BARF for older dogs
How to feed your senior dog according to their needs
Contents
BARF for senior dogs
As your dog gets older, it is often not only their daily routine that changes, but their needs as well. Perhaps their muzzle is gradually turning grey, walks are becoming shorter, getting up is more difficult or they no longer empty their bowl quite as enthusiastically as they used to. For many dog owners, this stage of life is particularly emotional – after all, our dogs have often been by our side for many years.
At the same time, new questions arise: Does my dog need different food as they get older? Do I need to adapt their meals? What if they become more sensitive, have less appetite or no longer tolerate certain components as well?
When it comes to nutrition, it is worth taking a closer look as dogs get older, because senior dogs do not simply need “less of everything”, but rather a diet that suits their current physical condition.
BARF can also be a very good way to feed your dog individually and according to their needs in their senior years. This applies both to dogs that have been fed a BARF diet for a long time and to senior dogs that are only switched to BARF later in life. The decisive factor is not age alone, but what your dog tolerates well and how you can adapt their food to suit them as well as possible.
Key points at a glance
BARF is generally suitable for senior dogs too. What matters is that the portions are tailored to the individual dog: their activity level, weight, muscle condition, appetite, digestion, teeth and overall health.
Healthy senior dogs do not automatically need a completely different diet from adult dogs. However, they often require less energy, more easily digestible components, greater attention when feeding bones and larger pieces of meat, and generally a diet with a high nutrient density.
Already feeding BARF?
This article will help you review your dog's existing BARF plan with their age in mind and make sensible adjustments where necessary.
Would you like to switch your older dog to BARF?
Further down in this article, you will find practical advice on how to make the transition to BARF gently and what you should pay particular attention to with your senior dog.
Is BARF suitable for older dogs?
In short: Yes, a healthy older dog can generally continue to be fed a BARF diet without any problems. Switching to BARF is also still possible in old age, provided the transition is adapted to the dog's needs.
The major advantage of BARF, particularly for senior dogs, is the ability to tailor their food individually. This allows you to adjust meals specifically, for example if your dog needs less energy, develops dental problems, no longer tolerates certain components well, their digestion becomes slower or their appetite decreases.
It is important to remember that there is no single perfect BARF plan for older dogs. Ageing processes vary greatly from one individual to another. While some dogs are still full of energy at ten years old, others are noticeably calmer by the age of seven. Feeding should therefore not be based on age alone, but always on your dog's actual condition.
Expert know-how:
The FEDIAF also treats the nutrition of senior dogs as a topic in its own right, because energy requirements, digestion and nutrient supply, among other things, can change with increasing age. In practice, this means that less energy may be appropriate, but not lower nutrient quality or density.
When is a dog considered a senior?
When a dog is considered a senior depends, among other things, on their size, breed, health and life history. Large dogs generally age earlier than small dogs. As a rough guide: Large breeds are considered seniors from around seven or eight years of age, while smaller dogs tend to be considered seniors from around ten years of age.
However, the physical and behavioural signs of ageing are more important than a fixed age.
Typical visible signs of ageing can include:
the coat becomes greyer or duller
the dog moves less or more slowly
weight gain despite the same amount of food
muscle mass decreases
the teeth are more worn
large pieces of meat or bones are not chewed as well
the dog becomes more fussy about food
sight and hearing deteriorate
digestion becomes slower
constipation occurs more frequently
claws and paw pads become drier or cracked
the dog reacts more slowly or seems less attentive
sense of smell and taste deteriorate
These changes do not automatically mean that your dog is ill. They are often normal signs of ageing that can occur at different rates and to different degrees, and they indicate that you should review their diet regularly and adjust it where necessary.
What changes in an older dog – and how to adapt BARF accordingly
As dogs get older, various processes in the body begin to function differently. Their metabolism slows down, digestion becomes more sluggish and nutrients are no longer utilised as effectively. At the same time, many senior dogs face an increased risk of becoming overweight, losing muscle mass, developing joint problems and chronic illnesses.
When feeding BARF, it is important to remember that not every change immediately requires a completely new feeding plan. Many signs of ageing can be accommodated well with small, targeted adjustments to the dog's bowl. Other changes are entirely normal and cannot be stopped or influenced even with an ideal diet.
