Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Senior Dogs: Nutritious and Delicious Options

As our furry friends age, their nutritional needs change. Senior dogs require a different diet than younger dogs to maintain their health and wellbeing. While there are many commercial dog foods on the market that cater to senior dogs, homemade dog food recipes can be a great alternative.

Making your own dog food allows you to control the ingredients and ensure that your senior dog is getting the nutrients they need. In this article, we will explore the best homemade dog food recipes for senior dogs.

When it comes to making homemade dog food, it’s essential to ensure that the recipe is nutritionally balanced. Senior dogs require a diet that is low in calories and fat but high in protein. It’s also important to include ingredients that support joint health, such as glucosamine and chondroitin.

In this article, we will provide you with recipes that meet these nutritional requirements and are easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking to switch to homemade dog food or simply add some variety to your senior dog’s diet, we’ve got you covered.

Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Senior Dogs

As our beloved dogs age, their dietary needs change. Senior dogs require a balanced diet that is easy to digest and provides them with the necessary nutrients to maintain their health and energy levels. While there are many commercial dog foods available for senior dogs, homemade dog food recipes can be a great alternative. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best homemade dog food recipes for senior dogs. These recipes are easy to make, affordable, and packed with all the essential nutrients your senior dog needs. Keep reading to find the perfect recipe for your furry friend.

Nature’s Recipe Mature Dry Dog Food, Lamb -amp; Rice Recipe, 4 Pound Bag

If you’re looking for a healthy and reasonably priced dog food for your senior dog, Nature’s Recipe Mature Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe is worth considering.

Pros

• The number one ingredient is real lamb, which is a quality protein source that helps maintain optimal muscle strength.
• Fiber from whole grains like barley and brown rice helps support digestion and immune system health.
• It contains added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients without any poultry by-products or artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors, and no added corn, wheat, or soy.

Cons

• The resealable seal on the inside of the bag keeps coming off, making it difficult to keep the food fresh.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of lamb.
• The kibble size may be too big for smaller dogs.

We tried Nature’s Recipe Mature Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe with our senior dog and were pleased with the results. The kibble size was perfect for our medium-sized dog, and the added vitamins and minerals helped support his overall health. We appreciated that the food didn’t contain any artificial ingredients or fillers. However, we did have some trouble with the resealable seal on the bag, which made it difficult to keep the food fresh.

Overall, we would recommend Nature’s Recipe Mature Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe for senior dogs who need a healthy and nutritious diet.

JustFoodForDogs DIY Nutrient Blend for Homemade Dog Food, Fish -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe

If you are looking for a healthy and balanced diet for your senior dog, the JustFoodForDogs DIY Nutrient Blend for Homemade Dog Food, Fish -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe is a great choice.

Pros

• This nutrient blend is well-balanced for adult dogs, overweight dogs, and puppies.
• The recipe and step-by-step cooking instructions are included in the cooking guide.
• The nutrient blend is compounded from 100% human-grade nutraceuticals regulated by the FDA.

Cons

• The DIY Nutrient Blend does not include the additional ingredients necessary to prepare the meal.
• The nutrient blend is only nutritionally balanced for long-term feeding when following the exact recipe.
• The product may be more expensive than other homemade dog food options.

We have used this nutrient blend for our senior dog and have been impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of the cooking guide. The Fish -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe is gluten-free and grain-free, making it a great option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.

Using this nutrient blend, we were able to make a well-balanced meal for our dog that she enjoyed. The recipe was easy to follow and the cooking guide provided helpful tips for purchasing the necessary whole-food ingredients.

One thing to keep in mind is that the nutrient blend does not include all of the ingredients necessary to prepare the meal. You will need to purchase additional ingredients at your local market. Additionally, the nutrient blend is only nutritionally balanced for long-term feeding when following the exact recipe.

Overall, we would recommend the JustFoodForDogs DIY Nutrient Blend for Homemade Dog Food, Fish -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe to anyone looking for a healthy and convenient homemade dog food option.

Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend the Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for owners of senior dogs.

Pros

• The farm-raised poultry used in this recipe is 100% Certified Humane and free from additives, making it a great choice for health-conscious pet owners.
• The formula includes probiotic fiber for digestion and added glucosamine and chondroitin to strengthen the joints of older dogs.
• The recipe uses smart superfoods like pumpkin, carrot, and coconut oil for whole diet balance.

