Switching to Raw Food Frozen Diet

Question
Hi Jennifer,

I had a question about switching the diet of a older dogs diet. My Dog is an Akita and he is 13 years old. He has eaten pedigree kibble most of his life and in the last 2-3 years I've switched his kibble to Innova senior large breed ( about a year) to Origen grain less for seniors.
Now I switched out the Innova because he was having diarrhea and throwing up often. So with the Origen I started adding a pro-enzyme to his new dry kibble.(no integration just gave it straight with enzyme)
He's been on this diet now for about 2 months and things are going good. But he has hip dysplasia and hes been hacking up a little more mucus. Also sometimes I feel something is stuck in his throat and sometimes he will make this little quick whine noise from  his throat after hacking some food bits or spit.
I know raw food diets are actually more healthy for the dog. But he's 13 and has had kibble all his life. Do you think it would be ok to introduce a frozen raw food like natures variety or primal frozen raw pet food now? Would switching his food make an improvement on his arthritis and aging throat (body)?


Answer
I think it would be good, and it's never too late for better nutrition, I've known people who've changed to raw diet with a senior dog, sometimes due to a medical or GI condition.  In my opinion it can be easier to digest than cooked kibble.  It is also more palatable, and some dogs lose appetite as they get older.  Most dogs like the taste of raw.  It is also grain-free, which is good for arthritis because grains can be inflammatory.  

I would also give a supplement for joints, glucosamine (about 500 mg 2x day) and MSM, which is a sulfur compound, as well as fish oil if that's not already in the raw diet.  I personally use a complete powder for joints that is sold for horses, it's cheaper than the products marketed for dogs, but you can also buy tablets at the drugstore, Cosequin is also a popular brand for dogs, Synovi is another good one that has a complete product for dogs.  I would also continue the enzymes and probiotics.  Getting him to chew raw bones is also good, it's important to take care of the teeth at this age and have veterinary attention to any rotten or loose teeth.