When energy requirements decrease: check fat content and food quantity
Many older dogs are less active than they used to be. They sleep more, go on shorter walks or tire more quickly. At the same time, their metabolism may change. All of this means that senior dogs often require less energy than young, active dogs.
However, this does not automatically mean that portions should simply be drastically reduced. If you simply reduce the total amount of food, your dog will not only receive fewer calories, but also fewer vitamins, minerals, trace elements and essential fatty acids, which they may still require in substantial amounts.
The better solution is therefore to adjust the energy content in a targeted way by using a moderate amount of fat and lean muscle meat, while also ensuring a high nutrient density across all ingredients and feeding no unnecessary components.
For many senior dogs, the daily food quantity is around 2% of their body weight. However, this figure should only be regarded as a rough guide. What matters when determining the correct amount of food is whether your dog can maintain their weight, does not lose muscle mass and receives sufficient essential nutrients from their diet.
The appropriate amount of food depends on factors including:
weight
body shape
muscle mass
activity level
health status
neutering status
metabolism
tolerance
bowel movements
An older dog that is still very active may need more food than a neutered senior dog that exercises very little or is prone to becoming overweight. The latter may require less energy or a smaller overall amount of food.
When assessing your dog, it is important not to focus solely on the number on the scales, but also on their body condition: Can you easily feel the ribs? Is there a visible waist? Is your dog losing muscle mass? Are they gaining unwanted body fat?
In senior dogs in particular, excess weight and muscle loss can occur at the same time. The amount of food should therefore not be determined by weight alone, but always by the dog's overall body condition.
When muscle mass decreases: high-quality protein remains important
A common myth is that older dogs should be fed a low-protein diet to protect their kidneys. As a blanket statement, however, this is not correct.
Healthy older dogs do not automatically need less protein. On the contrary, high-quality, easily digestible protein is actually particularly important in old age because, among other things, it helps maintain muscle mass and tissue, supports enzyme activity and contributes to a strong immune system.
If a senior dog receives too little high-quality protein, the body may begin to break down its own proteins, including those found in the muscles. This is particularly unfavourable for older dogs because they are already prone to losing muscle mass.
The solution is therefore not to reduce protein across the board, but instead to focus on easily digestible, high-quality protein sources. BARF diets generally provide highly digestible proteins anyway. Particularly well tolerated options include, for example, muscle meat, heart or egg.
Exceptions do, however, apply in the case of certain illnesses. With severe or advanced kidney disease, for example, an adapted BARF diet may be necessary in which, among other things, the protein and phosphorus content is assessed and adjusted in a targeted way. However, this should never be done merely as a precaution, but only on the basis of appropriate diagnostics and professional guidance.
When your dog gains weight: adjust fat and carbohydrates in a targeted way
If an older dog needs less energy from their food, the fat content of their BARF meals is usually reduced first. This makes particular sense if the dog is prone to becoming overweight. However, fat should never be radically removed from the diet, because it not only provides energy but also essential fatty acids and is an important flavour carrier.
Instead of simply reducing the total amount of food or eliminating fat completely, targeted adjustments should always be made. One way of doing this, for example, is to switch from very fatty meat to leaner muscle meat. This reduces the fat content of the portions without reducing their nutrient density.
Carbohydrates should also be considered individually for older dogs. Many senior dogs do not require starchy components in their food, particularly if they are less active or gain weight quickly. Instead, fibre-rich vegetables or psyllium husks can be used to support digestion or increase the volume of food with low-calorie components.
However, the situation may be very different for very slim senior dogs, dogs with specific illnesses or dogs with special requirements, and feeding grains or other sources of carbohydrates can be beneficial. Here too, your dog's individual needs are what matter.
When joints and bones are under strain: control weight and maintain muscle mass
Older dogs often lose muscle mass relatively quickly and gain fat more easily. At the same time, wear and tear affecting the joints and bones becomes more common. This can lead to stiffer movement, reluctance to get up or greater difficulty on longer walks.
For feeding, this means one thing above all: avoid excess weight.
