What is best for a senior dog?

[shepherdmom]

Hi I've been feeding Science Diet for many years now. I usually use large breed senior or active mobility when the other isn't available. Sometimes I mix in Royal Canin for GSD's just for something different. I have a 9+ year old male. I just found out in another thread that Science Diet really isn't the best like I thought it was. I don't want to upset his tummy too much at his age, but I would like to feed him the best possible food. I really try to keep his weight down he runs between 94-96 lbs but he always looks a little chunky. Its weird his brother was also 94 lbs pretty much the same size but totally looked classic shepherd and not chunky at all. I think part of it is because he has thicker fur but I also know he loves to eat and will put on weight fast if I don't watch it. I would love to hear recommendations on what dog food would be better and why. Thanks.

[msvette2u]

I like Kirkland's food, they have a "mature adult" one that would be good. That's found at Costco.
If you don't have access to Costco, try Diamond Naturals.

[shepherdmom]

Originally Posted by msvette2u

I like Kirkland's food, they have a "mature adult" one that would be good. That's found at Costco.
If you don't have access to Costco, try Diamond Naturals.

I do not have a Costco membership. Where do I find Diamond Naturals? Would a Big R have it or maybe Petsmart?

[BlackGSD]

There are MANY kibbles that are better. WHY? Because the ingredients are better. You may find that he actually LOOSES weight on a better quality food .(A long as you don't over feed him.)

How much are you looking to spend for a 30 lb bag?

[BlackGSD]

Also wanted to add that there is no reason to feed a special senior, "mature", ect... kibble. They generally cost MORE for no reason other than people are willing to pay it. It is NOT because they are "better".

[BlackGSD]

Originally Posted by shepherdmom

I do not have a Costco membership. Where do I find Diamond Naturals? Would a Big R have it or maybe Petsmart?

Big R should have it.

Where are you located?

[msvette2u]

The "Mature adult" has some fiber in it, for people who are having a tough time getting weight off their dog, or their dog is "hungry" all the time. It has helped my parents Schnauzers, when they measure their food anyway. *sigh*

Diamond Naturals could be found at Big R, I'm sure. Petsmart, not so much.

[shepherdmom]

Originally Posted by BlackGSD

There are MANY kibbles that are better. WHY? Because the ingredients are better. You may find that he actually LOOSES weight on a better quality food .(A long as you don't over feed him.)

How much are you looking to spend for a 30 lb bag?

I usually spend about $40-$50. Are the better brands much more expensive?

[shepherdmom]

I'm out in the middle of nowhere Nevada. Big R is in Fallon and the Petsmart is in Carson. I'm making a list on my phone of the food recommended and will look next time I'm at those stores. I can mix it in with the Science Diet until it is all gone so please keep recommending and hopefully I can find some of them.

[BlackGSD]

Originally Posted by shepherdmom

I usually spend about $40-$50. Are the better brands much more expensive?

A few are close to DOUBLE, that price. But MANY are in that range or even cheaper.

Keep in mind that when you feed a better quality food, you usually have to feed LESS. So even if the food is a little more expensive, you are still spending less in the long run because you will go thru less bags per year.

I feed Taste of the Wild. It is in that price range. I even switched my 2 seniors to it when they were 9 and 10 years old. Neither one had any issues with the switch and they both did great on it. My almost 4yo has been eating this food since she was 12 months old and she also does great on it.