Senior dogs and raw food – what you need to know

 

Could a raw food diet be a new trick to feeding your old dog? Let’s look at the best senior dog food

Senior dogs and raw food

Article outline

 

Quick takeaways about dogs and excessive hunger

  • As our dogs get older, the amount and type of food they need may shift.
  • While they need fewer calories, their protein requirement can increase.
  • A raw food diet can be particularly useful for meeting a senior dog’s needs.

 

The right diet can help keep your pooch happy and healthy from puppyhood into their golden years. But as your dog ages, the ‘right’ diet can change.

One way to meet their shifting nutritional needs is to consider feeding them raw food. Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about raw food for older dogs.

 

What counts as a ‘senior’ dog?

Dogs are considered ‘senior’ when they’re in the last quarter of their expected lifespan. The exact age depends on their breed:

  • Toy and small breeds (under 10kg): 12 years
  • Medium breeds (10–20kg): 10 years
  • Large breeds (20–45 kg): 9 years
  • Giant breeds (over 45 kg): 7 years
 

How do dogs’ dietary needs change as they age?

Senior dogs have different energy and nutritional requirements. Several factors contribute to these changes:

 

Joint health

Wear and tear on your dog’s joints may lead to more time on the sofa, reducing their calorie requirements.

 

Muscle mass

Changes in metabolism can lead to a decline in lean muscle mass, making adequate protein intake extra important.

 

Dental health

Gum disease and tooth loss can make eating more difficult – your dog might start to prefer food with a softer texture.

 

Taste and smell

As your dog’s senses of taste and smell lose sharpness, they may find food less appetising.

 

Energy levels

As your dog becomes less active, they need less fuel from their food.

 

What’s the healthiest diet for senior dogs?

The ideal diet for an older dog is high in protein but low in calories, suited to their less active lifestyle.

While all dogs thrive on a protein-dominant diet, protein is especially important for older dogs. In fact, as their metabolism slows, they may need up to 50% more protein than they did in their younger years – according to research.

 

Is raw dog food good for senior dogs?

Raw dog food can be particularly well-suited to the needs of an older dog. Packed with protein, it helps meet senior dogs’ increased protein requirements while keeping the calorie count in check.

With a naturally high moisture content, raw food can also help keep older dogs hydrated.

From rabbit to lamb to salmon, there are plenty of appetising choices to entice dogs whose taste and smell aren’t as sharp as they used to be.

 

What ingredients are important for senior dogs?

High-quality, easily digestible protein is the first priority for an older dog. Making sure your dog eats enough fibre can also encourage good digestive health. Older dogs also benefit from healthy fats to support their joints, skin and coat.

Nature’s Menu Complete & Balanced 80/20 range is packed with 80% raw meat and 20% fresh fruit and veg – an ideal ratio of protein, healthy fats and fibre to support healthy ageing.

Fruit and veg are also high in antioxidants – research has also shown that a diet rich in these powerful nutrients can help to keep your dog’s brain healthier for longer.

 

How should you switch a senior dog to a new diet?

Older dogs can adjust to new food surprisingly quickly. We recommend gradually transitioning to a raw diet over seven days. Feed them one meal with regular food and one meal with raw food each day. After a week, feed both the breakfast and dinner as raw food.

This transition period should help prevent any stomach upsets, but watch your dog for any signs of tummy trouble. Learn more about starting your dog on a raw diet with our simple transition guide.

 

How much should you feed a senior dog?

Feeding your older dog the right amount of food is essential.

A study on Labrador Retrievers found that reducing food intake by 25% could extend their lifespan and stave off the onset of diseases. Maintaining a healthy weight can also help lower the chances of arthritis and other age-related problems.

If your senior dog is showing signs of slowing down, consider reducing your senior dog’s normal meals by around a quarter to support their wellbeing. Talk to your vet, if in doubt.

For personalised feeding recommendations based on your dog’s weight, check out our calculator.

 

What treats are best for senior dogs?

Treats can be a handy opportunity to boost protein intake. Natures Menu’s real meaty treats are a great source of healthy meat. Our superfood bars and bites are also protein-rich with added superfoods, vitamins, and minerals.

 

When should I talk to a vet about my dog’s diet?

Older dogs can be more prone to digestive problems. They may have trouble chewing their food properly, digesting it efficiently, or tolerating foods they used to eat all the time.

If your dog develops a bout of diarrhoea, constipation, or sickness that lasts more than two days, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet.

Ageing is a blessing, including for our furry friends. Making some dietary adjustments can help keep your senior pet fit and healthy for years to come.

 

FAQs about senior dog diets

Do senior dogs need special food?

While there are plenty of foods marketed specifically for senior dogs, the most important thing is making sure your dog eats a complete and balanced diet with a healthy protein content and suits their individual needs

 

Should I add food toppers or joint supplements?

Always speak to your vet about adding supplements as dogs don't tolerate or metabolise many of the human versions.

Read our guide to food toppers – some whole foods like green vegetables or blueberries might be beneficial. If your dog isn’t moving as well or struggles with things like jumping in the car, it might be a good idea to try a joint supplement.

 

Help – my dog’s teeth are pretty dirty!

Dental issues, from gum disease to tooth loss, can be common in older dogs. A bit of extra care and hygiene can go a long way to support them.

Here’s our guide to dental care for dogs. Be mindful if your dog isn’t used to having their teeth cleaned – they might not tolerate it as well as they did when they were younger.

 

My older dog is overweight – what should I do?

As older dogs slow down, their weight can increase. You may want to consider reducing their food intake to match their reduced energy needs. Make sure you select options which have a lower calorie level within the range on offer. Check out our advice for overweight dogs.

 

My older dog is losing weight but seems fine – should I worry?

Dogs naturally lose some lean muscle mass as they age. But dramatic weight loss could signal an underlying problem. Talk to your vet if you notice your dog is slimming down without you intentionally reducing their food intake.

   
Try a personalised meal plan with high-quality raw ingredients to help keep your dog healthy and happy.