Cons

• The food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions, as it is not vegan and includes poultry.
• Some customers have reported that their dogs did not like the flavor of the food.
• The product is relatively expensive compared to other dog food options on the market.

We were impressed by the high-quality ingredients used in this recipe, which are sourced from high-welfare American farms. The inclusion of probiotic fiber and joint-strengthening supplements make it a great choice for senior dogs who may need extra support in these areas. However, it may not be the best option for dogs with dietary restrictions or those who are picky eaters. Overall, we believe that the Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a great choice for owners looking to provide their senior dogs with a nutritious and balanced diet.

Nature’s Recipe Mature Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe

We highly recommend Nature’s Recipe Mature Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe for senior dogs who need additional support for healthy aging.

Pros

• Nutrient-dense whole grains provide fiber for healthy digestion
• Natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin help support healthy joints
• Real, protein-rich lamb helps support strong muscles

Cons

• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste
• May not be suitable for dogs with allergies to lamb or grains
• Bag size may be too large for small households

Nature’s Recipe Mature Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe is a delicious and nutritious dog food that is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of older dogs. We appreciate that every single ingredient is picked with a purpose and the recipe is formulated by expert pet nutritionists. This dog food contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to help support healthy joints, as well as fiber from whole grains like brown rice and barley to help support healthy digestion. Omega-6 fatty acids from chicken fat and lamb also help support skin and coat health. Additionally, taurine in this dog food helps support a healthy heart.

We appreciate that Nature’s Recipe Mature Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe is a natural dog food with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, and contains no added corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The twenty-four-pound bag is a great value for the price, but may be too large for small households. Some dogs may not enjoy the taste, but we have found that most dogs love it. However, it may not be suitable for dogs with allergies to lamb or grains.

Overall, we highly recommend Nature’s Recipe Mature Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe for senior dogs who need additional support for healthy aging. Try this tasty, healthy dog food now to help your dog live life to the fullest.

Hill’s Science Diet Senior Dog Food

We highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Senior Dog Food for small-breed senior dogs.

Pros

• Supports joint and mobility health with omega-3s from fish oil
• Provides balanced minerals for heart, kidney, and bladder health
• Nourishes skin and coat with omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• More expensive than some other dog foods

We have been using Hill’s Science Diet Senior Dog Food for our small-breed senior dog and have noticed a significant improvement in his mobility and overall health. The small kibble size is perfect for his small mouth and the prebiotic fiber has helped his digestion. We appreciate that this senior dog food is made with natural ingredients and has a special blend of antioxidants to promote lifelong health.

Our dog loves the taste of this food and we have noticed a significant improvement in his skin and coat. We also appreciate that Hill’s Pet Nutrition donates food to shelters across the country, providing the proper nutrition that helps pets find their way to loving homes.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Senior Dog Food for small-breed senior dogs who need tailored nutrition to support healthy aging during their golden years.

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Senior Wet Dog Food, Chicken 12.5-oz can (Pack of 12)

If you’re looking for a high-quality wet dog food for your senior dog, then the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Senior Wet Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient, providing essential amino acids for healthy muscle maintenance.
• Can be fed as a treat, mixed into dry food, or as a meal on its own, making it versatile and easy to incorporate into your dog’s diet.
• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility in older dogs.

Cons

• Some cans may arrive dented, which can be disappointing.
• The price may be higher than other wet dog food options.
• The texture may be too soft for some dogs who prefer chunkier food.

We’ve found that the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Senior Wet Dog Food is a great option for senior dogs who need a high-quality wet food option. The real chicken provides essential amino acids for healthy muscle maintenance, and the glucosamine and chondroitin help support joint health and mobility in older dogs.

One of the best things about this product is its versatility – it can be fed as a treat, mixed into dry food, or as a meal on its own. This makes it easy to incorporate into your dog’s diet in a way that works best for them.

While some cans may arrive dented, we’ve found that the quality of the food inside is not affected. However, the price may be higher than other wet dog food options. Additionally, the texture may be too soft for some dogs who prefer chunkier food.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality wet dog food option for your senior dog, we recommend giving the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Senior Wet Dog Food a try.

