Complete Guide to Freeze Dried Raw Feeding for Senior Dogs

Kristina Voltin
Mar 25
7 min read

Benefits: Easier digestion, rich in nutrients, supports mobility, and appeals to picky eaters.
Key Nutrients: High-quality protein, omega-3s, glucosamine, antioxidants, and fiber.
Transition Tips: Gradually switch over 7–10 days to avoid stomach upset.
Daily Feeding: Feed 1.5–2% of body weight, split into two meals, and rehydrate with warm water.

Quick Tip: Look for AAFCO-approved products with high-quality proteins and no fillers. Monitor your dog’s health during the transition for a smooth adjustment.

Freeze-dried raw food combines convenience and nutrition, making it an excellent choice for your senior dog’s changing needs.

Top 5 Freeze Dried Dog Foods 2024

Senior Dogs' Nutrition Requirements

As dogs age, their metabolism slows down, and their energy needs decrease by around 12–13%. To support their changing bodies, senior dogs need specific nutrients, especially when following a freeze-dried raw diet.

Key Nutrients for Older Dogs

Here are some nutrients that play a crucial role in keeping senior dogs healthy:

Nutrient Type	Purpose	Common Sources in Freeze-Dried Raw Food
High-Quality Protein	Maintains muscle strength	USDA human-grade meat (85% content)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Supports joints and reduces inflammation	Fish, green-lipped mussels
Glucosamine & Chondroitin	Promotes joint health	Bone broth, cartilage
Antioxidants	Boosts the immune system	Organ meats, tart cherries
Fiber	Aids in digestion	Vegetables, coconut flakes

"Adult dogs vary broadly in when and how they begin to age, so it is difficult to organize nutrient needs into a single set of requirements." – VCA Animal Hospitals

The structure of the diet also makes a big difference in how these nutrients benefit senior dogs.

Raw vs. Standard Senior Dog Food

Freeze-dried raw food stands out when compared to traditional senior kibble. While standard senior dog foods range from 246 to 408 calories per cup, freeze-dried raw options offer a more consistent nutrient profile and other advantages:

Processing Method: Freeze-dried raw food is minimally processed at low temperatures, preserving nutrients. Kibble, on the other hand, is processed with high heat, which can reduce nutrient quality.
Protein Quality: Whole-food protein sources in freeze-dried raw diets are easier to digest compared to the refined protein meals often found in kibble.
Carbohydrate Content: Freeze-dried raw diets limit grains and starches, unlike kibble, which tends to have higher levels of soluble carbohydrates.
Moisture Content: While both are technically dry, freeze-dried raw food can be rehydrated, which is helpful for senior dogs that are more prone to dehydration.

Veterinarian-approved options, like Dr. Marty's Nature's Blend Active Vitality Senior Recipe, which contains 79% real premium meat cuts, provide high-protein support for muscle maintenance and overall health in aging dogs.

When choosing a freeze-dried raw diet, make sure the product meets AAFCO guidelines for balanced nutrition. Regular check-ins with your veterinarian and monitoring your dog's body condition will help ensure their diet is meeting their unique needs.

How to Pick Quality Freeze-Dried Raw Food

Choosing the right freeze-dried raw food for your senior dog starts with understanding nutritional needs and paying close attention to ingredients and labels.

Reading Ingredient Lists

The ingredient list is your best tool for evaluating the quality of a product. Ingredients are listed by concentration, so the first few items should be high-quality protein sources. Look for:

Clearly identified meats like turkey or beef, and organ meats such as beef liver
Whole, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables
Natural preservatives, like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E)

Avoid products with artificial preservatives, vague meat meals, fillers (such as corn, wheat, or soy), artificial colors, flavors, or added sugars.

Best Food Brands for Senior Dogs

Some brands consistently deliver high-quality options for senior dogs. Here are a few worth considering:

Brand	Key Features	Senior-Specific Benefits
Dr. Marty's Nature's Blend	Includes meats like turkey, beef, salmon, duck, and beef liver	Supports energy levels and joint health
Loyal Saints	Made with human-grade, high-protein ingredients	Provides balanced nutrition and aids digestion
Instinct Pet Food	Uses raw, uncooked ingredients rich in antioxidants	Retains natural flavors and essential nutrients

Food Labels and Standards

Beyond the ingredients, it’s important to verify claims on the label to ensure the product meets high nutritional standards. Freeze-drying removes 98–99% of moisture while keeping nutrients intact. Key details to check include:

AAFCO StatementLook for an AAFCO statement confirming the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for senior dogs.
Moisture ContentHigh-quality freeze-dried products usually contain only 1–2% moisture, unlike dehydrated foods, which have about 10% moisture.
Guaranteed AnalysisReview the Guaranteed Analysis for protein levels to ensure the food meets your senior dog’s dietary needs.

"Raw, uncooked foods retain natural flavors, valuable antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals - for a more nutritious and healthy food" – Instinct Pet Food

Pay attention to the detailed information panel rather than flashy marketing claims on the front. If a product doesn’t include a clear ingredient list or an AAFCO statement, treat it as a warning sign. Finally, monitor your senior dog’s reaction to the food to confirm it meets their specific needs.

Switching to Freeze-Dried Raw Food

Transitioning senior dogs to freeze-dried raw food can support digestion and joint health, but it requires a gradual approach to avoid upsetting their stomachs.