Every extra kilogram can negatively affect your dog's mobility, joints and well-being. At the same time, maintaining a good level of muscle mass is important to keep the body stable during movement. In addition to an adapted amount and composition of food, targeted physiotherapy and fitness exercises can therefore be very useful for maintaining muscle mass.
Depending on the dog, certain supplements can also be used to support the musculoskeletal system. Green-lipped mussel powder and collagen have proved particularly useful. In general, however, the same principle applies here: choose supplements carefully and tailor them to your dog's individual needs rather than simply adding them indiscriminately.
When teeth and digestion deteriorate: adjust the calcium source
An adapted calcium supply that still meets all nutritional requirements is particularly important when feeding BARF to older dogs, because several age-related changes can occur at the same time: the teeth are more worn, saliva production decreases and digestion becomes slower.
The problem: Hard bones can often no longer be chewed properly, if at all, and may be inadequately digested. This can result in hard stools, bone stools or even constipation.
The solution: carefully review bone feeding in older dogs and adjust it where necessary.
Sensible ways to adapt the diet include:
no longer feeding hard bones or whole bones
switching to softer bones (e.g. poultry or rabbit)
using minced bones
reducing the amount of bone and using additional supplements if necessary
spreading bone across several meals per week
avoiding bones altogether in the case of dental problems
alternatively supplementing calcium and phosphorus using suitable supplements
If bones are no longer well tolerated, the calcium supply must always be ensured in another way. In this case, for example, bone meal, eggshell powder or other suitable calcium sources such as dicalcium phosphate can be used. The required amount should be determined individually depending on the supplement and must be appropriate for the overall diet.
It is also worth considering the right consistency of the meat. If, for example, your dog no longer chews large pieces of muscle meat or offal properly, it can help to cut the meat into smaller pieces or buy it minced from the outset. This makes it easier to digest and also prevents larger pieces from becoming lodged in the throat.
When digestion becomes more sensitive: feed more easily digestible foods
Digestive capacity can decline with age. The gastrointestinal tract works more slowly, fewer digestive secretions are produced and nutrients may no longer be absorbed or utilised as effectively as before.
Components that are particularly difficult to digest or very rich in connective tissue can become problematic for some senior dogs. These include, for example, rumen, lung or hard chews. Of course, there are also dogs that continue to tolerate these components without any problems – your dog's individual situation is always what matters.
If your senior dog experiences flatulence, soft stools, stomach rumbling or frequent digestive problems, it may be advisable to adjust their portions and switch to more easily digestible components.
Possible adjustments to BARF portions include:
preferring well-tolerated muscle meat (e.g. chicken)
reducing or replacing hard-to-digest components such as lung or rumen
carefully reviewing the choice of chews and snacks
introducing new ingredients gradually
offering smaller meals more frequently
cutting, mincing or puréeing food more finely if necessary
regularly monitoring bowel movements
A higher fibre content can also be very helpful for sluggish digestion. Fibre-rich vegetables can support intestinal activity and make bowel movements easier. Depending on the dog, a ratio of 70:30 or 60:40 between animal and plant-based components may be appropriate – provided the overall diet continues to meet all nutritional requirements.
Additional sources of fibre such as psyllium husks can also be useful in some cases. However, they should be dosed carefully, soaked thoroughly and always given with sufficient liquid.
In addition to fibre, the overall moisture content of the food also plays an important role. If your senior dog does not drink much, you can mix a little water into their food or enhance the meal with a suitable broth. This makes it easier to digest and helps keep your four-legged friend well hydrated at all times.
In addition, herbs, bitter substances or algae can be used as supplementary ingredients depending on the dog if digestion becomes too sluggish. However, they should be selected carefully and not combined indiscriminately – particularly if your senior dog is taking medication or already has health conditions. If you are unsure, it is always advisable to consult an animal nutrition expert.
When an older dog eats poorly: adjust smell, flavour and consistency
When a senior dog eats less well, this can be particularly worrying for many dog owners. After all, especially in old age, you want to do everything right and ensure that your dog can continue to enjoy their food.
Loss of appetite can have various causes: a declining sense of smell or taste, dental problems, digestive discomfort, pain or illness.
