It is never too late to try raw food. Lots of owners switch older dogs to raw, and complete minced raw food is easy to eat for dogs of any age. Senior dogs do need a little more care, though, so here is how to do it well.
Getting the amount right matters more as dogs age. Our raw feeding calculator works out grams a day from your dog's ideal weight.
Check with your vet first
Older dogs are more likely to have health conditions that affect what they should eat. If your dog has kidney, liver, heart or digestive problems, diabetes, or takes regular medication, ask your vet before changing their diet. A quick check also gives you a baseline weight to work from.
How much to feed an older dog
Most adult dogs eat 2 to 3 percent of their ideal bodyweight a day. Many older dogs are less active, so 2 percent is a sensible starting point:
- 10kg dog: about 200g a day
- 20kg dog: about 400g a day
- 30kg dog: about 600g a day
Weigh your dog every few weeks and look at their ribs and waist. Older dogs can gain weight easily when they slow down, but some lose weight and muscle instead, so adjust by around 10 percent at a time. Our guide to how much raw food to feed explains how.
Switch slowly
An older tummy can be more sensitive to change. Take your time:
- Start with one gentle protein, such as turkey or a single protein beef or lamb, and stay with it until stools are firm.
- Mix gradually. Our 10 day switching plan works for seniors too, but there is no harm in stretching it to two or three weeks.
- Add new proteins one at a time, a few days apart.
Easier meals for older mouths
Complete raw foods from Supreme Raw, Stobart, K9 Raw and Reggie's come ready minced, with the bone ground in, so there is nothing hard to chew. That suits dogs with fewer teeth or sore mouths. If your dog has dental problems, your vet can advise on what they can manage.
Smaller meals can help too. If your dog struggles with two meals a day, try splitting the same daily amount into three.
What to watch for
- Weight: steady is good. Sudden loss or gain is worth a vet visit.
- Stools: small and firm. Ongoing loose stools mean slow down or try a different protein.
- Appetite and thirst: a big change in either is a reason to see your vet.
- Energy: many owners enjoy seeing their older dog keen at mealtimes.
Ready to start?
Work out your dog's daily amount with our feeding calculator. If you are not sure what your dog will enjoy, the Try Me Variety Box lets you test a few flavours first. Delivery is free on orders over £70 (£3.95 below that), and you can choose Subscribe and Save to get 5 percent off every order and never run out.
This guide is general advice for healthy older dogs. Senior dogs are more likely to have health conditions that affect their diet, so please check with your vet before switching to raw food.