How To Make Homemade Dog Food For Senior Dogs (Key Tips And Recipes)

The best way to help an older dog maintain a healthy diet is to prepare the meals at home and use quality ingredients. One quick recipe for a homemade dog food for senior dogs is to combine one cup of salmon and two cups of cooked brown rice, then add water until the mixture is wet enough for your older dog to eat.

Nothing beats the best fresh dog food for pups. I love getting customized meals for my pups, but when I have time, I still like to cook for them. My dogs are of different ages so that means they have different nutritional needs. Other factors I consider in finding the perfect food for my dog include size, activity level, and health condition. Do you have a senior dog at home and you’re wondering about the best homemade diet tips? I’ve come up with a guide below.

What is the Best Diet for Senior Dogs?

Senior dogs are more prone to health problems and may have a hard time eating. Homemade food or custom meals by the best dog food delivery service companies are the top options for these dogs because it is tailored to their needs.

Dogs that are over seven years old need a diet that is different from puppies. This is because older dogs are less active and thus have different nutritional requirements than younger dogs. The best senior dog food would ideally have high protein and low fat content. I also highly recommend preparing food that comes in different flavors and textures so they can still enjoy their meal even if they have lost some of their teeth, have trouble chewing, or have simply become picky eaters.

The Benefits of Making Homemade Dog Food For Senior Dogs

Making homemade dog food for senior dogs is a great idea. It is not only healthy but also economical. I know because I often make my own dog food at home which gives me freedom to search for cheap but high quality ingredients.

A senior dog is just like an aging human. Because they need to stay active and happy, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is a must. To ensure this, the first things to consider when trying out a homemade diet are the ingredients.

Below, I will share some homemade dog food recipes for senior dogs that are easy to make but still absolutely tasty.

1. Ground beef and ground chicken – Simply mix the two meats in a food processor to make patties. For dogs that can’t eat chicken, just use cooked ground beef.
2. Chicken and rice – This recipe has long been known to help dogs with joint problems, autoimmune diseases, and digestion issues like diarrhea or constipation. It’s a core ingredient in my homemade dog food recipe focused on constipation relief. I love how this dish is not only versatile and simple, it also contains essential nutrients that are important to your dog’s health such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
3. Brown rice with scrambled eggs and vegetables – This recipe has vitamins A, D, E, and K which are important for a healthy immune system. It’s easy to make!
4. Salmon and rice – This is a high-protein meal for older dogs who need extra fuel to keep up with their daily activities. Fish is very nutrient dense and your senior pup will surely benefit from it. It’s also soft so it’s easy for them to chew.
5. Roasted chicken breast with roasted vegetables – This recipe is loaded with antioxidants, which are important for your dog’s health. The healthiest vegetables you can add to your dog’s food are green beans, cooked sweet potato, frozen peas, carrots, broccoli, etc. Another version I like to do is to cook the chicken and vegetables in a slow cooker.
6. Potatoes and ground turkey with cheddar cheese – Everyone loves a good potato and this is a great way to make them for dogs. You can also use sweet potatoes for your dog’s diet.
7. Cottage cheese as food topper- If your senior dog has become a picky eater, topping his dog food with cheese works like a charm! Choose a healthy one while at it. Cottage cheese is packed with protein and calcium that can help older dogs maintain strong bones and teeth.

It is not a secret that dogs are man’s best friends. They are loyal, loving, and always happy to see you. But as they grow older, their needs change [1]. One of the most important things dog owners must do for a senior pup is to make sure that its diet is healthy and nutritious. 

Remember, senior and adult dogs need more protein than younger dogs because they are less active, yet still need to maintain muscle mass. That’s why homemade dog food recipes made with high-quality protein sources like salmon, beef, or chicken work great for senior dogs. Senior dogs also need low-calorie food for the same reason that they don’t use up much energy—this is to avoid building unnecessary fats that are a no-no for older dogs.

Tips on How to Make Healthy and Nutritious Homemade Dog Food For Your Senior Dog

The best way for pet owners to ensure that a senior dog is getting the right amount of nutrition is to get customized meals from trusted delivery services of fresh pet food. What I love about most fresh dog food companies is that they offer meals created by certified veterinary nutritionists and pass AAFCO standards so your dog is guaranteed to meet his dietary needs. Another option is to simply make a homemade diet with complete nutritional value.

There are many benefits of making homemade food for your senior dog. One of the most important benefits is that you are in control of what goes into your dog’s diet. You can also manage their weight by measuring how much they eat and calculating their calorie intake. 

There are several reasons why a dog owner may make their own food for their pet. I for one, find that the quality and natural ingredients of homemade fresh food are preferable to commercial products. Others make their own dog food because they want to avoid potential toxins found in commercial products. Whatever the reason, it’s important to make sure that you’re feeding your dog a healthy and nutritious diet. 

If you’re making your own dog food, there are a few things to consider. First, not all dogs will like the same diet or even enjoy the taste of homemade food. Some dogs may prefer a diet that is high in fat or protein, while others may be healthier on a diet that is lower in fat and protein content. Much of this depends on your individual dog’s preference and needs.

Lastly, if your senior dog has an existing medical condition, this largely affects his dietary needs too. Always consult your vet to learn more about your dog’s health status and dietary requirements.

Dog Food Types

1. Dry food — this is formulated for all dogs and can be given as the main diet. However, there are expert studies showing commercial kibbles to have a longterm effects on the health of pets.
2. Wet or canned dog food — this is designed specifically for dogs that cannot eat dry food due to medical conditions such as teeth problems, food allergies, or inability to chew. You can also try mixing dry and wet dog food to improve nutritional benefits and flavor. The negative side of this type of dog food is that most commercial products contain high sodium that are bad for dogs in the long run.
3. Fresh dog food — this is similar to homemade dog food as they are carefully cooked and prepared using high-quality ingredients.
4. Raw diet — this is a meal made up of uncooked proteins, vegetables, etc.

FAQs

How much homemade food should I feed my senior dog?

The general rule is that you should feed your dog at least the same amount of food they were eating when they were a puppy. With age comes alterations to your dog’s normal diet and to fully understand your dog’s specific nutritional needs, it is best to speak with your veterinarian. Your vet will take into consideration the health and age of your pup and provide you with a tailored plan for their food intake.

How do I make senior dog food for my dog?

When you have a senior dog, it is important to make sure that they are getting the best nutrition possible. For example, you can make your own senior dog food by mixing one cup of canned salmon and two cups of cooked rice with water until the mixture is wet enough for your dog to eat.