A Great Dane can be considered a senior dog by five; a Jack Russell might not get there until well into double figures — which is why 'senior dog food' isn't one product so much as a category split by size as much as age.

This IAMS recipe is for small and medium breed dogs aged 8 and up, built on dried chicken and turkey at 28% (17% named as chicken) plus fresh chicken at 10%. Protein sits at 27%, fat at 12% — lower than the equivalent adult recipe, reflecting an older dog's reduced energy needs — and glucosamine is included at 0.04% for joint support. IAMS' DentalCare System uses the kibble's texture and mineral levels to help reduce tartar, and an antioxidant blend with vitamin E supports the immune system.

• 2kg bag, dry food for small and medium breed dogs aged 8+
• Dried chicken and turkey 28% (17% named as chicken); fresh chicken 10%
• Protein 27%, fat 12%, crude fibre 2.7%, crude ash 6.7%
• Glucosamine 0.04%, for joint support
• DentalCare System kibble, aimed at reducing tartar
• Antioxidant blend with vitamin E, for the immune system

On the age. 8 years old is IAMS' cut-off for 'senior' in a small or medium breed — noticeably later than the large-breed senior threshold, because smaller dogs age more slowly. It's worth feeding on your own dog's condition rather than switching purely because a birthday has passed.

Who it's for: owners of a small or medium dog aged 8 or older, wanting glucosamine and a dental-focused kibble built into an everyday food rather than a supplement on the side.