🐾 Feeding Senior Dogs: A Guide to Longevity, Vitality & Gut Health

RFFDMSUK
Aug 11
3 min read

As our beloved dogs enter their golden years, their nutritional needs shift dramatically. Just like humans, aging dogs face changes in metabolism, mobility, cognition, and gut health. At RFFDMSUK, we believe that feeding senior dogs isn’t just about calories—it’s about supporting their whole-body wellness through species-appropriate nutrition, targeted supplements, and microbiome care.

🥩 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. According to Dogs Naturally Magazine, 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 behavior. 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:

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 from Dogs Naturally include:

Omega-3s (especially DHA) for neuron support
Antioxidants from berries, egg yolks, and leafy greens
Avoiding inflammatory kibble and processed foods

💬 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.