Nourishing Your Senior Dog: A Comprehensive Guide

🥩 Why Senior Dogs Need a Different Diet

Senior dogs often experience:

• Slower digestion and reduced nutrient absorption

• Joint stiffness and arthritis

• Cognitive decline and mood changes

• Weight gain or muscle loss

• Increased inflammation and immune challenges

  
  

A diet rich in high-quality protein, anti-inflammatory fats, and digestible raw foods can make a profound difference, older dogs thrive on:

• Minimally processed, meat-based diets

• Omega-3 fatty acids for brain and joint health

• Fibre-rich vegetables to support digestion

• Antioxidants to fight cellular aging

  
  

🧬 Gut Health: The Hidden Key to Aging Gracefully

Your senior dog’s gut microbiome is the command centre for digestion, immunity, and even behaviour. As dogs age, their microbiome loses diversity, leading to dysbiosis, inflammation, and chronic health issues. Our blog on Understanding Your Dog’s Microbiome explains how gut imbalances can trigger:

• Skin issues and allergies

• Joint pain via the gut–joint axis

• Anxiety and aggression via the gut–brain axis

• Digestive upset and bad breath

  
  

🌿 Gut-Smart Foods for Seniors

To support gut health, consider incorporating these foods into your senior dog's diet:

• Omega-3s (from oily fish or algae oil)

• Fermented veggies and kefir

• Dandelion greens and Jerusalem artichoke

• Reishi mushrooms for immune and cognitive support

  
  

🐟 Omega-3s: More Than Just a Joint Supplement

Omega-3 fatty acids are a powerful tool for senior dog longevity. They:

• Restore microbial balance and reduce gut inflammation

• Support cognitive health and the gut–brain axis

• Increase beneficial SCFA-producing bacteria like Lachnospiraceae

• Lower toxic metabolites like AGEs and uremic toxins

  
  

🦴 Raw Feeding for Senior Dogs: Gentle, Nutritious, and Healing

Raw diets are highly digestible and ideal for aging dogs. According to Paleo Ridge, raw feeding:

• Supports joint health with natural glucosamine and chondroitin

• Provides antioxidants to slow aging

• Maintains lean muscle and healthy weight

• Reduces inflammation and boosts immunity

  
  

Their Senior Range includes:

• Reduced bone content for easier digestion

• Superfoods like Reishi mushrooms and berries

• Options like lamb and turkey infused with antioxidant-rich blends

  
  

🌟 Proflax: Herbal Support for the Golden Years

Proflax’s Golden Oldies and Mega Mobility blends offer holistic support for aging dogs:

• Omega-3-rich flaxseed and fish oils

• Herbal tinctures for joint, liver, and cognitive health

• Soft chews for easy administration

• Reishi mushrooms for memory and mood

  
  

Combine these with a stable routine, extra hydration via bone broth, and gentle exercise to keep your senior dog thriving.

📊 Tools to Tailor Your Dog’s Diet

Use our Feeding Allowance Calculator to adjust portions based on age, weight, and activity level. Senior dogs may benefit from:

• Smaller, more frequent meals

• Adjusted bone and organ ratios

• Up to 20% plant matter where needed if they are struggling with bone content

• DIY raw feeding with added supplements

  
  

🧠 Cognitive Health & Diet

Senior dogs are prone to canine cognitive dysfunction, similar to dementia. Nutritional strategies include:

• Omega-3s (especially DHA) for neuron support

• Antioxidants from berries, egg yolks, and leafy greens

• Avoiding inflammatory kibble and processed foods

  
  

🐕 The Importance of Regular Vet Check-ups

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for senior dogs. They help monitor health changes and adjust dietary needs accordingly. A vet can provide tailored advice on supplements and dietary adjustments to ensure your dog remains healthy and happy.

💬 Final Thoughts: Feed for the Future

Feeding your senior dog isn’t just about managing age—it’s about celebrating it. With the right diet, supplements, and microbiome support, your dog can enjoy vibrant health well into their golden years. Explore our supplements, read our microbiome blog, and check out our raw feeding advice to get started.