Can I switch to raw food with my elderly dog?

Is my dog too old to switch to a raw diet?

Let’s be honest, we do everything we can to keep our aging dogs in the best possible health, minimize the symptoms of aging, and avoid illness.
For this very reason, it is entirely reasonable to ask whether we are doing the right thing by switching our elderly, aging pets from their usual food or canned food to a raw diet.

We want the best for them, but for some reason, there is still a fear that changing the eating habits of an older animal could be harmful to them.

We have to say that this fear is completely unfounded! Feel free to try it and see how your dog responds to raw feeding and raw menus.

We have received feedback from hundreds of owners of older dogs who have switched to raw feeding that their pets have literally rejuvenated—their eyes are sparkling again, they are more agile, livelier, stronger, happier, and more cheerful.

But why is that? Here are a few facts and tips on why and how you should switch to raw feeding today.

A slower transition

We generally recommend fasting for 12-24 hours before making a “smooth” transition to raw feeding, then serving the first raw meal at room temperature.
You can do the same for older animals, although there are some health conditions where fasting is not possible. In this case, you should plan for a longer transition between the usual food/canned food and raw food.

The simplest solution is a clean, quick switch, but if your aging pet cannot tolerate this, it is worth mixing increasingly larger portions of the raw food into the dry food/canned food, while mixing less and less of the old food into their bowl. This gradual transition is problem-free for older animals, while an immediate change could cause vomiting and digestive problems.

The right probiotics are our friends, especially for dogs that have had to work hard for many years to process dry food.
During the transition period, it is a good idea to add probiotics to the raw/food mixture – but you can continue to do so even after the transition is complete.

Toothless smiles

As dogs age, their teeth deteriorate and they may even lose them, which can cause discomfort when eating. In such cases, chewing cooler, soft raw meat is much more pleasant for them than hard food, and raw feeding also helps maintain oral health, as it does not form sticky, tartar-forming pulp during chewing, which can build up around the teeth.

With proper care and attention, it is of course important for older animals to chew with their existing teeth, so a meaty bone that is easy to chew or a natural treat is also a great help in maintaining their dental health. At least 9 out of 10 canine dentists recommend this.😊

Maintaining puppy shape

Let’s be honest, as we age, our contours become rounder, softer, and possibly saggy—after all, only a few cosmetic procedures can effectively combat the effects of time.
This is also true for animals.

At the same time, being overweight is not only a visual problem, but also puts unnecessary extra strain on the joints and internal organs. Obesity is the primary cause of limited mobility and circulatory problems.

But let’s be honest, how hard is it to resist those pleading eyes surrounded by graying fur?
Fortunately, raw feeding alone helps control body weight and reverse obesity, but natural treats made from pure meat are also a great help in everyday life and as rewards.

Improved hydration

Raw diets naturally hydrate animals, unlike dry foods. Adequate fluid intake helps keep the kidneys and excretory system healthy, which is especially important for older dogs. Adequate fluid intake is also very important for digestion and nutrient absorption, and improves blood quality, allowing nutrients to reach cells more easily, aiding regeneration and cell renewal.

It’s delicious!

It doesn’t matter whether your aging dog has been with you since puppyhood or came to you later in life, one thing is certain – they deserve only the best.
Why shouldn’t mealtimes be an enjoyable experience and a source of pleasure for them too?
We know exactly how good it feels when droopy ears suddenly perk up and slightly tired paws start tapping on the floor as soon as they sense that it’s time to unwrap the next delicious raw meal.