Homemade Dog Food Recipes For Senior Dogs With No Teeth Using Lamb & Butternut Squash

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.

Watching your old dog push their bowl away is tough. You know they’re hungry, but without teeth, eating just isn’t easy anymore. A lot of senior dogs go through this, missing out on meals and losing weight because chewing hurts or just isn’t possible.

The good news? There’s an easy fix. With the right food, soft, tasty, and gentle on their mouth, you can help your dog enjoy mealtime again, even if they don’t have a single tooth left. Suddenly, they’re back at the bowl, tail wagging, ready to eat.

Recipe Overview

This homemade lamb and butternut squash recipe is perfect for senior dogs with dental issues.

It is packed with easy-to-digest protein, essential vitamins, and fiber.

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Serving size: Approximately 8-10 servings for a medium-sized senior dog.

Ingredients List

1.5 pounds ground lamb (85/15 or leaner for less fat) – Estimated cost: $10.00
2 cups cooked and mashed butternut squash (about 1 medium squash) – Estimated cost: $3.00
1 cup cooked white rice (long-grain or short-grain) – Estimated cost: $0.50
1/2 cup cooked green beans, finely chopped or pureed – Estimated cost: $0.75
1/4 cup cooked spinach, finely chopped or pureed – Estimated cost: $0.50
2 tablespoons olive oil – Estimated cost: $0.20
1/2 cup bone broth (low sodium, no onion/garlic) – Estimated cost: $1.00
1 teaspoon senior dog multivitamin supplement (powdered or liquid) – Estimated cost: $0.75 (per serving dose)

Suitable substitutions:
Lamb can be replaced with ground turkey or lean ground beef.
Butternut squash can be replaced with sweet potato or pumpkin puree.
White rice can be replaced with brown rice, ensuring it’s very soft.
Green beans and spinach can be replaced with peas or carrots, pureed.

Total estimated cost for the recipe: $16.70

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Start by cooking the butternut squash. You can roast it or boil it until very soft. Then mash it thoroughly until there are no lumps.
• Cook the white rice according to package directions, making sure it’s extra soft.
• Steam or boil the green beans and spinach until very tender. Afterward, finely chop or puree them until smooth.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the ground lamb and cook until it’s browned all the way through, breaking it into very small pieces. Drain any excess fat.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lamb, mashed butternut squash, cooked white rice, pureed green beans, and pureed spinach.
• Pour in the bone broth and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Mix everything together really well. Make sure it’s fully combined and has a soft, uniform consistency.
• If using a powdered or liquid multivitamin, add it now and mix it in thoroughly.
• Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving or storing.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small senior dogs (up to 20 lbs): Feed about 1/2 to 1 cup per day, divided into two meals.
• Medium senior dogs (20-50 lbs): Feed about 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day, divided into two meals.
• Large senior dogs (over 50 lbs): Feed about 3 to 4 cups per day, divided into two meals.
• These are starting points. Active senior dogs might need a bit more. Less active ones might need less.
• For very old or underweight dogs, you might increase portions slightly to help them maintain weight.
• Always talk to your vet to get personalized feeding advice for your dog’s specific needs and health conditions. They know your dog best.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Ground Lamb: A high-quality protein source, important for maintaining muscle mass in older dogs. It also provides essential amino acids.
• Butternut Squash: Rich in fiber for healthy digestion and packed with vitamins A and C, which support immune function and vision.
• White Rice: An easily digestible carbohydrate that provides energy without upsetting sensitive stomachs, common in senior dogs.
• Green Beans & Spinach: Offer essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are low in calories and high in fiber.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats, including Omega-6 fatty acids, beneficial for skin and coat health.
• Bone Broth: Adds flavor and hydration. It contains collagen, which can support joint health.
• Senior Dog Multivitamin: Ensures your dog gets all necessary vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, B-complex vitamins, and vitamin D, crucial for overall senior health, especially when teeth are gone.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store the cooled dog food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, divide the food into daily portions and freeze them in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, just until it’s room temperature or slightly warm.
• Always check the temperature before serving to avoid burning your dog’s mouth.
• Serve it as is for easy eating. You can also mix a small amount with their regular kibble if you’re transitioning them, but this recipe is designed to be a complete meal.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting (FAQ)

Can I make a big batch and freeze it?

Yes, absolutely. This recipe is great for batch cooking. Just divide it into individual portions before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before warming and serving.

What if my dog doesn’t like lamb?

You can easily substitute ground lamb with ground turkey or lean ground beef. Just make sure it’s cooked thoroughly and any excess fat is drained.

Is this recipe suitable for dogs without any teeth?

Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for senior dogs with no teeth or dental issues. The ingredients are cooked until very soft and mashed, making it easy for them to lap up and swallow without chewing.

Do I really need a multivitamin supplement?

While this recipe provides many nutrients, a senior dog multivitamin supplement helps ensure your dog gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals they need for complete and balanced nutrition, especially as their bodies age and absorb nutrients differently. It’s an important addition for homemade diets.

Wrapping Up

Giving your senior dog a meal they can enjoy again is truly rewarding. This lamb and butternut squash recipe is a simple way to show your love and ensure they get vital nutrients without any chewing. It’s easy to make and they’ll love it.