The Best Senior Dog Food: Petaluma

Similar to humans, nutrition is one of the most important elements to longevity and healthy aging for dogs; so as my pup, Cookie, entered her golden years, I started researching the best senior dog food out there. Because – aside from exercise, proper veterinary care, and lots of love – the best thing we can do for our older dogs is to fuel their bodies with clean, nutrient-dense food that is formulated to help them thrive as they age.

When it comes to looking for the best senior dog food, we look for food that supports:

• Healthy weight & digestion
• Strong joints
• Heart health
• Anti-inflammatory ingredients
• Optimal nutrient absorption

That’s a long list, but rest assured – there’s a senior dog food out there that ticks all of the boxes: Petaluma.

I’ve talked about how Petaluma is not only the best organic/non-GMO dog food out there, but also the best kibble on the market today. And guess what: their senior formula is also exceptional, and for all the dog parents out there that want to usher their dog into their senior years with the best nutrition and vitality, I couldn’t recommend this product more – and here’s why:

Veterinarian-Approved and Formulated Senior Dog Food

Petaluma’s veterinarian-designed senior formula – their Baked Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Flavor – is made up of all the essential nutrients your aging pup needs to feel their best. The food meets AAFCO’s Food Nutrient Profile for adult maintenance, so you can rest easy knowing that Petaluma’s kibble is nutritionally complete and meets industry standards for a healthy canine diet.

Ingredient Quality and Nutrient Density

Petaluma’s kibble is oven-baked to preserve nutrient quality and density, which is extremely rare for dog kibble (this is one of the things that makes Petaluma a standout dog food brand). And their recipe is made up of nutritious, functional, plant-based ingredients – many of which are organic and/or non-GMO (also very rare to find in dog food)! With wholesome ingredients like organic oats and barley for heart health, chickpeas for protein, flaxseeds for skin and coat support, and a ton of essential vitamins and minerals, your senior dog is getting virtually every macro and micro nutrient they need, and then some.

Bowl-Licking, Dog-Approved Taste

With dog-approved flavor coming from pumpkin, apple, and peanut butter, Petaluma’s senior recipe is taste-tested and approved by even the pickiest of eaters. My dog, Cookie, has the most discerning palette of any dog I’ve met, and even she gobbles up Petaluma’s kibble – yet another reason why Petaluma is the best senior dog food on the market.

Company Ethos

I’ve long respected just how much Petaluma cares about their environmental footprint and doing good in the world through their company. With each bowl of Petaluma kibble, you’re reducing your dog’s “pawprint” by conserving 2,200 gallons of freshwater (that’s more than 2 months of showers!) and avoiding 160 lb. of CO2 emissions (up to 200 miles driven in a gas-powered car) – how cool is that? Petaluma is also a Certified B Corp, Climate Neutral Certified, and a member of 1% For the Planet. So, not only has Petaluma created the healthiest kibble on the market, but they’ve invested in promoting environmental and social sustainability: from their sustainable supply chain to their solar-powered facility. And, through their 1% For the Planet membership, they allocate 1% of revenues to non-profits fighting climate change and food insecurity.

Ready to Try The Best Senior Dog Food?

Petaluma offers handy samples of their dog food, so you can try before you buy. Or, take my word for it and get 20% off your first order. If you’re looking for an added boost of nutrition and flavor in your pup’s bowl, check out my review of Petaluma’s latest product drop: a Whole Food Mixer packed with leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, and complete proteins, all in a drool-worthy coconut-peanut broth (it also happens to be a nutritionally complete meal, in addition to a topper)!

I always love to hear from readers, so if you’ve tried Petaluma or have any questions, please drop me a line in the comments section below.

Note that there are affiliate links and sponsored content elements in this article. I only accept content sponsorships and affiliate engagements from brands I’ve personally tried and vetted. These collaborations allow me to run this blog and keep my in-depth content free of charge for readers like you who want to learn more about plant-based, sustainable living.