Dog Food

If your dog is getting into their senior years it’s important that their diets are adjusted to fit their evolving needs.

There are so many benefits to feeding your senior dogs homemade dog food, including the ability to customize their diet specifically for their individual needs.

When making your pet's food right in your own kitchen you have the advantage of knowing exactly what ingredients went into the recipe. This allows you to keep better track of your senior dog's health.

Are you turning away from commercial dog food and looking for homemade dog food recipes for senior dogs? Keep reading for 12 great recipes your older dog will love.

Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Senior Dogs

1. Brown Rice, Turkey, and Veggies

This recipe for brown rice, turkey, and veggies is a healthy, low-calorie, and low-fat homemade dog food that your senior dogs will love.

This recipe is especially great for overweight senior dogs because it uses lean meat with healthy carbohydrates and vegetables. This delicious combination is sure to help you keep your senior dog healthy and trim!

The recipe makes around 12 cups of homemade dog food for your senior dog that can be separated into single-serve containers and stored in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the single servings.

2. Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Sensitive Senior Dog Tummies

It can be difficult to find recipes for homemade dog food that are easy on your pooch’s sensitive tummy.

Some dogs are sensitive to fatty foods and can have food allergies, but regardless of the reason you’ll want to be thoughtful of your dog's specific nutritional needs.

This homemade dog food recipe for a sensitive senior dog's tummy is free of common allergens that plague pups, like soy, dairy, wheat, beef, and poultry.

In place of these ingredients, this recipe uses a lean novel protein which will reduce the risk of causing irritation for your senior pup's stomach.

This homemade dog food recipe for senior dogs can be separated into individual servings and refrigerated for up to 5 days, or you can freeze the servings for later.

3. Chicken Casserole for Dogs

This chicken casserole for dogs recipe is great for senior dogs because it’s very easy to digest while providing many vitamins and minerals essential for senior dogs' development.

This homemade dog food recipe for senior dogs helps provide a balanced diet for your dog, filled with natural antioxidants, fiber, protein, and carbohydrates.

As a caution, this recipe does contain cabbage, which may cause gas in some older dogs, so it can be adjusted or removed if need be.

This chicken casserole can be separated into individual servings and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Biscuits

This recipe for peanut butter and banana dog biscuits is a delicious treat for your senior pup. These dog biscuits are especially great treats for holidays!

What dog doesn’t love peanut butter? This homemade dog food recipe for senior dogs is sure to be a hit for your four-legged friends, whether it's a special occasion or not.

Even if you’re watching your senior dogs' weight, you can still give them the occasional treat, just be careful not to overdo it.

5. Grain-Free Recipe for Senior Dogs

This grain-free recipe is a fantastic homemade dog food recipe for your senior dog.

This homemade dog food includes all of the essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids an aging dog might need, without any grain ingredients.

Made with proteins including liver, poultry, and sunflower oil for linoleic acid, this grain-free dog food includes at least 10 essential amino acids for senior dogs.

You can separate this meal into individual servings to be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in sealed containers or freeze each serving for later use.

6. Homemade Raw Dog Food

This recipe for homemade raw dog food is easy to prepare and make adjustments to for smaller or larger senior dogs. A raw food diet is often considered one of the best options for Sheepadoodles.

This homemade dog food recipe for senior dogs consists mostly of meat with proportions of 80% meat with fat, 10% organs, 5% vegetables or fruits, and 5% dairy. This food provides complete nutrition for your senior dog and can be tweaked to their dietary needs easily.

For the easiest storage, form the raw food into meat patties and store them stacked with parchment paper between patties in the freezer.

To thaw, take the patties out of the freezer the day before you want to use them and put them in the refrigerator so they can thaw.

7. Bacon Cornmeal Dog Biscuits

This recipe for bacon cornmeal dog biscuits makes a fantastic and flavorful treat for senior dogs. It’s a breeze to make and you can make small or large biscuits based on your dog's size.

This homemade dog food recipe for senior dogs consists of flavors your pooch won’t be able to get enough of!

You can adjust the serving size of these dog biscuits simply by making smaller biscuits for small dogs or larger biscuits for large dogs. The recipe makes around 12 medium-sized servings.

8. Homemade Dog Treats

These homemade dog treats are conveniently made using just 3 ingredients. Some of the senior dogs' favorite flavors in these yummy treats are peanut butter and pumpkin.

This homemade dog food recipe for senior dogs is simple to make. Just mix the 3 ingredients, roll out the dough, cut it into shapes if you prefer, and then bake it!

