The Top IAMS Senior Dog Foods: Reviewed And Ranked

Written by Susan Olayode
Updated: January 31, 2023
© Holly Michele/Shutterstock.com

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The dietary needs of dogs change as they get older. Senior dogs are less active than their younger counterparts and may face more health issues such as sensitive stomachs or joint problems. These changes and the needs that arise from them can often call for a change in what food you are feeding them.

As a result, when choosing food for your senior dog, there are many important things to consider. One of these is the quality of the protein. Some senior dogs may have a bit of a problem absorbing nutrients as well as they did when they were younger.

IAMS is a brand that takes issues like these and more into account when creating senior dog food. This is why they are one of the top trusted brands. Here’s a review of their top senior dog foods in the market. We’ve also ranked them to help you choose the best option for your faithful friend.

  1. Iams Healthy Aging Mature 7+ Real Chicken Dry Dog Food
    • Additional ingredients to support joint and bone health in older dogs
    • First ingredient is high protein chicken
    • Contains B12, vitamin E, vitamin B2, and D3 supplements
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. IAMS ProActive Health Senior Dog Food Healthy Aging Senior Wet Dog Food
    • Omega-3 fatty acids promote healthy heart, skin and joints
    • Quality formula and trusted brand at an affordable pricetag
    • Unique blend of ingredients promotes immune health and boosts energy
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. IAMS Healthy Aging Mature & Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food
    • Made in the U.S. with premium ingredients
    • Veterinarian-recommended
    • Balance of key nutrients to support specific bones and joint health needs
    • Features a blend of fiber and prebiotics
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. IAMS ProActive Health Classic Ground with Lamb & Whole Grain Rice Adult Wet Dog Food
    • Includes natural ingredients slow-cooked in real broth
    • The first few ingredients are chicken, chicken by-products, and lamb
    • Features brown rice for healthy carbohydrates, nutrients, and fiber
    • Also includes flaxseeds, which provide omega-fatty acids that improve skin and coat health
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

The Top Picks for IAMS Senior Dog Food

#1 Best Overall: IAMS Healthy Aging Mature 7+ Real Chicken Dry Dog Food

Our selection as the best IAMS senior dog food is the IAMS Healthy Aging Mature 7+ Real Chicken Dry Dog Food.

This food contains just the amount of nutrients your senior dog needs. It contains rich protein from farm-raised chicken. This is one of the most nutritious forms of protein that you can find. This food has a good balance of fiber and prebiotics, which both promote a healthy digestive system. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help keep your dog’s coat and skin in top condition.

This food is tailored to support your dog and bring out the best. It’s supplemented with vitamins B12, B2, and D3, the latter for bone and joint health. Plus, it’s fortified with antioxidants for immune system support because senior dogs, in particular, need to be protected against diseases and infections.

Unfortunately, some pup parents have reported that their dogs do not lie this food, even ones that are not usually fussy eaters.

Pros and Cons of the IAMS Healthy Aging Mature 7+ Real Chicken Dry Dog Food

ProsCons
This contains protein-rich farm-raised chicken.Not all dogs like this food.
It contains fiber and prebiotics to promote a healthy digestive system.
The addition of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promote a healthy skin and coat.
It is fortified with with vitamins B12, B2, and D3.
It contains antioxidants to support the immune system.
Best Overall
Iams Healthy Aging Mature 7+ Real Chicken Dry Dog Food
  • Additional ingredients to support joint and bone health in older dogs
  • First ingredient is high protein chicken
  • Contains B12, vitamin E, vitamin B2, and D3 supplements
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Value: IAMS ProActive Health Senior Dog Food Healthy Aging Senior Wet Dog Food

Our selection as the best value food is also a wet food option that dogs are sure to love. So we suggest the IAMS ProActive Health Senior Dog Food Healthy Aging Senior Wet Food.

This food contains natural and real ingredients which are healthy and tasty. It contains high-quality animal protein from farm-raised chicken. This is great for your senior dog’s muscles and bones. It also includes vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which help to build a strong immune system. Plus, it features a blend of fiber and prebiotics to keep your dog’s digestive system healthy.

This food is slow-cooked in a delicious broth which even the pickiest dog will find irresistible. However, some customers have reported that the consistency of the broth is not always the same in every can.

Pros and Cons of the IAMS ProActive Health Senior Dog Food Healthy Aging Senior Wet Dog Food

ProsCons
This food contains high-quality animal protein from farm-raised chicken.The consistency of the broth is not always the same in every can.
It includes vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote a healthy immune system.
It features a blend of fiber and prebiotics to support the digestive system.
Best Value
IAMS ProActive Health Senior Dog Food Healthy Aging Senior Wet Dog Food
  • Omega-3 fatty acids promote healthy heart, skin and joints
  • Quality formula and trusted brand at an affordable pricetag
  • Unique blend of ingredients promotes immune health and boosts energy
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best for Large Breed Seniors: IAMS Healthy Aging Mature & Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food

As we all know, large breed dogs have a different diet requirement from small breeds. Therefore, we recommend the IAMS Healthy Aging Mature and Senior Large Breed Dry Dg Food for your larger seniors.

