icelandic premium fish oil & JFFD’s vet-developed Nutrient Blend.
Features
- Pack of 12 (12.5 oz.)
- Vet formulated recipes
- Fresh food for dogs
- Formulated with type II collagen
- Joint & skin support formula
- 2 -year shelf life
- Suitable for all breed sizes
- Good for active, immune system, nutrition, growth, skin, joints, & coat
- Pros
- Flavorful & nutritious
- Features high-quality lean protein
- Balanced nutrition
- Crafted with high-quality protein
- Easily digestible
- Promotes strong bones & teeth
- Formulated with vitamins & minerals
- Made in the USA with global ingredients
- Cons
- Some dogs may not like the flavor.
Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food is a complete and balanced diet for senior dogs 7 years of age and older. It is made with real chicken and rice in savory gravy. The food is easy to digest and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives. It is also formulated to meet the nutritional needs of small breeds. The first five ingredients include water, chicken, pork liver, brown rice, and carrots.
Features
- Senior small breed formula seven-plus
- Suitable for senior small & toy breeds
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- A Hill’s Science Diet pet food product
- US veterinarian’s #1 recommended brand
- Science-based nutrition
- Supports pet shelters
- Pros
- The first ingredient is real chicken
- Formulated for adult dogs over 50 pounds
- High-quality protein supports strong muscles, including a healthy heart.
- 0% fillers
- Poultry flavor
- 100% complete and balanced nutrition
- Support your older dog's healthy immune system.
- It helps fuel healthy energy
- Cons
- Often sold out
The Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity Senior 7+ Formula Dog Food is great for senior dogs of all sizes. This food is made with real turkey and chicken, and it contains DHA for cognitive health and glucosamine for joint health. It is also free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. The first five ingredients include turkey, water sufficient for processing, liver, meat by-products, chicken, barley, and oatmeal.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- A Purina pet product
- Formulated for adult dogs seven years & older
- Features high levels of antioxidants
- Crafted with high-quality carbohydrates
- Natural sources of glucosamine for joint support & mobility
- Features omega fatty acids promote healthy skin & coat
- MCTs promote alertness
- An extensive array of trusted formulas to choose from
- Pros
- Made without carrageenan, gums, & BPA-free
- 313 kCals per 10-ounce can
- No artificial preservatives
- Suitable for senior pets
- Crafted with added vitamins & minerals
- It may be pricey for multi-pet homes.
- Cons
- This is a cheaper version of the MidWest Double Door Dog Crate
The Farmina N&D Canine Pumpkin Boar & Apple 10 Ounces, case of 6, is an excellent choice for senior dogs who are picky eaters. This food is made with natural boar and pumpkin, and it contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. It is also free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. The first five ingredients include boar, herring, pumpkin, eggs, herring oil, sweet potatoes, and apples.
Features
- Complete & balanced wet food
- Crafted with pumpkin for optimal digestion
- Features glucosamine & chondroitin for joint health
- Ingredients from Europe
- Made in Italy
- A Farmina pet food product
- Pros
- Contains no meat by-products, wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Crafted by nutritionists, veterinarians & animal lovers
- 100% natural poultry free
- Gluten-free
- Supports optimal wellness
- Fortified with vitamins & minerals
- Features flax omega blend for healthy skin and coat.
- Cons
- Some dogs may not enjoy the taste.
If you are looking for a grain-free wet food for your senior dog, Wellness Core formula with whitefish, salmon, and herring is a great option. This food is made with real ocean whitefish, salmon, and herring and is free of grains, wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. The first five ingredients include chicken, salmon broth, whitefish, chicken lover, salmon, and herring.
Features
- Premium protein expertly balanced with nutrient-rich superfoods
- Promotes optimal senior pet health
- Nutrient-rich formula
- Balanced and complete formula
- Crafted with grain & grain-free formulas
- An extensive array of high-quality recipes to choose from
- Affordable
- Over 1,000 positive reviews
- Pros
- Gluten-free, wheat-free, & grain-free options
- No animal by-products, preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or supplements
- Features organic eggshells, organic potatoes, sweet potatoes, & Oregon sea salt.
- Made for all life stages, from puppy & adult to senior dogs
- Suitable as a supplemental meal, complement combined with dry dog food as a mixer or dog food topper.
- Entirely sourced and made in the USA
- Donates 5% of their net profits to local non-profit animal shelters & programs.
- No rendered meats used
- Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste.