Keep an eye on the bake time, since the thickness of the treats will determine how fast they bake. The longer they bake the crunchier they get so be careful not to overcook them.

These homemade dog treats can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks as long as they are stored in an air-tight container. They last up to 4 weeks in a sealed container in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer.

9. Low Protein Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Senior Dogs

Low-protein food should only be fed to your pet with the strict supervision of their veterinarian. Always consult with a veterinarian before changing your dog's diet.

This recipe for low-protein dog food is a fantastic homemade dog food for senior dogs with special care needs including a diet low in protein.

Make sure to use the fattiest ground beef you can find when making low-protein food because you’ll have more fat and less protein.

Store this homemade dog food for your senior pup in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 4 days.

Diet Requirements for Senior Dogs

When planning out your senior dog's diet, it’s important to strictly follow the instructions and advice of the veterinarian who treats your pet.

As dogs age the way they digest food and use nutrients can change, so you’ll need to make changes to their diet to keep them happy and fit in their golden years.

Homemade dog food provides complete nutritional value for senior dogs and it can also help with some of the health issues seen in older dogs.

The most vital nutrients that should be present in homemade dog food for senior dogs include protein, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins A, B, D, E, and K. Other important nutrients for senior dogs include fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, manganese, and iron.

Calorie Considerations for Senior Dogs

Obesity is a concern for dogs, especially for senior dogs, because their metabolism slows significantly as they age.

As a result, it’s easy for older dogs to pack on the pounds, but it’s quite a challenge for them to shed the extra weight. Since being overweight is rough on dogs' joints, you should try to keep them as lean as possible.

To ensure your dog doesn’t become overweight, be sure to feed them a low-carb diet. A low-carb diet is healthier for senior dogs’ pancreas as well.

Protein Considerations for Senior Dogs

Most senior dogs require more protein as they age because the loss of muscle tone is a common issue for older pets.

You should make sure the homemade dog food recipes for your senior dogs contain around 28 to 32 percent protein.

In rare cases, your dog's veterinarian may prescribe a low-protein diet. Usually, this only happens when your dog has an underlying medical condition.

Never feed your senior dogs a low-protein diet unless you’ve been instructed to by a licensed veterinarian.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods should not be fed to dogs because they can be hard to digest, even toxic and dangerous.

Avoid feeding your dogs onions, garlic, chives, and other members of the allium family because these foods can cause kidney failure in dogs.

You should also avoid grapes and raisins because they can also cause kidney failure and also severe liver damage.

Macadamia nuts should not be fed to pups because they contain a toxin that affects their nervous system, resulting in weakness, panting, and swollen limbs. Avocado also contains toxins that are toxic to dogs.

Avoid giving your dog any foods containing artificial sweeteners like xylitol because it can result in liver failure and blood-clotting disorders.

Try Out These Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Senior Dogs!

Homemade dog food recipes are generally easy and quick to make using healthy ingredients to support your aging dog’s health and changing dietary needs.

Whether your senior dog likes savory dishes with vegetables or sweet treats like dog treats made with peanut butter and fruits, there is something for every aging pup to enjoy!

Are you looking for more homemade dog food ideas? Check out this list of 17 Homemade Dog Treats to find delicious treats for your senior dogs.

Are you fed up with buying unhealthy traditional dog treats at your local pet or grocery store? The ingredients list seems to go on forever and features things you’ve never even heard of. So, maybe it's time to try some homemade dog treat recipes!

Homemade treats are easy to make, you’ll know exactly what’s in them, and your pup is sure to love them. They're hard to resist with tasty flavors like peanut butter, bacon, and banana!

Keep reading to find some delicious dog treat recipe ideas to try out in the kitchen with your pup.

Baked Dog Treat Recipes

1. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats

It’s no doubt that peanut butter is a dog’s favorite snack, making these Pumpkin Peanut Butter Treats a sure winner! Luckily, peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats. So, there’s no need to feel guilty about throwing it into a homemade snack.

This homemade dog treat recipe also has pumpkin puree, which is an excellent source of fiber. Pumpkin is actually one of the best things to feed your dog if they have digestion issues because of this!

These treats are easy to make for your dog, as they only include four ingredients. And the best part is that they’re gluten-free. So, if your fur baby has a gluten allergy, there is no need to fret!

2. Blueberry Banana Dog Biscuits

Feeding your dog fruits like berries and bananas can provide them with antioxidants and healthy minerals like potassium. They’re also naturally sweet treats that most dogs will gladly snack on with you.