The first ingredient in this tasty, veterinarian-recommended kibble is farm-raised chicken so you can be sure that your senior pup is getting the protein he needs. The recipe includes a balance of key nutrients to support the specific bones and joint health needs of large canines. It also features a blend of fiber and prebiotics to promote healthy digestion and antioxidants to support your dog’s immune system. It’s important to note, however, that artificial food dyes do appear on the ingredients list.

As your best friend grows older, you can feel good knowing that you’re feeding them the best nutrition so they can stay active for years to come with Iams ProActive Health.

Pros and Cons of the IAMS Healthy Aging Mature & Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food

ProsCons
It is made with real farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient.The recipe does contain artificial food dyes.
In order to promote a healthy digestive system, the recipe contains a blend of fiber and antioxidants.
It contains balanced nutrients to support bone and joint health.
Best for Large Breed Seniors
IAMS Healthy Aging Mature & Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food
  • Made in the U.S. with premium ingredients
  • Veterinarian-recommended
  • Balance of key nutrients to support specific bones and joint health needs
  • Features a blend of fiber and prebiotics
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Wet Food: IAMS ProActive Health Lamb & Whole Grain Rice Adult Wet Dog Food

Sometimes, our dogs are just picky and want a different flavor. How about trying out the IAMS ProActive Health Lamb & Whole Grain Rice Adult Wet Dog Food?

This healthy food has all the goodness and nutrients your senior dog needs. Some good ingredients that your dog will benefit from include omega-3 fatty acids. This is great at keeping your dog’s skin and coat soft. It also contains high-quality animal proteins that come from delicious lamb, making it a high-quality protein source.

This food is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals. These help your dog’s natural body processes function perfectly, keeping your dog in good health. This food is also a source of fiber, which is great for digestion. Plus, antioxidants help to keep your dog’s immune system healthy and strong.

The main drawback to this food is that some dogs do not like it. However, some customers have also reported that some cans arrived dented.

Pros and Cons of the IAMS ProActive Health Lamb & Whole Grain Rice Adult Wet Dog Food

ProsCons
This food contains omega fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat.Not all dogs like this food.
It is enhanced with vitamins and minerals for all-round good health.Customers reported that some cans arrived dented.
This food is also a source of fiber which supports the digestive system.
It features antioxidants to support the immune system.
Best Wet Food
IAMS ProActive Health Classic Ground with Lamb & Whole Grain Rice Adult Wet Dog Food
  • Includes natural ingredients slow-cooked in real broth
  • The first few ingredients are chicken, chicken by-products, and lamb
  • Features brown rice for healthy carbohydrates, nutrients, and fiber
  • Also includes flaxseeds, which provide omega-fatty acids that improve skin and coat health
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Choosing great dog food for your senior dog depends on many factors. It is important that you get their dietary needs right. Here are some of the factors to keep in mind when choosing.

Nutrient Profile

You need to ensure that any food you choose for your senior dog is nutritionally adequate. One way to do that is by confirming that they follow the AAFCO nutrient profile for senior dogs. Foods that do this usually come with an AAFCO adequacy statement as proof.

Calorie Content

Senior dog foods need to contain fewer calories than other dog foods. This is because your dog is most likely not as active as it used to be. Too many calories could lead to weight gain, which is bad for their health.

Protein Content

Older dogs tend to lose their muscle as they age. As a result, they need food that is richer in protein to help them maintain their muscle mass. Your senior dog food should have at least 50% more protein than other foods. However, there are exceptions where your dog might need a low protein diet due to a condition.

Important Additives

Additives like chondroitin and glucosamine are great for your senior dog’s joint health. So the top foods for your senior dog should contain those. Having easily digestible fiber and proteins is also a plus, as some senior dogs have issues with absorbing nutrients.

Up Next

The Top IAMS Senior Dog Foods: Reviewed And Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is the best senior dog food recommended by vets?

IAMS senior dog food is one of the top dog foods recommended by vets. It meets the nutritional needs of your senior dog and is tailored to give your dog the best final years of its life.

Is wet food better for older dogs?

Wet and dry dog food are both suitable options for seniors. However, some seniors suffer from teeth issues, a sensitive stomach, or other problems that may make wet dog food a better option for them. If you notice your senior is having trouble chewing dry dog food or doesn’t seem as interested in eating as he once did, you may want to consider switching to wet dog food.

Why do older dogs need special food?

All older dogs don’t necessarily require senior dog food. However, some senior dogs develop health issues, such as joint problems or sensitive stomachs, that may be better controlled with a senior food. Weight control is also important for many senior dogs that are obese. Senior foods are often formulated specifically to help dogs reach their ideal weight.

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