7-Day Switch Plan

To help your dog adjust, follow this step-by-step schedule:

Days	Freeze-Dried Raw	Current Food	What to Do
1–3	25%	75%	Add a high-quality probiotic
4–6	50%	50%	Check stool consistency
7–9	75%	25%	Adjust portions if digestive upset
10+	100%	0%	Complete the switch

Start giving a probiotic supplement a few days before the transition. Keep an eye on your dog’s health to ensure the change goes smoothly.

Health Changes to Watch For

Look for these signs to gauge how your dog is adjusting:

Positive signs: Firmer stools with less odor, better energy levels, shinier coat, and reduced water intake (thanks to the food's moisture content).
Warning signs: Loose stools, gas, bloating, a drop in appetite, vomiting, or nausea.

If stools are loose, try adding 1 teaspoon of pure pumpkin puree per 10 pounds of body weight. Be aware that a short "detox" phase may occur, with symptoms like bad breath or mild gassiness.

Help for Selective Eaters

Senior dogs can become picky due to sensory or dental changes. If your dog resists the new food, try these tips:

Temperature and texture: Use warm water to enhance the aroma and soften the texture. Serving the food on a flat plate instead of a deep bowl can also make it more appealing.
Stimulate appetite: Offer food in different locations, hand-feed small portions, or pretend to eat the food yourself to spark interest. Adding a little low-sodium chicken broth or crumbled treats can also help.

Stick to regular feeding times and locations to minimize stress during the transition. If your dog has specific health concerns, consult your veterinarian before changing their diet.

Daily Feeding Instructions

Food Amount and Timing

Senior dogs often require smaller portions compared to younger adults. A good rule of thumb is to feed them 1.5% to 2% of their body weight daily, split into two meals for easier digestion. For example, a 50-pound senior dog would need about 0.75 to 1 pound of freeze-dried raw food per day.

Here’s a simple feeding guide:

Dog Weight	Daily Amount	Per Meal (2x daily)
20 lbs	5–6 oz	2.5–3 oz
40 lbs	10–13 oz	5–6.5 oz
60 lbs	14–19 oz	7–9.5 oz
80 lbs	19–26 oz	9.5–13 oz

Feed your dog every 12 hours (e.g., 7 AM and 7 PM). Adjust the portions depending on your dog's weight, energy levels, and any advice from your veterinarian.

Once you’ve measured the portions, follow the proper steps to rehydrate the food.

Water and Food Prep

Hydration is essential to help your dog absorb nutrients effectively. Here’s how to prepare the food:

Crumble the freeze-dried patties into a bowl.
Add warm water at a 1:1 ratio (e.g., 100 ml of water for 100 g of food).
Mix well and let the food sit for 5–10 minutes to fully rehydrate.
Check the consistency and add more water if needed.

For a flavor boost, you can replace water with low-sodium bone broth. Loyal Saints suggests using their measuring cup for accurate portions and hydration.

Storage and Cost Tips

To maintain the quality of your dog’s food, proper storage is essential. Keep unopened packages in a cool, dry area away from sunlight. Once opened, transfer the food to an airtight container and use it within three months.

Here are a few tips to save costs and preserve food quality:

Buy in bulk.
Rotate stock using the "first in, first out" method.
Mix freeze-dried raw food with high-quality kibble.
Use glass or high-quality plastic containers.

Avoid storing freeze-dried food in the refrigerator or freezer, as temperature changes can affect its quality. Always keep containers sealed and protected from pests.

Health Benefits for Senior Dogs

Joint Care and Movement

Freeze-dried raw food provides key nutrients and proteins that help maintain joint health and muscle strength. Ingredients like New Zealand green mussel and tart cherry, found in Dr. Marty's Nature's Blend Active Vitality Senior Recipe, are included to support mobility. Benefits include easing joint stress through weight management and improving movement with balanced nutrition. These factors contribute to keeping senior dogs more active and comfortable as they age.

Weight Control

Weight management plays a crucial role in helping senior dogs lead an active and comfortable life. Freeze-dried raw food supports this by offering higher protein content, fewer empty calories, better nutrient absorption, and efficient energy use. For example, Instinct Raw Longevity Adult Ages 7+ Freeze-Dried Raw Meals delivers 254 calories per cup, making portion control easier while promoting better digestion compared to carb-heavy kibble.

Immune System Support

A strong immune system is vital for healthy aging in senior dogs. Freeze-dried raw food strengthens immunity with antioxidant-packed fruits like blueberries and cranberries, anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and ginger, essential fatty acids, probiotics, and nutrient-dense superfoods such as organic kelp.

Next Steps

Quick Reference Guide

Here’s a quick overview to help you get started:

Food Selection and QualityLook for labels approved by AAFCO to ensure the food provides complete and balanced nutrition. Choose brands that use human-grade ingredients and meet the specific nutritional needs of your senior dog.
Transition ProcessGradually switch your dog’s food as outlined in the Switching section. Keep an eye on stool quality and overall health during the transition.
Daily PreparationRehydrate the food before serving, and store unopened packages in a cool, dry spot. Use a feeding calculator to figure out the right portion sizes.

Getting Started

Start the transition with a clear plan. Grab a small bag of freeze-dried food and a quality probiotic. Use a feeding calculator to determine the correct portions for your dog.

Begin by mixing a small amount of freeze-dried raw food with their current diet, slowly increasing the new food over time. Pay attention to your dog’s stool and general well-being as you make the switch. Stick to the gradual plan outlined above for a smooth transition.