Homemade Dog Food Recipes For Senior Dogs With No Teeth Using Chicken & Carrot

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 old dog having a hard time chewing dry kibble? It’s tough seeing them turn away from their food or struggle with every bite, especially since their health depends on those meals.

But you don’t have to just watch and worry. You can now make a homemade senior dog food recipe that actually gives them all the nutrition they need.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade Chicken & Carrot recipe is perfect for senior dogs with no teeth.
• It takes just 25 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook.
• The recipe yields about 6-8 servings, depending on your dog’s size.
• It’s packed with protein, easy-to-digest carbs, and essential vitamins.
• This recipe supports muscle maintenance, gentle digestion, and overall senior dog health.

Ingredients List

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, finely diced (Cost: $4.00 – $6.00)
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (Cost: $0.50 – $1.00)
• 1 cup cooked oatmeal (plain, rolled oats) (Cost: $0.30 – $0.50)
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and finely grated or pureed (Cost: $0.50 – $0.75)
• 1/4 cup green beans, finely chopped or pureed (Cost: $0.40 – $0.60)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil (Cost: $0.20 – $0.40)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for anti-inflammatory benefits) (Cost: $0.10 – $0.20)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for digestion) (Cost: $0.05 – $0.10)
• 1 multi-vitamin and mineral supplement formulated for senior dogs (consult your vet for brand and dosage) (Cost: $0.50 – $1.00 per serving estimation)

Total estimated cost: $6.55 – $10.55

Suitable substitutions: If your dog has a chicken allergy, you can use ground turkey or lean ground beef instead. For carrots, pumpkin puree is a great alternative for added fiber and vitamins.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Cook the chicken: Place the finely diced chicken in a medium pot. Add enough water or low-sodium broth to cover it. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Drain the chicken: Once cooked, drain the chicken but save about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Let the chicken cool slightly.
• Shred or mash the chicken: Using a fork or a food processor, shred or finely mash the cooked chicken until it’s very soft and easy for a toothless dog to eat.
• Prepare the vegetables: In a separate pot, steam or boil the finely grated carrots and chopped green beans until they are very soft. You can also puree them with a little water or broth for an extra smooth consistency.
• Cook the oatmeal: Follow package instructions to cook 1 cup of rolled oats with water or broth until it’s a soft, mushy consistency. Make sure it’s plain oatmeal, not instant with added sugars.
• Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed chicken, cooked oatmeal, and pureed vegetables.
• Add fats and spices: Stir in the olive oil or coconut oil, turmeric powder, and ground ginger, if using.
• Mix well: Make sure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and have a soft, uniform texture. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little of the reserved chicken cooking liquid.
• Incorporate supplement: Once cooled, mix in the recommended dosage of your vet-approved senior dog multivitamin and mineral supplement.

Feeding Guidelines

• Portion recommendations vary based on your dog’s weight, activity level, and specific health needs.
• A general starting point for this recipe is about 1/2 to 3/4 cup per 10 pounds of body weight per day, divided into two meals.
• For smaller senior dogs (under 15 lbs), aim for 1/2 to 1 cup per day.
• Medium senior dogs (20-50 lbs) might need 1.5 to 3 cups daily.
• Larger senior dogs (over 50 lbs) could require 3 to 5 cups or more.
• Very active senior dogs or those underweight may need slightly more, while less active or overweight dogs need less.
• Puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs have different nutritional needs and this specific recipe is not formulated for them.
• Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice, especially when transitioning to a homemade diet or if your dog has underlying health conditions.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Chicken: Provides high-quality lean protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass in senior dogs. It’s easily digestible.
• Oatmeal: A great source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and soluble fiber, which supports healthy digestion and can help regulate blood sugar.
• Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports vision and immune health. They also provide fiber.
• Green Beans: Offer vitamins (K, C, A) and minerals, along with fiber. They are low in calories, making them good for weight management.
• Olive Oil/Coconut Oil: Provides healthy fats for skin and coat health, and can aid in nutrient absorption. Coconut oil may also have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Turmeric & Ginger: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with joint pain. Ginger aids digestion and can soothe an upset stomach.
• Senior Dog Supplement: Ensures your dog receives a complete profile of essential vitamins and minerals (like Calcium, Phosphorus, B-complex vitamins, and Choline) often lacking in homemade diets, tailored for their specific life stage.

Storage and Serving Tips

• This homemade dog food stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, divide the cooled food into individual serving portions and freeze them.
• Frozen portions can be kept for up to 2-3 months.
• To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight or use a microwave on a low setting.
• Always ensure the food is warmed gently or served at room temperature to prevent burns.
• You can serve this food on its own as a complete meal or mix it with a small amount of their current soft kibble (if applicable) during transition.
• Make sure it’s a very soft, mushy consistency for easy eating for dogs with no teeth.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make a big batch and freeze it?

Yes, absolutely. Batch cooking and freezing individual portions is a great way to save time. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.

My dog is picky, how can I introduce this food?

Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their current food. Gradually increase the proportion of the new food over 7-10 days. And that’s why it matters to go slow.

Is this recipe nutritionally complete for my senior dog?

While this recipe provides many essential nutrients, it’s crucial to add a vet-approved senior dog specific vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure it’s balanced and complete for long-term feeding. Here’s the thing, homemade diets need careful balancing.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can add other dog-safe vegetables like pumpkin, sweet potato, or spinach, just make sure they are cooked very soft and pureed to be easy on toothless gums. But here’s the problem, avoid onions, garlic, and grapes.

Wrapping Up

Giving your senior dog a delicious, easy-to-eat meal they love is simple with this homemade recipe. This can help you ensure they get all the good stuff they need. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!