The Ultimate Homemade Dog Food Recipe Book

If you’re looking for an all-in-one guide and cookbook to make homemade dog food for your senior furry friend, The Ultimate Homemade Dog Food Recipe Book is a great choice.

Pros

• Comprehensive guide to homemade dog food
• Provides nutritional information
• Easy-to-follow recipes

Cons

• Limited number of recipes
• No photos
• Only available in English

We found the nutritional information in the first part of the book to be very informative and helpful. The recipes are easy to follow, and the ingredients are readily available. However, the book only contains a limited number of recipes, and there are no photos to show what the finished product should look like.

Overall, if you’re looking to start making homemade dog food for your senior dog, this book is a great resource to have on hand. It provides all the information you need to get started and some delicious recipes to try out.

The Healthy Hound Cookbook

If you’re looking for a cookbook with a variety of healthy, homemade dog food recipes, The Healthy Hound Cookbook may be worth considering.

Pros

• Over 125 easy-to-follow recipes for homemade dog food and treats
• Includes grain-free, paleo, and raw recipes for dogs with dietary restrictions
• Paperback format and compact size make it easy to store and reference

Cons

• Some recipes may require hard-to-find ingredients
• Limited information on portion sizes and nutritional value
• Not all recipes may be suitable for all dogs, so consult with your veterinarian first

We recently purchased The Healthy Hound Cookbook to try some new homemade dog food recipes for our senior dog. We were pleased to find a wide variety of recipes, including grain-free and raw options. The recipes were easy to follow, and we appreciated the detailed ingredient lists and instructions.

One downside was that some recipes required ingredients that were hard to find at our local grocery store. Additionally, while the book does provide some general information on dog nutrition, it doesn’t provide specific nutritional information for each recipe. We also recommend consulting with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.

Overall, we would recommend The Healthy Hound Cookbook to anyone looking for a comprehensive guide to homemade dog food. With over 125 recipes to choose from, there is something for every dog’s taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Adult Wet Dog Food Variety Pack, Chicken -amp; Beef 12.5 oz cans (6 Count- 3 of Each Flavor) Variety Pack: Chicken -amp; Beef 12.5 Ounce (Pack of 6)

If you’re looking for a high-quality wet dog food that is made with natural ingredients and is formulated to support the nutritional needs of adult dogs, then the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Adult Wet Dog Food Variety Pack is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The recipe features real chicken or beef as the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein to support healthy muscle maintenance.
• The food can be fed in three ways: as a treat, mixed into dry food, or as a standalone meal.
• The recipe contains wholesome ingredients, with no chicken or poultry by-product meals, no corn, wheat, or soy, and no artificial flavors or preservatives.

Cons

• The pack size may not be suitable for larger dogs or those who require more food.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The price point may be higher than some other wet dog food options.

We recently tried the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Adult Wet Dog Food Variety Pack with our senior dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of the pack size. Our dog enjoyed the taste and texture of the food, and we appreciated that it was made with natural ingredients and free from artificial flavors and preservatives.

One of the standout features of this wet dog food is the use of real chicken or beef as the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein to support healthy muscle maintenance. We also liked that the food can be fed in three ways, making it versatile and easy to incorporate into our dog’s diet.

However, it’s worth noting that the pack size may not be suitable for larger dogs or those who require more food. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction when introducing new foods into their diet. Finally, the price point may be higher than some other wet dog food options, so it’s important to consider your budget when making a purchasing decision.

Overall, we would recommend the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Adult Wet Dog Food Variety Pack for pet owners who are looking for a high-quality wet dog food that is made with natural ingredients and is formulated to support the nutritional needs of adult dogs.

Crafted by Humans Loved by Dogs

Crafted by Humans Loved by Dogs is a great option for pet owners looking for a homemade dog food recipe for senior dogs.

Pros

• The dog food is made with all-natural, fully cooked homestyle individual dog food pouches crafted with premium, fresh ingredients, unlike canned dog food.
• The dog food is gluten-free, wheat-free, and grain-free, making it a great natural choice for sensitive dogs.
• The dog food is ideal for wellness, picky, or senior dogs, as it tastes so good that even picky dogs, sensitive dogs, and older dogs can’t refuse it.

