Thriving in the Golden Years: Raw Feeding for Our Senior Four-Legged Friends

What you feed your dog makes a big difference to its overall health and well-being at every age and stage of life. It's never too late to switch to raw and make the last years of your dog's life the best.

The benefits of a natural, raw diet are endless. It can aid digestion, support immunity, enhance skin and coat condition, and boost energy and vitality. Providing abundant essential vitamins and minerals, it can also help to slow down the ageing process.

To mark National Senior Pet Month, we explore why raw feeding makes a difference in later life, diet tweaks for the golden years, and how to switch to raw later in life.

What is considered a senior dog?

Generally, a dog is thought to be senior when it reaches around 7 years old; however, all dogs age differently depending on their breed and size. A species-appropriate and balanced diet can benefit your pup from early puppyhood to the senior years. 

As dogs age, they typically want to slow down the pace, and their bodies change too. They metabolize and digest food differently, their immune system and organs might not function as well, and they can be prone to joint and mobility issues and may need that little bit of extra support.

A good-quality raw diet can help prevent common health issues and concerns as pet's age, but regular health checks with your veterinary team are a must so you can tailor your dog's diet to suit their individual needs in the later years.

Why is a raw diet great for older dogs?

A balanced, species-appropriate diet is great for dogs of all ages. They are biologically designed to eat a raw diet of good-quality proteins, organs, bones, and fresh fruit and vegetables. 

In particular, good-quality protein is vital for dogs as they age. Protein helps to support the immune systems so pups can better fight disease and infection. It is also a great source of amino acids, crucial for muscle repair and cell regeneration. 

As our pups age, they tend to become less active, and their metabolic rate slows down so the pounds can creep on. Protein is easy to digest, helps absorb nutrients, and can help dogs feel fuller for longer, supporting weight management.

" It is never too late to switch your dog to a biologically appropriate raw diet. Senior dogs can benefit greatly from a nutrient-dense diet, which will help them maintain a healthy body as they age. A raw diet can help to prevent some of the common “senior” conditions such as skin disease, obesity, dental disease, arthritis, and even cancer.

I recommend a ground-raw diet for seniors (especially those with missing teeth or dental issues!). A great choice would be a rotation of Top Dog’s Healthy Variety Mixes (HVM) and/or Prey Model Raw (PMR) blends. A good quality omega-3 source, joint support, and probiotics will also be beneficial."

- Certified Canine Nutritionist, Katie Coach-

What changes should I make to my older dog's diet?

A diet to support ageing should also contain high-quality protein, antioxidants and extra joint support for those ageing bones and joints.

Also, consider how often your pup is fed, as some older dogs prefer to be fed small amounts more frequently. If your pup is less active, be mindful of its calorie intake and adjust this accordingly.

Think about how and where you are feeding them, too. Some older dogs will appreciate a bit more peace and quiet at mealtimes, and a slightly raised bowl can help if your pup suffers from arthritis. As always, make sure they have access to lots of fresh water throughout the day.

Can you make the switch to raw in later life?

It's never too late to switch to a species-appropriate raw diet and make the last years the best years for your pup's health and well-being. When switching to raw, take things slow and gradually and get guidance from your veterinary team on any health concerns or issues your dog might have.

Puppies might be fun but there is nothing quite like the sweet soul of an older dog. For more advice on feeding raw or making the switch at a later stage of life contact us on ✉️ woof@topdogfoodandsupply.com 📱 203-345-0350.