Dogs primarily recognise food by its smell. If their sense of smell declines with age, food may become less appealing. Some senior dogs then eat more slowly, become fussier or leave entire meals untouched. This does not necessarily mean that your dog no longer likes their BARF meals; they may simply no longer be able to enjoy them as intensely as they used to.
If there is no acute illness behind the problem, small adjustments can help make the food more appealing again:
warm it slightly
add a little broth
add small amounts of aromatic components as natural flavour and aroma enhancers (e.g. tuna, rumen, butter, cream)
add a little high-quality oil
use particularly well-tolerated favourite components to make the meal more appealing
Ingredients with a particularly strong and appealing smell and flavour can be very helpful in encouraging fussy senior dogs to eat with enthusiasm. At the same time, however, a strong smell does not automatically mean that an ingredient will be well tolerated by every senior dog. Rumen, for example, can stimulate the appetite but is not well tolerated by some older dogs. Ingredients such as tuna water, broth, crumbled treats or dairy products can also be excellent appetite stimulants. When choosing them, the amount, tolerance and your dog's individual preferences and needs should always be taken into account.
If your dog suddenly eats significantly less, loses weight or also shows symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, severe tiredness or pain, this should always be assessed by a vet.
When the immune system becomes less effective: feed a nutrient-rich, balanced diet
The immune system also often becomes less effective with age. This can make older dogs more susceptible to infections or mean that they take longer to recover after physical strain, illness or minor injuries.
This makes it all the more important to design the diet so that it provides the body not only with energy, but also with high-quality nutrients and therefore supports the maintenance of good health as effectively as possible. Easily digestible, high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, trace elements and nutrients with antioxidant properties all contribute to a healthy immune system in old age.
Focus: antioxidants
Ageing processes are associated, among other things, with oxidative processes in the body. For this reason, particular attention is often paid to ensuring that senior dogs receive an adequate supply of nutrients or ingredients with antioxidant properties. Vitamin E and vitamin C, certain fruits and vegetables such as berries, high-quality oils and zinc have antioxidant properties and are therefore useful components of a senior dog's BARF diet.
It is important to remember that antioxidant supplements should not be used according to the principle that “more is better”. Particularly in older dogs with health conditions or those taking medication, supplementation should be very targeted, as unwanted interactions can occur. Please therefore always discuss this with your veterinary practice or an animal nutrition professional.
Summary: When should a senior dog's BARF plan be adjusted?
Not every senior dog immediately needs a completely new BARF plan. If your dog is healthy, active, lean and well muscled, tolerates their meals well and regularly has normal blood test results, there is usually no need to make major changes at first.
It is advisable to consciously review your dog's portions and overall condition on a regular basis. Small changes often develop gradually and can easily go unnoticed.
An adjustment may be advisable, for example, if your dog:
gains weight despite receiving the same amount of food
visibly loses muscle mass
suffers from constipation more often
has increasing difficulty chewing bones or can no longer chew them at all
no longer tolerates certain components well
becomes fussier about food
drinks less
experiences digestive problems more frequently
develops chronic illnesses
has abnormal blood or urine test results
For healthy senior dogs, the aim is usually not to completely reinvent their diet. Targeted adjustments are often sufficient: slightly less energy, more easily digestible components, more moisture, an adapted proportion of bone or a different consistency of individual food components can be enough to allow you to continue feeding your senior dog a BARF diet without any problems.
Change in a senior dog |
Possible consequence |
Sensible BARF adjustment |
|---|---|---|
Less activity |
Energy requirements decrease, |
Check energy content, |
Decreasing muscle mass |
The dog loses strength |
Feed high-quality, easily |
Worn teeth |
Large pieces or hard |
Cut meat into smaller pieces, |
Reduced saliva production |
Bones may be harder |
No whole hard bones; |
Slower gastrointestinal tract |
Constipation or poorer |
Add easily digestible components, |
Declining sense of smell |
The dog eats less well |
Warm food slightly or |
Wear and tear of joints and bones |
Mobility may |
Feed high-quality proteins, |
Less effective immune system |
Increased susceptibility to |
Ensure nutrient-rich, balanced portions |
Switching an older dog to BARF: Is it still possible?
