Feeding Your Senior Pet: Supporting them in their Golden Years

Most raw feeding conversations revolve around transitioning puppies or adult dogs. Once the switch is made, raw feeding becomes part of the daily rhythm: simple, nourishing, and routine. But one day, those energetic pups and vibrant adults begin to show signs of aging. Maybe your dog moves a little slower, gains or loses weight unexpectedly, or their once-glossy coat turns gray and dull. You notice the eyes clouding slightly, the face softening. And just like that, your puppy is now a senior. While aging can feel bittersweet, the senior years can be deeply rewarding, and with a few lifestyle and diet adjustments, we can help our dogs age with health and grace.

Omega-3s: An Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse

Joint support supplements are commonly recommended for aging pets, but increasing omega-3 intake is equally important and beneficial. EPA and DHA are scientifically backed for their anti-inflammatory effects, benefiting joints, organs, and even cognitive health.

As liver and kidney function naturally decline with age, omega-3s offer gentle support. DHA is known to aid brain function, making it a smart addition for dogs showing early signs of cognitive decline. Therapeutic doses of omega-3s are up to 10x higher than the minimum recommended amount, so there’s plenty of room to increase safely. Rotating between whole fish and fish oil can help accommodate changing digestive efficiency, some dogs do better with oils, others with whole fish. Omega-3s also support heart health, making them a must-have for aging pets.

Protein & Calories: Quality Over Quantity

As metabolism slows, senior dogs may gain weight more easily. Many commercial senior diets reduce protein and calories, but this can backfire. Aging dogs actually require higher-quality protein and essential amino acids to maintain muscle mass and organ function. Lowering protein without considering digestibility and amino acid profile can lead to muscle loss and reduced vitality.

Raw or gently cooked meat is ideal for any dog, especially the senior - far superior to vegetable proteins or highly processed meat by-products. Since protein and carbohydrates provide the same caloric value, replacing protein with carbs doesn’t reduce calories and fails to meet amino acid needs. The perfect is one that’s high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbs. Fat should be monitored, not eliminated, as it aids in nutrient absorption, especially fat-soluble vitamins, which seniors may need in higher amounts.

Minerals: Balance Is Everything

Mineral intake becomes more critical with age. While healthy senior dogs don’t require drastic changes, annual vet checks, including blood and urine tests, can help detect early signs of organ stress. Calcium remains essential for bones, teeth, and joints, and its metabolism is closely tied to vitamin D. Fatty fish, like sardines, herring, and salmon are excellent sources of both calcium and omega-3s.

Recommendations for Senior Dogs

Big Country Raw recipes are excellent foundations for senior dogs. Pair them with fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s for a balanced, age-appropriate diet. Aim for 20% to 25% of the diet to come from produce, especially berries and leafy greens. Blueberries, cranberries, kale, broccoli, green beans, and canine-safe mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and low in starch, helping reduce calorie intake while supporting microbiome diversity and cellular health.

It’s Never Too Late to Transition

Switching a senior dog to raw can be transformative. While making the change may take longer, especially for dogs fed kibble their whole lives, it is absolutely doable. Here are some tips:

• Make it a gradual transition: Increase the raw-to-kibble ratio over 10 days, reducing kibble as raw increases.
• Warm it up: Add warm water to meals. Seniors accustomed to room-temperature food may struggle with cold meals, resulting in reflux.
• Digestive support: Use Thrive Pro-Gut during the transition. Rich in pre-, pro-, and postbiotics, it can be added to every meal. Once fully transitioned, wean off the supplement over 10–14 days.
• Additions that shine: Whole sardines and raw fermented goat milk are excellent additions once your dog is settled on raw.

Bones for Dental & Joint Health

Raw bones can support dental health and provide calcium, but aging teeth require gentler options. Avoid hard recreational bones like marrow or ribs. Instead, offer poultry feet and necks because they’re softer, rich in collagen, and are a natural source of glucosamine. Just remember to reduce meal portions on bone days to maintain calorie balance.

Feeding your senior dog a raw diet is about more than just nutrition - it’s about nurturing vitality, comfort, and connection through every stage of life. Aging may bring changes, but with mindful adjustments to diet and lifestyle, our dogs can continue to thrive well into their golden years. A thoughtfully balanced raw diet, rich in quality protein, omega-3s, supports mobility, cognition, and overall well-being. Most importantly, it allows our loyal companions to enjoy every moment with us - bright-eyed, tail-wagging, and full of life - just as they always have.