Senior dog nutrition looks a little different from the diet your dog needed as a bouncy puppy or an active adult. At ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, we hear from a lot of Sydney owners whose dogs are moving into their golden years and want to know what changes actually matter. The good news is that most of the fundamentals of good raw feeding stay the same, but a few adjustments can help your senior dog feel their best for longer.
When is a dog considered a senior?
This varies a lot by size and breed. Small breeds are often not considered senior until around 10 to 12 years old, while giant breeds like Great Danes or Mastiffs may reach their senior years by age 6 or 7. Rather than fixating on a birthday, it is more useful to watch for the physical signs of ageing: a slower pace on walks, more time spent resting, greying around the muzzle, and gradual changes in muscle tone.
How do a senior dog's nutritional needs change?
As dogs age, their metabolism typically slows and they often become less active, which means their calorie needs may drop even if their appetite does not. At the same time, maintaining lean muscle mass becomes more important, so protein intake should not be reduced without good reason. Many older dogs actually benefit from moderate to high quality protein to help support muscle maintenance as they age.
Joint comfort is another common concern for senior dogs. Diets that include naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin, such as those found in cartilage, connective tissue, and bone broth, may help support joint health as part of an overall balanced diet.
What should I feed an older dog on a raw diet?
A well balanced raw diet for a senior dog generally includes:
- Quality lean muscle meat to help maintain lean mass
- Organ meat in moderation for naturally occurring vitamins and minerals
- Edible bone content for calcium, adjusted if your dog has any dental sensitivity
- Oily fish or fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids, which may help support skin, coat, and joint comfort
- Smaller, more frequent meals if your dog's digestion has slowed with age
Our beef, kangaroo and lamb range and fish options are popular choices among owners feeding senior dogs, since they combine lean protein with naturally occurring nutrients rather than synthetic additives.
Should I change portion sizes as my dog ages?
Often yes, but gradually. If your senior dog is less active than they used to be, they may need fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. Keeping an eye on body condition, being able to feel but not see the ribs, and a visible waist from above, is a more reliable guide than sticking rigidly to feeding charts designed for younger, more active dogs. If you are unsure how much to feed, our meal planner quiz can help you work out a starting point based on your dog's age, weight, and activity level.
What about dental health and softer food?
Dental comfort can become more of an issue in senior dogs, particularly if they have missing teeth or gum sensitivity. Softer cuts of meat, minced options, or lightly warmed meals can make eating more comfortable without needing to switch away from a raw diet entirely. If you notice your dog struggling with harder raw meaty bones, it is worth having their teeth checked by your vet and adjusting the size and texture of meals accordingly.
How can I support mobility and muscle tone in an older dog?
Gentle, regular movement plays a big role in keeping a senior dog comfortable, alongside a supportive diet. Short, consistent walks tend to be easier on ageing joints than occasional long or strenuous outings, and swimming can be a good lower impact option for dogs who enjoy the water. Keeping a healthy body weight matters here too, since extra weight places additional strain on joints that may already be less resilient than they once were.
Maintaining muscle mass through adequate quality protein, paired with appropriate low impact activity, may help support day to day mobility as your dog gets older. Many Sydney owners find that a predictable daily routine, rather than sporadic bursts of activity, works best for older dogs adjusting to a slower pace of life.
Are supplements worth considering for senior dogs?
Some owners look at supplements such as fish oil, joint support blends, or antioxidant rich additions once their dog reaches their senior years. These may be a reasonable addition to an already balanced diet, but they are not a substitute for good quality protein, appropriate portioning, and regular veterinary checkups. If you are considering adding a supplement, it is worth discussing it with your vet first, particularly if your senior dog has an existing health condition or is on medication, since some supplements can interact with certain treatments.
Signs it is time to talk to your vet
Ageing is normal, but some changes deserve a vet visit rather than a dietary tweak. Sudden weight loss, a significant drop in appetite, new lumps, increased water intake, or noticeable pain when moving are all worth discussing with your veterinarian. Nutrition can support your senior dog's wellbeing, but it works alongside veterinary care, not instead of it.
How does hydration change for senior dogs?
Older dogs can be more prone to dehydration, particularly if kidney function has started to change with age, which is common in senior years. A raw diet naturally contains a higher moisture content than dry kibble, which may help support hydration alongside a fresh water supply that is topped up throughout the day. If your senior dog seems to be drinking noticeably more or less water than usual, mention it to your vet, since changes in thirst can sometimes be an early sign worth investigating.
How do I transition an older dog to a new feeding routine?
If you are adjusting portion sizes, meal frequency, or introducing new ingredients for the first time, doing so gradually over one to two weeks tends to work better than a sudden change, particularly for a senior dog whose digestive system may be less adaptable than it once was. Introduce one new ingredient at a time, watch how your dog responds, and keep a consistent feeding schedule so any changes in appetite are easier to notice early. Australian owners feeding raw at home often find that senior dogs settle into a new routine within a fortnight, provided the transition is steady rather than abrupt.
What do veterinary guidelines say about senior dog nutrition?
The Australian Veterinary Association recommends regular health checks for senior dogs, generally every six months, so that diet and any emerging health needs can be reviewed together rather than addressed separately. Pairing routine veterinary care with a thoughtful, age-appropriate diet gives your senior dog the best chance of a comfortable, active later life.
Frequently asked questions
At what age is a dog considered senior?
It depends on breed and size. Small breeds are often considered senior from around 10 to 12 years, while large and giant breeds may reach senior status by 6 to 8 years.
Do senior dogs need less protein?
Not usually. Most senior dogs benefit from maintaining good quality protein intake to help support muscle mass, while calorie intake may need to decrease if activity levels have dropped.
What foods help support joint comfort in older dogs?
Foods naturally containing glucosamine and chondroitin, such as cartilage and connective tissue, along with omega-3 rich fish, may help support joint comfort as part of a balanced diet.
Can I switch an older dog to raw food for the first time?
Yes, many senior dogs transition well to raw feeding, though it is best done gradually. Read our guide on switching to raw and what to expect before starting.
How do I know if my senior dog is at a healthy weight?
You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard, and see a visible waist when looking down at your dog. If you are unsure, ask your vet to assess body condition at a check-up.
Should senior dogs eat smaller, more frequent meals?
Many senior dogs do well on smaller meals split across the day, particularly if digestion has slowed or appetite has become less predictable.
Is it normal for senior dogs to sleep more?
Yes, older dogs often rest more than they did as younger adults. This is generally normal, but a sudden or dramatic increase in sleep alongside other changes is worth mentioning to your vet.
Can senior dogs still enjoy raw meaty bones?
Many can, though the size and texture may need adjusting for dental comfort. Softer options or supervised smaller bones are often a better fit for older dogs than larger, harder ones.
Ready to tailor your senior dog's meals? Browse our full raw food range or try a sample pack to see how your older dog takes to it. Written by the ardam team.