Yes, an older dog can generally be switched to BARF, provided the transition is gradual and the portions are easy to digest.
While young, healthy dogs often cope with a change in diet without any problems, senior dogs can sometimes be a little more sensitive – particularly if their previous food differs significantly from their new BARF portions. It is therefore best to introduce the new diet step by step, with a little patience and care.
Step by step: switching an older dog to BARF
1. Check your dog's health
Before switching to BARF, it is advisable to check your senior dog's general health. Particularly in the case of existing illnesses or abnormal blood test results, the portions should be individually adapted and advice from an animal nutrition expert may be advisable.
2. Start with a few well-tolerated components
At the beginning, it is advisable to start with just one or two new food components. This makes it easier to see how your dog reacts and whether they tolerate them well. Easily digestible muscle meat is generally the best choice when starting out.
3. Offer smaller meals
Several small meals throughout the day can be more comfortable for older dogs than a few large portions.
4. Introduce bones carefully or replace them
Hard bones are not ideal for many senior dogs. To begin with, soft or minced bones or suitable alternative calcium sources may be appropriate. Some senior dogs may also need to avoid whole bones permanently.
5. Monitor stools, appetite and weight
Changes in bowel movements, appetite or weight often quickly show whether the transition is working well or needs to be adjusted.
6. Expand the diet step by step
Once your dog has tolerated the first components well, the diet can gradually be made more varied and developed into a complete diet that meets all their nutritional requirements.
When raw food is no longer well tolerated
Some senior dogs no longer tolerate raw food as well as they used to. This may become apparent through digestive problems, loss of appetite or a generally more sensitive reaction to certain components.
In such cases, it can help to lightly cook individual components at first or alternatively feed cooked BAF. For some ageing dogs, warmed or cooked food can also be more appealing because it has a stronger smell and is therefore more readily eaten.
If you heat the food yourself, it is important to remember that heat-sensitive nutrients can be lost. The diet must then be adjusted accordingly to ensure that your dog continues to receive all the necessary nutrients.
Which BARF components are suitable for senior dogs?
For older dogs, high-quality, easily digestible components that are well tolerated by the individual dog are particularly important. The following overview provides an initial guide, but it may not apply to every dog.
Usually well suited |
Use with caution |
Possible alternative or adjustment |
|---|---|---|
High-quality muscle meat |
Very fatty meat |
Choose leaner meat, |
Heart, egg and |
Components very rich in connective tissue |
Check tolerance, |
Soft or minced bones |
Hard bones, |
Minced bones, bone meal or |
Fibre-rich vegetables |
Very starchy components |
Increase the proportion of vegetables if necessary, |
High-quality oils, |
Large quantities of oil, |
Adjust the amount of fat specifically, |
Softer snacks |
Very hard or difficult-to- |
Choose well-tolerated chews |
Targeted supplements |
Adding many different |
Choose supplements to suit the diet |
BARF for age-related illnesses: When does your dog need an individual plan?
Many senior dogs are not simply old, but also have health issues. These can include diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, thyroid disorders and tumours, as well as joint problems, excess weight or chronic digestive problems.
In such cases, it is not always possible to follow a general BARF plan for senior dogs. Illnesses can alter the need for certain nutrients and may require significant adjustments to a standard BARF plan. The amounts of energy, protein, fat, phosphorus, minerals, fluids and certain supplements must then always be assessed individually.
Regular health checks, particularly blood and urine tests, are advisable. This allows changes to be identified at an early stage and the diet to be adjusted accordingly.
An individual feeding plan is particularly advisable if your dog:
has abnormal blood or urine test results
suffers from a chronic illness
is taking medication
is severely overweight or underweight
is losing significant muscle mass
has recurring digestive problems
no longer eats well
reacts sensitively to raw components
BARF can also be an ideal form of feeding for senior dogs with (chronic) illnesses, provided the portions are professionally and individually formulated.
Common BARF mistakes with older dogs
Mistake 1: Simply reducing the amount of food
If your dog needs less energy, reducing the amount of food may seem like the obvious solution. However, this can also result in insufficient amounts of important nutrients and lead to deficiencies. It is therefore better to reduce the energy content while specifically adjusting the nutrient density.