This homemade dog treat recipe combines both blueberries and bananas along with the canine favorite of lip-smacking peanut butter. It’s a delicious and healthy combination that also offers some fiber with plain rolled oats. Blueberry Banana Dog Biscuits are sure to be a tastebud hit with your pup!

3. Easy Dog Donuts

Donuts are an absolute favorite among us humans. So why not share this love with our pets? But with dog-safe ingredients, of course!

These Easy Dog Donuts are the perfect snack for your dog, with a mixture of naturally savory and sweet flavors. Rice, applesauce, Greek yogurt, bacon, and a few other dog-safe ingredients will offer your dog a delicious mouthwatering treat! This homemade dog treat recipe offers healthy vitamins and minerals like calcium, fiber, probiotics, vitamin A, and plenty of protein.

4. Easy Homemade Dog Biscuits (Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Free)

While most dogs can eat peanut butter or pumpkin without any issues, there is the possibility that some are allergic. If your pup is one of those dogs, there are homemade dog treat recipes for them too!

These Homemade Dog Biscuits omit both peanut butter and pumpkin. Instead, they opt for alternative ingredients like chicken bouillon, eggs, and parsley. Herbs like parsley are great for dogs, as it has vitamin K, which helps with healthy clotting. It can even help freshen your dog’s breath, as it has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties!

5. Sweet Potato and Bacon Dog Treats

Similar to pumpkin, sweet potatoes also offer a healthy amount of dietary fiber. So, if your dog can’t have pumpkin or dislikes it, these Sweet Potato and Bacon Treats are worth a try!

Sweet potatoes are low in fat and chock full of vitamins to keep your pup healthy. They have a delicious sweetness that’s safe for your dog, as it’s naturally occurring. And your dog will love the addition of bacon to this homemade dog treat recipe with its meaty, salty flavor.

6. Carob Dog Treats

Carob is a tasty, naturally sweet fruit pod that contains plenty of fiber and antioxidants. It’s often used as a replacement for chocolate because it has a similar taste and it’s healthier. But one of the primary differences between carob and chocolate is that carob is safe for dogs!

These Carob Dog Treats use a combination of tasty and healthy ingredients like applesauce, peanut butter, and pumpkin. And, of course, the additional health boost of carob. This homemade dog treat recipe provides an addicting crunchy texture and plenty of flavors your dog will love!

7. Sweet Potato and Peanut Butter Dog Treats

This Sweet Potato and Peanut Butter Treat is so easy to make with only three ingredients! All you’ll need is flour, sweet potatoes, and peanut butter. Your pup gets the best of the best with this homemade dog treat recipe with plenty of fiber and protein.

They have a subtly sweet and strong peanut butter taste that any dog will love. And you’ll even get a large supply out of just one batch. You’ll have these tasty delicacies around for a while with up to 80 treats!

8. Bacon Cornmeal Dog Biscuits

Bacon is a favorite among dogs, as our canine friends are carnivores. So, there’s no doubt they’ll like any kind of treat with bacon products in it. But this homemade dog treat recipe also includes cornmeal, which is a carbohydrate that’s easily digestible in your pet’s stomach. Cornmeal has plenty of healthy fats and fiber, and it’s gluten-free!

These Bacon Cornmeal Dog Biscuits use the delicious addition of bacon grease as one of the wet ingredients. This brings in all the flavors of bacon without using the actual meat. Your pup will go crazy for the meaty taste, and you don’t have to worry about spoilage of fresh meat!

9. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Pupcakes

Cupcakes are another human favorite that you can make into a dog-safe treat. These Pumpkin Peanut Butter Pupcakes almost look good enough for humans to eat! And not only do they look delicious, but they smell great too. They combine delicious flavors like peanut butter, pumpkin, carrot, maple syrup, and even cinnamon! It’s like a carrot cake that’s safe for dogs.

This homemade dog treat recipe even calls for making a tasty frosting to pipe on top of the pupcakes. Your dog will get the full cupcake experience!

10. Pumpkin Bacon Dog Treats

These Pumpkin Bacon Dog Treats are sure to make happy dog tummies with fiber, protein, and a delicious taste! This homemade dog treat recipe combines health with all your dog’s favorite flavors. You’ll find delicious peanut butter and bacon inside, creating a flavorful snack for any time of day! Your pup will be begging for more with those delectable hidden bacon bits.

Dehydrated Dog Treat Recipes

11. Dehydrated Sweet Potato Chews

Dehydrating treats is an even easier way to provide homemade treats for your pup. And these Dehydrated Sweet Potato Chews only use one ingredient: sweet potatoes!

