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What senior food for my sensitive, grain-free, low-fat dog?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 65 lbs

My dog currently eats a "limited ingredient" dog food as she has always had a sensitive stomach. She does best without grains and without too much fat. I've been told that she needs to switch to a "Senior" food as she gets older, but I'm having a hard time finding that with her dietary restrictions. How do I keep feeding her well as she ages? Is there a limited food for seniors I haven't found or do I need to start cooking for her?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Jones VMD

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on April 21st, 2017

My understanding with senior diets is that there are no general guidelines that all follow. This can lead to a wide variation in the protein and mineral content of these senior diets. In general, if a senior dog is healthy and doing well on their current adult diet, I do not recommend switching diets, nor do most veterinary nutritionists. As always, talk to Tova's vet to see if their recommendation differs, but given her sensitive stomach concerns, I would hesitate to change anything.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 12th, 2019

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about your dog. I think Hill's Science Diet is a great food. I'm not sure why your vet would recommend a grain free food especially since with information coming out about grain free diets and an increase in dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. The FDA is investigating this link. I never recommend grain free unless the dog have a proven allergy to grains, which is very rare. I personally see no reason to switch to a grain free food but you could feed her a senior dog food for the lower calories. Hill's has an excellent senior dog food. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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