Supportive Tips to Your Senior Dogs Health - Raw Feeding Transition Guide
Seniors Aging Gracefully
Why Feed Raw?
"Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) was coined by Dr. Ian Billinghurst in the 1990s. The feeding program is about feeding dogs and cats what they were designed to eat over millions of years of genetic adaptation. " That is, least disease combined with best growth, health, reproduction, and longevity. BARF-fed pets tend to be free of dental problems, skin problems, ear problems, eye problems, bowel problems, kidney and heart problems, pancreas and liver problems, and immune system problems. BARF-fed animals enjoy life with an enormously reduced chance of developing both infectious and degenerative diseases. They rarely develop cancer. This healthy state continues into advanced old age.
The BARF diet allows animals to grow and develop their bodies to the peak of genetic perfection. As a general rule, any genetic fault your pet may have inherited will have a minimum chance of expression when the BARF diet is fed."
Step 1: Preparing the Gut
- A raw diet may upset an older dog's gut as the digestive enzymes required to break down the new diet may be dormant due to lack of use, and/or the digestive enzymes decrease as they age.
- Prepare the gut several days before the transition to a raw food diet with a pinch of Adored Beast Healthy Gut to the current diet.
- Adored Beast Healthy Gut contains the necessary digestive enzymes and probiotics to prepare the gut for the diet transition.
- Increase the dosage based on bowel tolerance up to the suggested dosage. Let the stool be your guide. If the stool is looking normal then increase a bit every 2 days. If the stool is loose or constipated, then go slower and let the body adjust at its own pace.
DeeDee - Raw fed for 19 years
Photo Credit Sally Hull
Step 2: Go Slow and Stay Positive
- Slowly decrease the old diet and add in the new diet, however, do the meals of raw and kibble at separate times. ie: breakfast can be kibble, and dinner can be raw with a bit of Adored Beast Healthy Gut added to the raw.
- Some seniors' may need time and patience to convert as they may be addicted to the carbs added to processed foods.
- Be patient with your senior dogs, as this process can either take days, or weeks, as each dog is an individual.
- Keep a positive attitude as they can read your feelings. If you are unsure or hesitant, they will pick up on this. Make it like it is a new wonderful treat.
Step 3: How to Prepare the Food
- Thaw the food in the fridge overnight
- Some dogs may prefer it at room temperature. You can use a bowl of hot water to place your dog's dish into that will take the chill off. DO NOT MICROWAVE RAW FOOD
- Toy dogs tend to be more sensitive to cold food
- Clean all surface areas and utensils with hot soapy water after use.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
Step 4: How to Handle Loose Stool
- Loose stool can be normal during transition. The gut lining may have a build-up of mucus that will come out over a period of weeks. This is part of the detoxification of the gut lining.
- To calm down this transition, here are some suggestions: plain canned pumpkin, slippery elm as in Adored Beast Gut Soothe, or psyllium husk (1/2 tsp/10lbs).
Step 5: How to Handle Constipation
Canned pumpkin, psyllium husk, pureed green beans, carrots, slippery elm as in Adored Beast Gut Soothe.
Incorporate blended veggies and fruits for fiber, based on your dogs' personal needs.
Step 6: Enjoy the Positive Changes
- Improved energy
- Decreased inflammation throughout the body
- Improved skin and coat health
- Less shedding
- Improved dental health
- Decreased flatulence
- Decreased stool volume
- Decreased stool odor
- Less "doggy odor"
- Improves gut health
- Fewer trips to the vet
- Benefits the organs as it contains much-needed moisture. ie: kidneys and heart
- Easier to manage single protein diets
- No artificial vitamins, minerals, or preservatives
- Stronger, leaner body mass
- Benefits brain health "....because food is information and that information directly affects the emotions, the nervous system, the brain and behavior." Sylvia Onusic PhD.
Let us be part of your pets health team!!
Yes, learning, sourcing, and preparing a raw food diet takes time BUT...
Armed with knowledge and supported by a certified canine nutritionist, your end results will bring wellness to your dog’s life.
Donna Middleton is a certified canine nutritionist with a proven track record of helping Dog owners with their Dog's condition and wellbeing.
She will equip you with knowledge of your dog’s nutritional needs while supporting you with the education and steps that you should take to keep your dog healthy and happy.