Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Senior French Bulldogs With Lamb & Quinoa

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Is​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ your senior Frenchie becoming less active, choosing meals selectively, or showing symptoms of digestion problems?

You worry about the actual ingredients in their food and whether it is really providing for their changing needs, and it may seem like an ongoing battle to find a meal that is complete, healthy, and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌tasty.

Well, let’s change that and take control back. Try out this homemade dog food recipe for your Frenchie today.

Recipe Overview

This homemade gentle lamb and quinoa recipe is designed to be easy on a senior Frenchie’s digestive system while providing essential nutrients for energy and well-being. It’s packed with lean protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Serving size: Varies based on dog weight (see Feeding Guidelines)

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb ($6.00)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa ($0.75)
• 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed (about 1 medium sweet potato) ($0.50)
• 1/4 cup cooked green beans, chopped ($0.25)
• 1/4 cup cooked carrots, chopped ($0.20)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil ($0.10)
• 1 teaspoon salmon oil (for Omega-3s) ($0.30)
• 1/2 teaspoon balanced canine vitamin and mineral supplement (ensure it’s vet-approved and species-specific) ($0.20)
• Total Estimated Cost: $7.30

Substitutions: Ground turkey or lean ground beef can replace lamb. Brown rice can be used instead of quinoa. Other cooked, dog-safe vegetables like peas or pumpkin can be used.

Instructions

• Brown the ground lamb in a large pot over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the cooked quinoa, mashed sweet potato, chopped green beans, and chopped carrots to the pot with the lamb.
• Stir everything together well.
• Pour in the olive oil and salmon oil.
• Sprinkle in the canine vitamin and mineral supplement.
• Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• Cook on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld.
• Let the mixture cool completely before serving.

Feeding Guidelines

• This recipe is intended as a supplement or a portion of a balanced diet. Consult your veterinarian for exact daily caloric needs and portion sizes.
• For a typical adult French Bulldog weighing 20-25 lbs, a starting portion might be around 1/2 to 3/4 cup per meal, twice a day.
• Adjust based on your dog’s activity level, metabolism, and body condition. Senior dogs may require fewer calories.
• Puppies have different nutritional needs and should be fed a specialized puppy formula or consulted with your vet.
• Pregnant or nursing dogs have increased needs and require veterinary guidance.
• If your dog is overweight, reduce portion sizes and consult your vet. For underweight dogs, increase portion sizes gradually.

Nutritional Benefits

• Lamb provides high-quality protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair.
• Quinoa is a complete protein source and offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and dietary fiber.
• Sweet potato is rich in beta-carotene (which converts to Vitamin A) for vision and immune health, and provides fiber.
• Green beans and carrots are good sources of vitamins and antioxidants, supporting overall health and providing fiber for digestion.
• Olive oil and salmon oil provide healthy fats, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are crucial for skin, coat health, and reducing inflammation.
• A balanced canine supplement ensures your dog receives essential vitamins and minerals that might be missing from homemade meals.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store the cooked dog food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze portions in individual servings in freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen food will last for up to 2-3 months.
• To serve, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight or gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Serve the food warm or at room temperature. Some dogs prefer it warmed.
• You can mix this homemade food with your dog’s regular kibble to increase palatability and nutritional value.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make this recipe in a larger batch?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just ensure you have a large enough pot for cooking and adequate storage containers for refrigeration or freezing.

My dog is a picky eater, will they like this?

The combination of lamb, sweet potato, and savory vegetables is often very appealing to dogs. You can also warm the food slightly to enhance its aroma and taste. Adding a tiny sprinkle of nutritional yeast can also increase palatability for some dogs.

Is this recipe nutritionally complete on its own?

While this recipe is packed with beneficial ingredients, homemade diets can sometimes lack certain micronutrients. That’s why a balanced canine vitamin and mineral supplement is included, and it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your dog’s diet is complete and balanced for their specific needs.

What if my dog has a specific allergy?

This recipe can be adapted. If your dog is allergic to lamb, you can substitute it with turkey or lean beef. If they have grain sensitivities, ensure the quinoa is well-cooked and consider a different carbohydrate source if needed, always after consulting your vet.

Wrapping Up

Give your senior Frenchie the wholesome goodness they deserve. This gentle lamb and quinoa meal is a loving way to support their health and happiness in their golden years.

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