Portland Pet Food Company’s Human-Grade Dog Food Pouch is a convenient and easy way to feed your dog a healthy, balanced diet. The food is made with human-grade ingredients and is free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. It is also grain-free and gluten-free. The first five ingredients include deboned chicken, chicken liver, green beans, sweet potatoes, and peas.
Features
- All-natural fully cooked homestyle dog meal pouches
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Suitable for hiking, camping & pet vacays
- Good for all life stages
- Crafted with human-grade, fresh ingredients
- Triple the size of typical dog food toppers
- Ready to eat. No thawing. No adding water.
- Pros
- Features no chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers
- Slow cooked whole chicken wings & thighs
- Features nutrient-packed superfood blend
- Crafted with organic blueberries, coconut flour & flaxseed
- Free-range chicken or turkey as the #1 ingredient.
- Cons
- It may be pricey for multi-pet homes.
Castor & Pollux’s Organic Grain-Free Wet Dog Food is made with organic ingredients and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs. It is also grain-free and gluten-free. The first five ingredients include organic chicken, chicken broth, organic chicken liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, and pea protein.
Features
- No artificial preservatives, no added growth hormones or antibiotics
- Cooked in an organically certified USA kitchen
- Numerous recipes to choose from
- Suitable for senior dogs
- A Climate Pledge Friendly pet product
- ORGANIX is the only complete line of USDA organically certified dog food.
Benefits of bone broth for dogs
Adding hydration to your dog’s kibble is essential if your pets don’t drink enough water. Bone broth is best added at mealtimes and is beneficial in that it features calcium, the amino acid glycine, and collagen.
Natural probiotics
This is the good stuff that all dogs should have every day. You can add dairy products like kefir, buttermilk, yogurt, blueberries, and pumpkin to help with digestive issues that result from daily stress and pet meds.
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Dogs enjoy eating fruits and vegetables, especially on a kibble diet. Consider spinach, carrots, broccoli, kale, green beans, pumpkin, and squash for veggies. As for fruit, blueberries, cranberries, bananas, apples without the seeds and core, and cantaloupe make healthy additions. Look new fruits and veggies up before feeding if you’re unsure whether the fruit or veggie falls under the toxic list, like onions, grapes, and raisins.
Pumpkin puree
Not only is this high in fiber, but pumpkin is the go-to treatment for digestive issues in dogs that suffer from diarrhea or constipation. Try adding a scoop to their meals to help with daily bowel movements or upset stomachs.
Coconut oil
Not only does coconut oil reduce inflammation, but it can be used to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and shiny. Coconut oil features lauric acid, a saturated fat beneficial as an anti-inflammatory.
Meal toppers
There are numerous benefits to meal toppers when added as texture to kibble. Toppers help to make kibble more palatable and add variety. For example, if you’re opting for meal toppers, look for high-meat meal topper options. This helps with flavoring since most dogs get tired of eating the same food every day.
Nutritional imbalances
If you’re unsure about what your senior dog should be eating, always reach out to your vet for the best advice. That said, it’s essential to avoid nutritional imbalances or to overfeed your pet.
Any meal additions should be 20% or less of your pet’s total diet. When adding things like toppers to a dog food diet, ensure that your pup is getting enough of the complete and balanced diet to consume the nutrients he needs.
Raw or cooked meat, chicken or fish
You can also add cooked or raw meat, chicken, cooked fish, or sardines to your dog’s kibble to boost nutrition and health. Meat provides copper, zinc, manganese, iron, selenium and is rich in niacin, B6, B12, riboflavin, and thiamine.
Try adding glucosamine chondroitin-based toppers if you have a senior dog. You can find these in chicken or duck feet, and these help with joint support. Sardines are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids and taurine.
Senior years
While pet parents understand the importance of tweaking their senior dog’s diet with specific formulas to address aging issues like bone and joint care, other health concerns can arise during a dog’s senior years.
Cognitive decline is one such issue. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help improve cognitive function in senior dogs. So, if you’re looking for a pet food to help your senior dog’s cognition, choose one that contains omega-3s.
Another common concern in senior dogs is weight gain. As dog’s age, they often become less active and may start to put on extra weight. To help your senior dog stay healthy, choose a lower in calories and fat food. You may also consider adding some joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to help keep your dog’s joints healthy.
Talk to your veterinarian if you’re unsure which food is best for your senior dog. They can help you choose a food that meets your dog’s unique needs and helps keep them healthy and happy in their golden years.
