As canines age, their nutrient intake from regular dog food may become insufficient. A lack of proper nutrition can worsen the joint, skin, and digestive issues that senior dogs are at risk for developing. Luckily, we’ve rounded up recipes with some of the best ingredients for your aging pup. Keep reading to discover three quick and easy dog treat recipes you can make at home for your senior dog.

Best Ingredients for Senior Dogs

As our furry friends age, the health of their skin, joints, hearts, and digestive systems may decline. Thankfully, there are many dog-safe foods that are packed with nutrients that support your dog’s health as they age. Below are some nutritious ingredients for dog treats that are perfect for senior pups.

• Carrots
• Salmon
• Pumpkin
• Banana
• Peanut Butter
• Sweet Potato
• Yogurt
• Natural honey
• Oats

Peanut Butter & Banana

For many dogs, peanut butter is a fan favorite due to its strong smell and taste. Not only does peanut butter taste great, but it also contains Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Peanut butter is also a great source of magnesium, which assists canines’ hormone, metabolic, and nervous system functions. Peanut butter can also aid with cell growth and vitamin absorption. Bananas pair well with peanut butter and are another excellent source of nutrition for pups. These dog-safe fruits contain plenty of Vitamin C, which reduces any inflammation that senior pups may have. The recipe below combines these two ingredients into yummy dog treats your senior pup is sure to enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water

Directions:

1. First, preheat your oven to 350° F. While the oven heats up, grease a baking sheet and gather your ingredients.
2. Mix the peanut butter and banana in a large bowl until it’s light and fluffy.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, add flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. After whisking together the dry ingredients, slowly add it to the liquid mixture and stir to combine. Incorporate the water one tbsp at a time until the dough is soft.
5. Roll the dough to a thickness of about half an inch on a floured surface. Cut out the dough with a cookie cutter of your choice and place the cookies on your baking sheet.
6. Bake them for about 20 minutes or until they are firm. Ensure they are fully cooled, then let Fido enjoy!
7. This recipe yields about 20 dog treats.

Apple & Oatmeal

These apple and oatmeal dog treats are both healthy and delicious. Apples are an excellent source of antioxidants, which will help reduce inflammation. Oatmeal is a nutritious form of a whole grain filled with fiber. These ingredients will help prevent pain from inflamed and sore joints as your furry friend ages.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Then, grease a baking sheet and gather your ingredients.
2. In a large bowl, combine applesauce, oatmeal, and honey. Use a mixer or stir thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are fully combined.
3. Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium-sized bowl.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the apple mixture and stir until thoroughly combined. Then, slowly add the water. Use one tbsp at a time until the mixture forms into a dough-like consistency.
5. Lightly flour a clean surface, then roll the dough to a thickness of 1/2 an inch. Then, cut out the dough with a cookie cutter. Place the cookies on your baking sheet.
6. Bake the cookies for 20 minutes or until they’re firm. Let them cool fully before giving one to Fido.
7. This recipe yields about 20 dog treats.

Pumpkin & Yogurt

Pumpkin is a fiber-filled ingredient that aids with digestion and can calm an upset stomach. This ingredient benefits aging dogs by containing antioxidants, Vitamin A, potassium, beta-carotene, iron, and healthy fatty acids. Meanwhile, yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics and protein. Plain yogurt keeps senior pups strong and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water

Directions:

1.  Preheat your oven to 350° F. Then, grease a baking sheet and gather your ingredients.
2. Mix together the pumpkin and yogurt in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin and yogurt mixture. Mix everything together until it’s fully combined. Then add the water slowly, one tbsp at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky.
5. Roll out the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out the dough with a cookie cutter and place them onto the baking sheet.
6. Bake these treats for 20 minutes, or until they’re firm. Once they’re fully cool, Fido can enjoy!
7. This recipe yields about 20 dog treats.

Check Out These Related Posts for More Yummy Dog Treats!

Frozen Dog Treats You Can Make This Summer

Dog Treats for Dogs with Diabetes

Treat Your Dog to These Dog-Friendly Ice Creams