Mistake 2: Reducing protein across the board
Healthy older dogs do not automatically need less protein. High-quality protein is important for muscles, tissue and the immune system. Protein should only be reduced when medically indicated and under professional guidance.
Mistake 3: Not reviewing bone feeding
Just because a dog used to tolerate hard whole bones well does not mean this will continue to be the case as they get older. With increasing age, the teeth may deteriorate while saliva production and digestive capacity decline. Soft, minced bones or calcium supplements can then be sensible alternatives.
Mistake 4: Underestimating excess weight
Excess weight places particular strain on older dogs. It can severely impair mobility, joints and general well-being. Body condition should therefore be checked regularly. Ideally, senior dogs should always maintain their ideal weight.
Mistake 5: Dismissing loss of appetite as “normal”
If an older dog eats less well, there may be harmless reasons, but it can also be a sign of pain, dental problems or illness. Sudden or persistent loss of appetite should therefore always be taken seriously and the underlying cause identified.
Checklist: How to adapt BARF correctly for senior dogs
These points will help you adapt your older dog's diet as effectively as possible:
Does the amount of food still match their activity level?
Does your dog remain lean without losing muscle mass?
Can you easily feel their ribs?
Is your dog gaining weight despite receiving the same amount of food?
Do they still tolerate all components well?
Are their bowel movements regular and not too hard?
Can they still chew pieces of meat and bones without difficulty?
Is your dog drinking enough?
Do they eat with a good appetite?
Have their blood and urine values been checked recently?
Are there any illnesses that make an individual plan necessary?
Conclusion: BARF in old age is all about feeding attentively
An older dog does not automatically need a completely different feeding plan. What they do need, however, is a diet that suits their current health and general well-being.
BARF can be particularly valuable for senior dogs because meals can be individually adapted to their energy requirements, digestive capacity, dental health, appetite, weight, muscle condition and more. The key is to notice changes in your own dog as early as possible and formulate portions according to the individual dog rather than following rigid rules.
If your senior dog is healthy, enjoys their food and tolerates their meals well, you generally do not need to make many changes to their previous BARF portions. If their needs change, the contents of their bowl can change too – consciously, individually, step by step and without a great deal of effort. BARF is and remains an ideal form of nutrition even in old age.
Note: This article is not a substitute for a veterinary diagnosis. In the case of chronic illnesses, abnormal blood test results, significant weight loss, excess weight or persistent digestive problems, the diet should be assessed individually.
Frequently asked questions about BARF for senior dogs (FAQ)
1. Can an older dog still be switched to BARF?
You can find the answer to whether an older dog can still be switched to BARF in the section "Switching an older dog to BARF: Is it still possible?".
2. When is a dog considered a senior?
You can find out at what age a dog is considered a senior in the section "When is a dog considered a senior?".
3. How much BARF does a senior dog need?
You can find out how much BARF a senior dog needs per day in the section "When energy requirements decrease: check fat content and food quantity" .
4. Do older dogs need less protein?
You can find out whether senior dogs should be fed less protein in the section "When muscle mass decreases: high-quality protein remains important" .
5. Which bones are suitable for older dogs on a BARF diet?
You can find out which bones are suitable for older dogs here: "When teeth and digestion deteriorate: adjust the calcium source".
6. What can you do if an older dog no longer tolerates BARF?
If your dog no longer tolerates BARF as they get older, there are other options for a species-appropriate diet. Find out more here: "When raw food is no longer well tolerated".
7. Is BARF suitable for older dogs with kidney disease?
You can find out whether BARF is also suitable for dogs with chronic kidney disease here: "BARF for age-related illnesses: When does your dog need an individual plan?".
8. What can you do if an older dog eats poorly?
You can find out how to encourage your senior dog to eat in the section "When an older dog eats poorly: adjust smell, flavour and consistency".
Recommended reading
FEDIAF: Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs
July 2024 edition
Download here
Photos: © wild lights photography
FEDIAF Scientific Advisory Board Statement Nutrition of senior dogs
November 2017 edition
Download here