As dogs age, their dietary needs change, requiring softer, nutrient-rich meals that support joint health, digestion, and energy levels.
Small senior dogs especially need easily digestible foods with high-quality proteins and essential vitamins. H
ere are nine of the best homemade dog food recipes tailored for aging small dogs.
1. Chicken & Brown Rice Delight
This simple and nutritious meal is easy to digest, making it perfect for senior dogs. Chicken provides lean protein, while brown rice offers fiber for better digestion.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breast (cooked and shredded)
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1/2 cup peas
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
- Cook the chicken and shred it into small pieces.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Let it cool before serving.
2. Turkey & Sweet Potato Stew
Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, while sweet potatoes provide fiber and essential vitamins.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ground turkey
- 1 cup sweet potatoes (mashed)
- 1/2 cup green beans
- 2 cups water
Instructions:
- Cook turkey in a pan until fully done.
- Add mashed sweet potatoes and green beans.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, let cool, then serve.
3. Salmon & Quinoa Power Bowl
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting skin and joint health, while quinoa is a fantastic grain alternative.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked salmon (boneless)
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup spinach (chopped)
- 1/2 cup carrots (chopped)
- 2 cups water
Instructions:
- Cook quinoa separately and set aside.
- Mix all ingredients in a pot and cook for 10 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
4. Beef & Oatmeal Comfort Meal
Oatmeal is gentle on senior dogs’ stomachs and offers fiber, while beef provides protein and iron.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup carrots
- 2 cups water
Instructions:
- Cook beef in a pan until browned.
- Add cooked oatmeal and vegetables.
- Simmer for 10 minutes and serve.
5. Chicken & Pumpkin Mash
Pumpkin aids digestion and is rich in fiber, making it great for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup green beans
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a pot.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, then let cool before serving.
6. Lamb & Rice Bowl
Lamb is an excellent alternative protein source, and rice helps with digestion.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked ground lamb
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup carrots
- 2 cups water
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a pan.
- Cook for 10 minutes, then let cool before serving.
7. Cottage Cheese & Vegetable Medley
Cottage cheese provides protein and calcium, making it a great addition to your senior dog’s diet.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked carrots
- 1/2 cup cooked peas
- 1/2 cup cooked green beans
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Serve chilled.
8. Tuna & Brown Rice Special
Tuna is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which help support heart health in aging dogs.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of tuna in water (drained)
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach
- 2 cups water
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a pot.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, then let cool before serving.
9. Egg & Sweet Potato Scramble
Eggs provide high-quality protein, while sweet potatoes offer fiber and essential vitamins.
Ingredients:
- 2 scrambled eggs
- 1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup cooked green beans
Instructions:
- Scramble eggs in a pan.
- Mix with mashed sweet potatoes and green beans.
- Let cool before serving.
Final Thoughts
These homemade dog food recipes are nutritious, easy to prepare, and tailored for small senior dogs. Always consult with your veterinarian before making dietary changes to ensure your dog’s nutritional needs are met. Try a few of these recipes and see which one your furry friend loves the most!