Dental issues
The first thing you’ll want to look for is a food that is easy to chew and swallow. This is especially important for senior dogs with bad teeth. One common issue that many senior dogs face is bad teeth. This can make it difficult for them to eat hard kibble making soft dog food a better option. Soft dog food is usually easier to chew and swallow, and it can also be packed with additional supplements and nutrients that your senior dog needs for optimal health and longevity.
If you’re looking for the best soft dog food for your senior dog, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Vitamins & minerals
You’ll also want to make sure the food is packed with nutrients. For example, senior dogs need more specific vitamins and minerals than younger dogs. For example, they may need more glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health or more omega-3 fatty acids for heart health.
Weight & activity level
Additionally, you’ll want to choose a food appropriate for your dog’s weight and activity level. Senior dogs are often less active than in their younger years so they may need lower-calorie food.
Mobility & digestive issues
Keep in mind that every senior dog is different with various health concerns like weight gain, digestive, and mobility issues. Whatever health concerns your senior pup faces, be it arthritis, cognitive decline, or obesity, there is a perfect food diet to help manage the condition.
The above tips should give you an excellent place to start when looking for the best food for your senior dog. We’ve got you covered from small toy senior breeds to large breeds and everything in between in this review.
So what’s the best food for your senior dog?
The best food for your senior dog will be tailored to their specific needs. For example, if your dog is struggling with arthritis, you’ll want a food that is rich in joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin.
If your dog is overweight, you’ll want a formula that is lower in calories and fat. And if your dog is dealing with cognitive decline, you’ll want a food that contains omega-3 fatty acids.
No matter what health concerns your senior dog is facing, there is suitable senior dog food formula to help manage the condition.
The tips above should give you a good place to start when looking for the best food for your senior dog. With so many great options on the market, you’re sure to find a soft dog food formula that your senior dog loves and helps them stay happy and healthy in their golden years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between human-grade and regular dog food?
Human-grade dog food is made with ingredients that are suitable for human consumption. Regular dog food may contain some ingredients that are not suitable for human consumption.
Is human-grade dog food more expensive than regular dog food?
Yes, human-grade dog food is usually more expensive than regular dog food. However, it is worth it to feed your dog a healthy diet.
What are the benefits of feeding my dog human–grade dog food?
Feeding your dog human-grade dog food has many benefits, including better overall health, improved digestion, and reduced allergies. It is also a great way to ensure that your dog gets the nutrients he needs.
What are the first five ingredients in human-grade dog food?
The first five ingredients in human-grade dog food typically include chicken, turkey, sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots. However, every brand is different, so check the label before purchasing.
Can senior dogs eat dry kibble?
Yes, senior dogs can eat dry kibble. However, it is important to choose a kibble specifically designed for senior dogs. This will ensure that your dog gets the nutrients he needs to stay healthy.
Why is soft food sometimes better for senior dogs?
Soft food is often better for senior dogs because it is easier to chew and digest. It can also help prevent dental problems. Senior dogs should eat a diet that is specifically designed for them, and this will usually include soft food and dry kibble.
As your dog ages, he may need a different diet to stay healthy. A diet specifically designed for senior dogs can help ensure that your dog is getting the nutrients he needs. Soft food is often easier to chew and digest, making it a good choice for senior dogs.
Is it important to feed my senior dog a balanced diet?
A balanced diet is important for dogs because it ensures that they get the nutrients they need to stay healthy. A balanced diet also helps to prevent obesity and other health problems. AAFCO defines a “complete and balanced” diet as one that contains all of the essential nutrients in the proper amounts. Essential nutrients include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
How often should I feed my senior dog?
How often you feed your dog will depend on his age, activity level, and health condition. Puppies and young dogs need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs. Active dogs also need to be fed more regularly than sedentary dogs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine how often you should feed your dog.
Is it okay to give my dog table scraps?
It is not recommended to give your dog table scraps. This can lead to nutritional imbalances and weight problems. However, it is best to stick to a well-balanced diet designed for dogs.
Conclusion For Best Soft Dog Food for Older Dogs with Bad Teeth
Human-grade dog food is a great way to ensure that your dog gets the nutrients he needs. It is essential to choose a specifically designed food for senior dogs. This will help to prevent nutritional imbalances and health problems.
Soft food is often easier to digest, making it a good choice for senior dogs. Ultimately, the best diet for your dog is balanced and nutritious. No matter which soft dog food you choose, talk to your veterinarian first to ensure it is the right choice for your senior dog’s unique needs
Check out this video below for dog food for older dogs with bad teeth:
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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