Your dog will get the nutritional value of a whole slice of cooked sweet potato with these chews. So, they’ll get fiber, B vitamins, potassium, vitamins A and C, and a few other helpful vitamins. This homemade dog treat recipe is especially great for sensitive tummies! And all you need to do is throw them in the oven and allow them to cool.

12. Dehydrated Peanut Butter Dog Treats

These Dehydrated Peanut Butter Treats contain many of the same ingredients as the baked recipes. They have peanut butter, rolled oat, banana, bacon grease, and a few other ingredients to hold everything together. But the primary difference is that you don’t bake these. You’ll throw them in a dehydrator or dehydrate them in the oven to make a deliciously crunchy treat!

This homemade dog treat recipe is one that your pup will love. A crispy snack with flavors of bacon, peanut butter, and banana is sure to please any pup!

13. Turkey Jerky Dog Treats

Many of us enjoy jerky as a delicious, protein-filled snack. And luckily, we can easily make this snack for our pups with a dehydrator or an oven. Sure, you can buy jerky treats at the store. But they often come with preservatives that aren’t healthy for your dog. So making this homemade dog treat recipe at home can eliminate that!

These Turkey Jerky Treats are exactly what they sound like. They’re simply dehydrated pieces of turkey, which will give your dog a chewy, meaty snack that they’ll devour quickly. These treats are a winner among many pups!

Frozen Dog Treat Recipes

14. Frozen Peanut Butter Kefir Dog Treats

Frozen snacks like these Peanut Butter Kefir Treats are perfect for hot summer days. This particular homemade dog treat recipe is especially great due to its health benefits. It contains the delicious peanut butter that your pup knows and loves, probiotic-rich kefir, and banana.

Kefir is essentially a fermented milk-based drink, and it has more probiotics than yogurt! So it’ll keep your pup's tummy and digestive system happy and healthy. Kefir is slightly sour-tasting on its own, but the addition of peanut butter and banana mask it.

15. 2-Ingredient Frozen Dog Treats

If you have any plain Greek yogurt and leftover chicken, you can easily make this homemade dog treat recipe! These Two-Ingredient Frozen Treats simply combine these ingredients into clusters of protein and probiotic-rich goodness. Chicken is often a favorite among our canine friends, so your pup should have no issues gobbling these down.

These treats may look a little funny and lumpy. But you can always try putting them into bone or paw-shaped molds if you want to.

16. Frozen Strawberry Banana Dog Treats

Frozen Strawberry Banana Treats are a cold and fruity snack that your pup can enjoy in the summer heat. Strawberries are chock full of immune system-boosting antioxidants, while bananas provide high amounts of fiber and potassium. And both fruits are delicious to our canine friends!

Plain yogurt is another great additive to this homemade dog treat recipe, as it provides protein and probiotics. This recipe also uses honey for added sweetness and water, which will help hydrate your dog in the heat.

17. Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats

Do you like frozen yogurt? Well, your pup will too! You can easily and quickly make Frozen Yogurt Treats with just three ingredients. All you’ll need is plain Greek yogurt, strawberries, and bananas.

This homemade dog treat recipe is a little simpler than the previous frozen treat on this list. It omits water and sweeteners, making this recipe a little creamier, while the other recipe is more popsicle-like.

A creamy, fruity treat like this offers your pup some dog-safe ice cream in the form of little single servings. They’re delicious, natural, and perfect for cooling off!

Why Are Homemade Dog Treats Better Than Store-Bought?

Store-bought treats, although convenient, can be quite unhealthy for your furry friends. Treat companies often add a bunch of fillers like corn syrup and artificial colors, along with preservatives. This also leads to extra unneeded calories.

Making homemade dog treat recipes allows you to control and know exactly what you’re feeding your dog. Recipes often use healthy, nutrient-rich ingredients as well. So, you know your dog isn’t getting anything that could harm their health.

Homemade treats are generally much healthier for your pup than store-bought ones.

Get Into the Kitchen and Try These Homemade Dog Treat Recipes!

Homemade dog treat recipes are often easy to make and mostly use healthy ingredients to support your dog’s health. Whether your dog likes peanut butter, bacon, or fruit, there is something for every pup’s taste! Show your dog some extra love and try out each of these recipes to see which one they like most.

Are you looking for more dog treat ideas? Check out The 5 Best Dog Training Treats for Your Pooch to find some great snacks for training sessions!