Homemade Dog Food Recipe For Senior Dogs

homemade dog food

A trending question we often see is an inquiry for a healthy homemade dog food recipe. We did some research to look for a vet-approved do-it-yourself recipe that would benefit senior dogs. The best part about making homemade dog food, just like making anything at home, is that you know exactly what is going into the dog bowl. Sometimes the contents of a can of pet food look and smell questionable. While it takes a little bit of time, people often find that making homemade dog food can be less expensive than buying it at the store.

It is important to note that dogs have different nutrient requirements than humans for their proportional body size, such as:

  • Protein — lean animal meat, seafood, eggs, or dairy
  • Carbohydrates — grains and beans
  • Vegetables
  • Fat — from oil or meat
  • Calcium or dairy
  • Fatty acids — cooked egg yolks, oatmeal, plant and fish oils

Before you start cooking your own dog food, make sure to speak with your veterinarian to ensure you are meeting your dog's nutritional needs and not feeding them anything they shouldn't be eating. Portion size will be based on your dog's age, weight, and activity level.

This recipe has a balance of 50% protein, 25% veggies, and 25% grains, but the ratios can easily be adjusted to suit your pet's breed and needs based on veterinary recommendations. The yield is about 12 cups of food. This is a great recipe for an older dog on a diet. It uses lean animal proteins, with healthy carbs and vegetables, to keep your companion healthy and trim.

Shopping List

  • 1 lb of ground chicken or turkey (preferably organic)
  • 2 cups of rice (preferably brown)
  • 1/2 tsp of dried rosemary
  • 1/2 package of frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower. If you prefer fresh, chop and precook the broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower until they are cooked but still firm (about 4 minutes). Cook enough for about 2 cups of mixed vegetables.
  1. Add 6 cups of water, the ground meat, rice, and rosemary into a large cooking pot.
  2. Stir until the ground meat is broken up and the ingredients are evenly mixed.
  3. Bring to a boil and reduce to low heat.
  4. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Add the frozen (or fresh mixed) vegetables. Cook for 4-5 more minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and cool.

Serve cool. This recipe can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen.

As an important reminder, here is a list of foods a dog should never eat due to toxicity:

  • Chocolate
  • Onions and garlic
  • Avocados
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Raw bread dough
  • Alcohol

If your dog is vomiting, has diarrhea, is lethargic, refuses to eat, is not drinking, or is displaying any concerning health symptoms after eating homemade dog food, please call your vet immediately.

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