The Best Blue Buffalo Senior Dog Food

As dogs age, their dietary needs change. Senior dogs are less active than their younger counterparts and may face more health issues such as sensitive stomachs, joint problems, or constipation. Their specific needs often call for a change in what food you are feeding them.

Blue Buffalo is one of the leading providers of pet food and it all started with a dog named Blue. When Blue started having health issues his family was inspired to create a pet food he would be proud of. Today, Blue Buffalo provides various options for your dog — whether that is wet food, dry food, grain-free, or food to help with issues such as sensitive stomachs, weight-loss, weight gain, or joint problems.

However, with so many different options available choosing the right food for your senior can be a daunting task. Don’t worry though! We’ve provided a detailed review of the best options for your ageing dog to help you make the perfect choice.

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Blue Buffalo Senior Dog Food

#1 Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Dry Dog Food

Our selection as the best overall senior dog food is the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Dry Dog Food.

Wholesome chicken is truly the first ingredient in this chicken and brown rice formula that seniors are sure to enjoy. This high-quality protein helps older dogs maintain their muscle mass and continue building new ones.

In addition to high-quality protein in the formula, other healthy ingredients include garden vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. The best part about the formula is that it excludes poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. The food is not only made using all-natural ingredients, but also has added vitamins and minerals to help maintain the organ function of senior dogs.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are also added into the food to help seniors maintain joint health and mobility. The essential proteins and carbohydrates are also targeted to meet the specific needs of a senior dog. Additionally, Blue Buffalo added their signature Lifesource bits to this formula. These anti-oxidant-rich bits are designed to support a dog’s immune system and promote a healthy oxidative balance.

However, the downside of this dog food is that some pet owners have found that their dogs do not like the additional “Lifesource bits” and will not eat them.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Dry Dog Food

Best Overall

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Dry Dog Food

•High-protein senior dog food

•Includes essential vitamins & minerals

•Glucosamine and chondroitin aid in joint health

•Affordable

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2. Best Wet Food: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner

Most dogs love wet food and it can be a great option for seniors — especially those with dental issues — as it is softer and more palatable than dry kibble. Therefore, we recommend the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner.

This pate-style food is made with wholesome ingredients that do not contain any by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. This mix of chicken and vegetables is made with real chicken and the vegetables are of the garden variety.

This food contains plenty of minerals to keep your dog healthy, plus it contains omega fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat. It also contains antioxidants which help your dog’s immune system stay healthy and fight diseases. However, one of the best features is the addition of glucosamine and chondroitin. These support joint health and are essential for seniors dogs.

You can use this canned dog food in three different ways; you can use it as a delicious treat, as an add-in to your dogs’ dry dog food, or you can use it as their whole own meal.

Although this food has a lot going for it some customers have reported that the cans lack consistency, with some being more watery than others.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner

Best Wet Food

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner

• Contains pieces of chicken, garden fruits, and veggies
• Added glucosamine and chondroitin
• No by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives

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3. Best Grain-Free: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Our selection as the best grain-free option is the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.

This Blue Buffalo recipe is made with real salmon to satisfy your dog’s natural love for meat, while also helping to build and maintain lean muscle mass. It is made with healthy carbohydrates including sweet potatoes and peas, which helps fuel your adult dog’s active lifestyle. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which help support healthy skin and coat for your dog.

With a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals which are very carefully selected by holistic veterinarians. BLUE contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. However, as it is grain-free it is important to remember that this option may not be suitable for all dogs.

This high protein, grain-free formula also features antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, and is enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Specially formulated for adult dogs, the high-quality protein plus complex carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables help support your dog’s energy needs.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that their pets do not like the LifeSource Bits and will not eat them. Additionally, some reported that the food does have a strong salmon smell.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Best Grain-Free

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• Made with real salmon
• Grain-free
• Enhanced with vitamins and minerals
• Contains sweet potatoes and peas

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4. Best for Small Breeds: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

For small breed seniors we recommend the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food.

This food contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility and essential proteins and carbohydrates to maintain the energy requirements needed for a healthy lifestyle. Plus, it contains calcium and phosphorus to promote healthy bones and teeth. It also features unique, small-sized kibble which is specially suited for smaller mouths.

Once again, Blue Buffalo foods always feature real meat as their first ingredients. High-quality protein from real chicken helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles, plus they contain wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit.

BLUE dry dog food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals. It is completely free from chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

Because the nutritional requirements for senior dogs are different from other life stages this food features the ingredients to support their overall health and well-being and is also formulated to meet the specific needs of small-breed dogs.

The only drawback to this food is that it has caused an upset stomach in a small number of dogs.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

Best for Small Breeds

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior

• Contains real chicken
• No corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
• Specifically formulated for small breeds

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5. Best for Large Breeds: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

For those larger breeds we recommend the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food.

This dry dog food has glucosamine and chondroitin which help support the joints as your dog ages. It also contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which support the immune system and promote all-round good health. It contains real chicken as the first ingredient to help maintain lean muscles. The addition of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help too keep your dog’s skin and coat heathy, while calcium and phosphorus help to keep teeth and bones strong.

The only drawback to this food that we can find is that the kibble pieces are quite small, which may not be ideal for some larger dogs.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

Best for Large Breeds

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Senior

• Contains real chicken
• Added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• No corn or wheat added
• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When you are looking for senior dog food there are a few things you should consider. Let’s take a closer look.

Protein

Choosing a dog food with high-quality protein is important for dogs of all ages, but even more so for senior dogs. As tissues become damaged with age, protein can help these tissues rebuild themselves. Senior dogs need food with high amounts of high-quality protein.

If your dog is suffering from kidney problems, they will still need protein, but the amount they require will be less. Check with your veterinarian to make sure you are feeding them the right amount of protein for their overall health.

Wholesome Grains

Unless your dog has an allergy to grains or is dealing with immune system issues, it is best to look for foods with whole grains in them, rather than grain-free options. Grains deliver amino acids that can be used to build tissues and keep the body healthy.

Stay Natural

Finally, as you’re looking for the right food for your senior dog, look for foods formulated with natural ingredients. Stay away from anything with artificial flavors or artificial colors. You should also avoid dog foods with fillers, such as corn or soy.

Up Next

• The Best Wet Food for Senior Dogs — Are you looking for a wet food diet for your older pup? Look no further.
• The Best Joint Supplements For Dogs That Actually Work — Joint supplements are an excellent addition to your senior dog’s diet.
• Best Dog Food Brands: Reviewed — Our top choices for dog food brands that are best for healthy, happy pups!