How to Make Homemade Dog Food for an Elderly Doggy
Preparing special meals for an elderly dog is one way to show your love. Dogs are omnivores and enjoy variety in their diets. Sharing food with your dog can strengthen your bond. However, dogs are not people and have to eat based on their needs. One strategy is to occasionally supplement your dog's food--which should be a formula designed for older dogs--with delicious kibble toppings whipped up with ingredients from your refrigerator. Be sure to consult your dog's veterinarian before adjusting your dog's diet. And verify that your dog's weight is healthy.
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Things You'll Need
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1/4 cup cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup cooked green beans
- 1 tbsp. canola oil
Instructions
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Oats and Eggs
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1
Dogs like oats too. Cook oatmeal without salt, sugar or other toppings. Or, set aside some cooked oatmeal from your own meal before flavoring it to your taste.
Add one egg to the 1 cup of cooked oats. Allow the egg to set with the heat of the oats. Or add water and reheat the oats until the egg cooks. Do not serve your dog a raw egg.
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2
Green beans provide fiber. Allow the mixture to cool. Stir in the unflavored sweet potatoes. Stir in the unflavored green beans.
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3
Cottage cheese may ease digestion. Stir in the cottage cheese and canola oil. Combine thoroughly.
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4
With some TLC your elderly dog will join the clean bowl club. Top your dog's kibble with a tbsp. or two of the special topping. Cover and refrigerate the topping, and it will keep for three days.
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Tips & Warnings
Older dogs sometimes appreciate having their dry kibble moistened with a few tsp. of water. Also, you may substitute baby food made from sweet potatoes and green beans if the product is natural and unsweetened.
Once you consult the dog's vet, make any changes in diet incremental: small quantities over time. An elderly dog cannot risk the stress of a stomach upset or allergic reaction. Do not feed your dog bones for this reason. Also: no chocolate, avocados, mushrooms, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, onions or garlic.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit dog image by jeancliclac from Fotolia.com Haferflocken, kernig image by bbroianigo from Fotolia.com Green beans image by Christopher Martin from Fotolia.com a white cottage cheese on a plate image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com Green dog water bowl image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com muriel et le chien image by Francis Lempérière from Fotolia.com
