12 Amazing Healthy Foods for Senior Dogs You Have at Home
This post shows you 12 Amazing Healthy Foods for Senior Dogs You Have at Home.
Did you know you might already have some of the best foods for your senior dog right in your kitchen? Keeping your aging dog healthy doesn’t always mean buying expensive products! You probably already have these healthy foods for senior dogs in your fridge and pantry!
Many everyday foods are full of nutrients for your senior dog. These include:
In this article, we’ll share 12 healthy foods for senior dogs you likely already have at home!
1 Cooked Chicken
As they age, dogs need high-quality protein to maintain their muscle mass. In addition, they need fewer calories but more protein, so you should include some cooked meats in their diets (if you haven’t already).
Cooked chicken is the best choice, and I’ve put it as the first (and best) healthy food for senior dogs! It’s a lean protein that provides energy and strength to your dog while helping them maintain their muscle mass.
You can also use cooked turkey and give your dog both. Just don’t ever give them cooked chicken or turkey bones.
2 Sweet Potatoes
Your dog also needs fiber as their metabolism slows down with age. Both sweet potatoes and pumpkin (further down the list) are great for improving digestion.
Many older dogs suffer from constipation, and it’s not easy to watch them struggle. That’s why it’s a good idea to share some cooked sweet potatoes with your dog or start including them in their cooked meals.
Sweet potatoes contain good fiber that will keep them regular. They’re also a good source of carbs, which means they’ll provide energy.
3 Green Beans
Green beans can be great for senior dogs! But how you prepare them matters. So forget about green bean casseroles and other fatty dishes drenched in butter and cream.
Dogs can eat simple steamed or cooked green beans without added salt. They can even eat them frozen!
Green beans are rich in fiber and vitamins and very low in calories, which is great for weight management. There’s even a viral green bean diet for dogs (source).
4 Blueberries
You’ll see blueberries often in my lists of healthy foods for senior dogs. I learned so much about their benefits and the importance of antioxidants for dogs while earning my dog nutritionist certificate.
Blueberries are high in antioxidants, which help aging dogs by slowing cognitive decline and improving brain function.
In addition, antioxidants reduce inflammation. Blueberries are also a good source of fiber, which supports digestion—something your senior dog may need as their metabolism slows down with age.
5 Yogurt
Remember, the best and healthiest foods for senior dogs are nutrient-dense and have a combination of several essential nutrients!
That’s how they made it onto this list!
Yogurt belongs to the group of healthy foods for senior dogs because it provides protein, probiotics, and calcium.
Older dogs need all the extra protein they can get, so yogurt is a great source. It’s also an excellent source of probiotics, which are important for gut health. And gut health is essential for good digestion and other processes in the body.
Calcium, on the other hand, is vital for strong bones and teeth. As they age, dogs naturally experience a decline in these minerals, so they need an extra boost from their food. That’s why maintaining a healthy gut with fiber and probiotics is crucial for older dogs—it plays a big part in nutrient absorption.
6 Eggs
Like yogurt, eggs combine essential nutrients, making them perfect for aging dogs.
Eggs are a good source of protein, healthy fats, amino acids, and iron!
This means they help dogs maintain muscle mass and provide energy from healthy fats to fuel their day.
Amino acids in eggs, like lysine and methionine, are responsible for a shiny coat and muscle development.
7 Pumpkin
Similar to sweet potatoes, pumpkin is a great source of fiber for dogs, providing both soluble and insoluble fiber.
This means it can help with both diarrhea and constipation. It’s truly amazing!
And it’s low in calories, which puts it in the group of healthy foods for senior dogs!
Pumpkin is known as one of the best foods for dogs with upset stomachs because it’s mild, easy to digest, and pairs well with other foods like cooked chicken or turkey.
8 Oatmeal
Another amazing whole food, oatmeal is packed with healthy, soluble fiber, making it great for senior dogs. It’s also easy to chew and digest.
It’s especially recommended for dogs with sensitive stomachs, those needing extra energy, or those struggling with regularity.
When you make oatmeal for your dog, avoid extra sugar or toppings like raisins (they are not safe for dogs). The best way is to cook it with water and then add dog-safe fruits like low-sugar berries, apples, or bananas.
9 Apples
Apples are the crunchiest and most popular fruits for dogs! They’re low in calories, full of vitamins, and full of fiber to help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
Apples also make a great food topper and can be added to frozen treats, meat bowls, or oatmeal.
When sharing them with your dog, be sure to remove the seeds and core.
10 Sardines
Sardines are incredibly healthy for dogs because they provide multiple essential nutrients for senior dogs.
They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for joint and brain health, as well as calcium for strong bones and teeth.
In addition, sardines are a great source of protein and make a convenient snack since you can buy canned sardines and share them with your dog.
If you buy sardines in sunflower oil, make sure to drain the oil before sharing them and pat them dry with paper towels.
11 Carrots
Carrots are a crunchy veggie that’s really good as a chewing “toy.” They help with teeth cleaning and can be a great low-calorie treat for your dog.
If your senior dog has dental issues, it’s best to cook the carrots before sharing them with cooked chicken. Cooked carrots retain all their nutrients, including beta-carotene for eye health and good fiber for digestion.
12 Bone Broth
Bone broth is the best natural source of glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen. It’s easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for several days or in the freezer for up to a couple of months.
Senior dogs need an extra nutrient boost, especially for their aching joints. While supplements are helpful, it’s not always ideal to rely on them.
Sometimes, including natural foods like bone broth is a better option!
You can make it at home, add some veggies if you’d like, and make sure to remove all the cooked bones before sharing the broth with your dog.
Healthy, homemade foods can make a big difference in your senior dog’s life. By adding these healthy foods, you’re helping them stay happy and healthy.
Which of these foods do you already share with your senior dog? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll always have these food ideas handy!
Love, life, and fur forever!
This post showed you 12 Amazing Healthy Foods for Senior Dogs You Have at Home.
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