Cons

• The dog food is pricey compared to other options in the market.
• The texture of the food is soupy, which might make it difficult for small dogs to eat.
• Some customers have reported their dogs getting ill after trying the chicken meal.

Crafted by Humans Loved by Dogs is a convenient, large dog food pouch that is ready to eat individual servings. The easy wet dog meal pouch allows you to give your pet real food at home or on the go. It is great for travel, hiking, on-the-go lifestyles, or simply a delicious human-grade meal at home. The variety pack of five pouches allows your dog to sample all the flavors, like turkey, pork, salmon, and beef.

Crafted by Humans Loved by Dogs is thoughtfully made, clean homemade dog food, entirely sourced, and made in the USA from quality human-grade ingredients. Portland Pet Food Company donates 5% of their net profits to local non-profit animal shelters and programs, so you can feel good about every part of your healthy dog food purchase.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a healthy, homemade dog food recipe for senior dogs, Crafted by Humans Loved by Dogs is a great option. It is made with all-natural, fully cooked homestyle individual dog food pouches crafted with premium, fresh ingredients, and is gluten-free, wheat-free, and grain-free. However, keep in mind that it is pricey compared to other options in the market, and some customers have reported their dogs getting ill after trying the chicken meal.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best homemade dog food recipes for senior dogs, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Nutritional Balance

It’s important to ensure that your senior dog’s diet is nutritionally balanced. This means that the food should contain the right balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. A balanced diet can help prevent health issues and keep your dog feeling their best.

Digestibility

As dogs age, their digestive systems may become less efficient. Look for homemade dog food recipes that are easy to digest and won’t cause stomach upset. Avoid ingredients that are known to cause digestive issues, such as soy, wheat, and corn.

Joint Support

Senior dogs are more prone to joint problems, such as arthritis. Look for homemade dog food recipes that contain ingredients that support joint health, such as glucosamine and chondroitin.

Low Sodium

As dogs age, their kidneys may become less efficient at processing sodium. Look for homemade dog food recipes that are low in sodium to help keep your senior dog’s kidneys healthy.

When choosing the best homemade dog food recipes for senior dogs, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the recipe you choose is appropriate for your dog’s specific needs. By considering these key factors, you can help ensure that your senior dog is getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some vet-approved homemade dog food recipes for senior dogs?

We recommend consulting with a veterinarian before making any changes to your senior dog’s diet. However, some vet-approved homemade dog food recipes for senior dogs include lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish, along with vegetables like sweet potatoes, green beans, and carrots. Brown rice and quinoa can also be included for added nutrition.

How can I make nutritionally complete homemade meals for my elderly dog?

To make sure your senior dog’s homemade meals are nutritionally complete, it’s important to include a variety of protein sources, vegetables, and grains. Consult with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your dog is getting all the necessary nutrients in their diet. It’s also important to monitor your dog’s weight and adjust their portions as needed.

Which ingredients are recommended for a senior dog with a sensitive stomach?

For senior dogs with sensitive stomachs, it’s important to introduce new ingredients slowly and in small amounts. Some easily digestible proteins include lean chicken, turkey, and fish. Vegetables such as sweet potatoes, green beans, and carrots can also be included. Avoid ingredients that are known to cause digestive upset, such as dairy, grains, and soy.

How do I prepare homemade dog food for a senior dog with dental issues?

For senior dogs with dental issues, it’s important to make sure their food is soft and easy to chew. You can cook meat and vegetables until they are very tender, or puree them in a food processor. You can also soak kibble in water or low-sodium broth to soften it before feeding.

What are the ideal protein sources for homemade dog food aimed at senior dogs with arthritis?

For senior dogs with arthritis, it’s important to include protein sources that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Some good protein sources include fish, such as salmon and sardines, as well as lean meats like chicken and turkey. Vegetables such as broccoli and kale can also provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

What are the essential nutrients to include in a homemade diet for aging dogs?

A homemade diet for aging dogs should include a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Some important nutrients to include are calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and vitamin E. Consult with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to ensure your senior dog’s homemade diet is nutritionally complete.