As pet owners, we’re constantly looking for ways to enhance the health and happiness of our senior dogs.  As pets age, their nutritional needs change, and it’s essential to provide them with food that supports their joint health, digestion, immune system, and cognitive function.

The place to start is to ensure that your dog is eating a Program of RAW Whole Foods based on Evolutionary principles. That’s why the partnership between Albrights Raw Dog Food, a leader in ultra-premium raw diets, and Gussys Gut, a company specializing in fermented fruits and vegetables, is so exciting. Combining Albright’s protein-rich, balanced raw meals with Gussy’s nutrient-dense, probiotic-packed fermented produce creates a game-changing product that delivers comprehensive nutrition, tailored specifically for senior dogs.

In this blog, I will explore why the Salty Dog Recipe is an exceptional choice for senior dogs, highlighting how the benefits of raw food and fermented foods work together to promote longevity, vitality, and overall well-being.

  1. Enhanced Digestive Health for Aging Dogs

One of the most common issues senior dogs face is poor digestion. As dogs age, their ability to digest food and absorb nutrients can decline. Albright’s turkey, pork, and sardine base in the Salty Dog Recipe provides a natural, easily digestible, and diverse source of protein, but when paired with the probiotics and enzymes from Gussy’s Gut fermented fruits and vegetables, the benefits to your dog’s digestion can be even more profound.

  • Pre, Pre, Postbiotics for Gut Balance: Gussy’s Gut suite of fermented foods is rich in live beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome. A balanced gut microbiome is essential for smooth digestion, preventing issues such as constipation, gas, and diarrhea that are common in older dogs.
  • Enzymes for Better Nutrient Absorption: Gussy’s Gut fermented produce is also rich in enzymes, which help break down food more efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for senior dogs who might struggle with nutrient absorption as their digestive systems slow down.
  • Synergy with Raw Food: Albright’s Raw Dog Food, known for its high-quality protein sources like beef, pork, and turkey, is naturally easier to digest than heavily processed kibble. The probiotics and enzymes from Gussy’s Gut fermented fruits and vegetables enhance the absorption of these proteins, ensuring your senior dog gets the maximum benefit from their meals.
  1. Supports Immune System and Overall Health

As dogs age, their immune systems can weaken, making them more susceptible to illness. Both raw diets and fermented foods are known for their immune-boosting properties, and when combined, they create a powerhouse of nutrition that can help keep your senior dog healthy and vibrant.

  • Human Grade Protein from Albrights: Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and overall health in aging dogs. Albright’s raw dog food is packed with biologically appropriate, human grade protein, which supports immune function and keeps the body strong and well-nourished.
  • Probiotic Power from Gussys Gut: The fermented fruits and vegetables from Gussy’s Gut contain natural probiotics that not only aid in digestion but also strengthen the immune system. A healthy gut is closely linked to a strong immune response, helping your dog fight off infections and maintain good health.
  • Antioxidants from Fermented Produce: Gussy’s Gut also provides antioxidants from fermented fruits like blueberries and veggies like kale and cabbage, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. This is particularly important for senior dogs, as antioxidants support cellular health and reduce the effects of aging.
  1. Promotes Joint Health and Reduces Inflammation

Joint stiffness and arthritis are common concerns for senior dogs, and reducing inflammation is key to helping them stay mobile and comfortable. To complement the joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin that is naturally found in the Salty Dog’s beef trachea, raw food and fermented produce provide anti-inflammatory effects. 

  • Omega-3s in Fish Ingredients: Albright’s Salty Dog Recipe includes omega-3 rich sardines and cod liver oil, which are known for their ability to reduce inflammation in the joints. These fatty acids also support skin and coat health, giving your senior dog relief from dry, itchy skin.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Fermented Veggies: Fermented vegetables, such as the kale, broccoli, and cabbage found in the Salty Dog recipe, contain phytonutrients that have anti-inflammatory effects. When fermented, these veggies are even more bioavailable, meaning their nutrients are easier for your dog’s body to absorb and use.
  • Synergy for Joint Health: The combination of beef trachea, omega-3s, and the anti-inflammatory compounds from fermented veggies creates a comprehensive approach to managing joint health. The Salty Dog Recipe can help reduce pain and inflammation in aging dogs, promoting better mobility and quality of life.
  1. Supports Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for senior dogs. Excess weight puts additional strain on joints and organs, leading to a higher risk of health issues such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Albright’s Raw Dog Food and Gussy’s Gut fermented produce can work together to help senior dogs maintain a healthy weight:

  • Lean Protein from Raw Food: Albright’s raw meals are naturally high in protein and low in carbohydrates, which supports lean muscle mass while keeping fat levels in check. This makes The Salty Dog ideal for managing weight in senior dogs.
  • High Fiber from Fermented Produce: Fermented fruits and vegetables are rich in dietary fiber, which helps your dog feel full and satisfied without overeating. Fiber also regulates digestion, promoting regular bowel movements and reducing the risk of constipation.
  • Nutrient-Dense and Low-Calorie: Gussy’s Gut fermented produce offers a lot of nutrition in a small package. It’s low in calories but packed with essential nutrients, helping your dog stay full while consuming fewer calories.
  1. Boosts Cognitive Function and Longevity

Cognitive decline is a concern for many senior dogs, but nutrition plays a major role in supporting brain health. Albright’s Salty Dog Recipe offers several benefits for maintaining cognitive function:

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Brain Health: The omega-3s found in Albright’s raw sardines and cod liver oil are well-known for their role in supporting cognitive function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Omega-3s have been shown to improve memory and overall brain health in aging dogs.
  • Probiotics and the Gut-Brain Axis: There’s a growing body of research that highlights the connection between gut health and brain function, known as the gut-brain axis. Gussy’s Gut fermented foods, rich in probiotics, can help balance your dog’s gut microbiome, which in turn supports better brain function and mental clarity.
  • Antioxidants for Brain Protection: The antioxidants found in fermented fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries and kale, help protect brain cells from oxidative stress, slowing cognitive decline in senior dogs.

Conclusion

The partnership between Albright’s Raw Dog Food and Gussy’s Gut (https://gussysgut.com) has created a powerhouse product that delivers unparalleled benefits for senior dogs. By combining the high-quality, biologically appropriate nutrition of raw food with the pre, pro and postbiotic, enzyme-rich goodness of fermented fruits and vegetables, this collaboration addresses the key health needs of aging dogs—supporting their digestion, joint health, immune function, and overall vitality.

For senior dogs, a formulation like the Salty Dog Recipe is the key to not only extending their lifespan but also improving their quality of life in their golden years. By feeding your senior dog a nutrient-dense, natural diet from Albright’s and Gussy’s Gut, you’re giving them the best chance at aging gracefully, staying active, and enjoying every moment.

-Dr. Ian Billinghurst

October 16, 2024 — Joshua Krieg