My senior dog doesn’t just eat meals—he critiques them. It started with a side-eye at his kibble and escalated to full-on protests. So, I dusted off my apron and started making his food from scratch. If you’re in the same boat, let me save you some trial and (burnt chicken) error with a few easy, paw-approved recipes.
When Kibble Gets the Cold Shoulder
One day, my old boy Rocky looked at his kibble, then at me, as if to say, “This is it? After everything we’ve been through?” Honestly, I couldn’t blame him. He’s 12 now, with a few gray whiskers and a slower gait. Why shouldn’t his meals get an upgrade?
That’s how I fell down the rabbit hole of homemade dog food. And let me tell you, I started out clueless. The first batch? I overcooked the rice, undercooked the chicken, and somehow managed to drop a spoonful on my sock. Rocky still ate it (bless him), but I knew I could do better.
1) Recipe: Lazy Day Chicken & Sweet Potato Mash
Perfect for those days when your dog deserves a treat, but you’re not trying to be a Michelin chef.
- Ingredients:
- 2 chicken thighs (bone-in for flavor, then deboned)
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1/2 cup peas and carrots (fresh or frozen)
- A tiny splash of olive oil (because fancy, right?)
How to make it: Boil the chicken, shred it up, and mix it with the mashed sweet potato. Toss in the veggies, drizzle the olive oil, and boom—you’re a canine Gordon Ramsay.
Rocky’s Rating: 10/10 tail wags. He even licked the bowl clean, which is his way of saying, “More, please.”
Real Talk: One time, I got lazy and tried microwaving the sweet potato. It exploded. Twice. Learn from my mistakes.
Quick Detour: When Cooking Gets Weird
Can we pause to talk about the existential crisis of seasoning dog food? Like, do they care? Is parsley just for my ego? One time, I caught myself sprinkling turmeric in Rocky’s dinner “for the antioxidants.” He looked at me like, “Lady, I eat sticks. Chill.”
2) Recipe 2: Beef & Rice Comfort Bowl
For the days when you’re feeling like a five-star chef but still need to keep it simple.
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1/2 cup chopped green beans
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
How to make it: Cook the beef (no oil, no seasoning—sorry, pup). Mix it with the rice and veggies. Let it cool before serving unless you want your dog looking at you like, “You trying to burn me?”
Pro Tip: Add a splash of low-sodium beef broth for extra flavor. Rocky loses his mind over it.
A Little “Oops” Moment
Not every recipe’s a win. Once, I tried to get creative with quinoa instead of rice. Rocky sniffed it, looked at me, and walked away. Quinoa is not his thing. Lesson learned.
Why Homemade Feels Right
Cooking for your senior dog isn’t just about nutrition. It’s about showing up for them in this sweet, slower chapter of their lives. Plus, let’s be real—dogs are the best food critics. They don’t care about Instagram-worthy plating; they just want love in every bite.
So, whether you’re nailing recipes or burning rice, your dog loves you for trying. And honestly? That’s what makes it all worth it.
Now go whip up something tasty and tell me—what’s your dog’s go-to favorite? Or which recipe flopped so hard you both just laughed it off? Share the chaos—it’s part of the fun!
