Dog lovers share the understanding that their beloved pets have a short life compared to humans. As dogs age, it is hard to witness the changes that occur in your dog's body. But you can help your dog age gracefully by providing a species-appropriate diet  and the following supplements throughout her life. 

Water is often overlooked as a crucial component of your dog's diet. With the moisture content of commercial dog food below 10%, kibble-fed dogs often suffer from chronic hydration. Adding liquid to your dog's diet will provide stress relief to the organs. You can add raw goat's milk and bone broth to hydrate and enhance the nutrient content of your dog's meals.

Adding raw goat's milk to your dog's bowl has numerous benefits, including improving hydration, providing essential vitamins and minerals, improving your dog's appetite, and managing weight.

Goat's milk is preferred over cow's milk because it is more easily digested. The digestive system of older dogs can become more sensitive, making it imperative to provide easily digested foods. Many senior dogs experience inappetence. The tastiness of the goat's milk may stimulate your dog's appetite.

Goat's milk is a good source of essential nutrients. Vitamins found in goat's milk include vitamins A, D, E, K, and C, and many of the B vitamins: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). Calcium and phosphorus are two of the main minerals found in goat's milk, but it also contains trace amounts of magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, and iodine.

Fermented goat's milk in the form of kefir contains probiotics, which can support gut health. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for all aspects of your senior dog's health, including cognitive function, skin and hair coat, weight management, and immune health. 

Bone broth for dogs is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering animal bones, connective tissues, and sometimes vegetables and herbs in water over an extended period. The slow simmering extracts valuable nutrients from the bones and tissues, including minerals, amino acids, gelatin, and collagen. 

Bone broth supports your dog's muscles and joints, making it a great additive to your senior dog's diet. It contains glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, and protein. All of these things benefit your aging dog and help with elasticity in joints, as well as lubrication to keep arthritis pains to a minimum. 

Bone broth provides a gentle and easily digestible source of nutrients for your senior dog. Serving it slightly warm will provide warmth and comfort for your dog's achy body. Bone broth may entice your aging dog's appetite with its delicious meaty flavor. 

You might have heard that senior dogs should have a reduced protein diet, but there's a different perspective. Some vets used to think that cutting down on protein would ease the workload on the organs, particularly the kidneys. This idea came from a study on rats, but it doesn't apply to dogs. Newer research has shown that limiting protein can lead to a higher mortality risk in dogs.

The protein requirements of a senior dog are actually higher, about 50% more. They should get 28-32% more calories from protein to meet their biological needs. High-quality protein from organically pasture-raised animals provides all the essential amino acids that aging dogs need to maintain their muscle mass.

To increase protein in a raw diet for senior dogs, consider using leaner meats and adding other protein sources like eggs, kefir, or yogurt. When you increase the protein, you might need to add extra calories depending on your dog's body condition score. The goal is to help your senior dog maintain her muscle mass, boost her immune system, and support tissue repair.

Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are packed with antioxidants , including vitamins C and E, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Antioxidant protection can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, positively impact cognitive function and brain health, boost the immune system due to the high level of vitamin C, and provide joint support. Berries also support the cardiovascular system.

Berries are a good source of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting regular bowel movements. The fiber can help senior dogs feel full, potentially reducing their overall calorie intake and aiding in weight management in older dogs.

Seafood  in your dog's diet benefits every organ system of the body. The essential fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) found in marine-sourced fats are essential for optimal canine health. They improve immune system function, provide healthier skin and hair coats, and improve cognitive ability. Certain types of fatty fish also meet vitamin D requirements. 

Cognitive decline is a common problem for aging dogs. The high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, in fatty fish can help brain functionality throughout your dog's life, from a growing puppy to an aging senior.

Fresh, raw, oily fish is optimal. The best types of fish to include in your dog's meals include Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic herring, pink salmon, sardines, anchovies, capelin, and smelt. Large predatory fish should be avoided to limit heavy metals levels.

If your dog won't eat raw fish, try lightly cooking or searing it. Fish oils may be used for dogs that refuse to eat seafood. However, the source and manufacturing process must be researched. The best option is to purchase from a trustworthy source that produces small batches and stores them in dark-colored glass bottles. 

Although technically seafood, green-lipped mussels have so many benefits that they are considered a superfood. They are most commonly known for their anti-inflammatory effects in dogs suffering from arthritis. 

Green-lipped mussels are nutrient-packed with glucosamine and chondroitin, Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and minerals such as copper, zinc, magnesium, and selenium, all of which are vital to your senior dog's joint health. 

Green-lipped mussels are low in fat and an excellent option for dogs prone to weight gain. There are dehydrated and freeze-dried options and powders if you have a picky pup.

A species-appropriate diet for senior dogs should include specific supplements that enhance your dog's joints, cognitive function, immune system, and support for aging organ systems.

Adequate hydration through using raw goat's milk or bone broth is one of the easiest improvements to make to your dog's diet.

Providing foods that include high-quality protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and joint support like glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen will aid in your senior dog's overall health.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids in Poultry Nutrition: Effect on Production Performance and Health - PMC 

Nutritional management of canine brain aging: with pets living longer comes an increased prevalence of age-related behavioral and cognitive problems; diets rich in antioxidants and mitochondrial cofactors benefit.  

A Review on Free Radicals and Antioxidants  

Antioxidants, free radicals, health and disease  

Diseases related to oxygen-derived free radicals  

Roles of plant-based ingredients and phytonutrients in canine nutrition and health 

The amino acid composition of mammalian collagen and gelatin - PMC 

Efficacy and safety of glycosylated undenatured type-II collagen (UC-II) in therapy of arthritic dogs 

Dog lovers share the understanding that their beloved pets have a short life compared to humans. As dogs age, it is hard to witness the changes that occur in your dog's body. But you can help your dog age gracefully by providing a <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/introduction-to-real-ancestral-6x-diet">species-appropriate diet</a>  and the following supplements throughout her life. 

5 Fresh Foods to Feed Your Aging Dog

Feed Real Institute

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