Raw feeding older dogs

Raw feeding an older dog is mostly about the amount: as dogs slow down, most need a little less food, and the trick is adjusting before the weight creeps on.

How much to feed an older dog

For dogs aged seven and over, our raw dog food calculator uses about 1.8% of body weight a day for a quieter dog and 2.2% for one that’s still busy, a little less than the 2 to 3% for younger adults.

These are starting points. Weigh your dog once a month and check their shape: you should be able to feel their ribs easily without seeing them. If they’re gaining, trim the daily amount by about 10%. If they’re losing, add 10%. If an older dog loses weight without a clear reason, check with your vet.

Plenty of older dogs are still on the go

Age and activity don’t always line up. Owners have told us about a 10-year-old beagle who still swims and goes on pack walks, and an 11-year-old heading dog, retired from working cattle but still active. A dog like that may still suit the “still busy” column, or even adult amounts.

Food that’s easy to eat

Minced food is easy for a dog of any age. If your older dog finds big bones harder going than they used to, a mince with the bone already through it is a simple way to keep bone in the diet. Our Chicken Mince is minced with the bone, and Fussy Mix is veal and chicken with liver and offal.

For a single protein, Veal Mince is 100% NZ veal.

If your dog does still enjoy a chew, a softer raw bone such as veal brisket is a good middle ground for dogs that eat beef, since veal is young beef. Supervise as always, and take it away once it’s small enough to swallow.

Switching an older dog to raw

An older dog who has eaten the same food for years may appreciate a slower switch. Mix a little raw into the current food and increase it over two to three weeks rather than one, watching stools as you go. Our guide to switching to raw has a day-by-day plan you can stretch out.

Keep the bowl interesting

Some older dogs get choosier. Taking the fridge chill off, adding a spoonful of green tripe, or rotating proteins can all help. Our guide to getting a fussy dog to eat raw has more ideas.