Here at Saras Happy Paws dog sitting services, we know what it’s like to have an elderly dog! What don’t we worry about, right?! Their joints, their hips, their hearts, their skin! There is so much to baby when it comes to our elderly doggos. We’ve put together a blog of some of our favorite recipe ideas to help support all the most worrisome areas for our dog parents out there! Check it out below for some paw-some recipes to help your furry friend feel their best!
Dog Treat Recipes for Joint Support
The main job of these recipes you’ll find below is to help reduce inflammation! Inflammation in the joints is a major cause of pain and stiffness, two things that can make it difficult for your dog to move around. So let’s just jump right in!
1. Peanut Butter & Banana Joint Dog Treats
How does this recipe help your furry friend’s joints exactly? The omega-3 fatty acids in the peanut butter help to fight inflammation, while the bananas are a source of Vitamin C, another important nutrient for reducing inflammation.
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
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter and banana until light and fluffy. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture, mixing until well blended. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is soft but not sticky.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out with dog bone-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm. Cool on a wire rack.
Yield: 2 dozen
2. Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Pumpkin is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which helps to reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, a nutrient that the body converts into Vitamin A, another important vitamin for reducing inflammation.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup sweet potato puree
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– 2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup water
Instructions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, sweet potato puree, and peanut butter until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the pumpkin mixture, mixing until well blended. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is soft but not sticky.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out with dog bone-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm. Cool on a wire rack.’
Yield: 2 dozen
3. Apple & Oatmeal Dog Treats
Apples are a great source of antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, oatmeal is a whole grain that is packed with fiber, which can also help to reduce inflammation.
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
Instructions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix together applesauce, oatmeal, and honey until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the apple mixture, mixing until well blended. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is soft but not sticky.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out with dog bone-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm. Cool on a wire rack.
Yield: 2 dozen’
4. Salmon & Kale Dog Treats
In this recipe, the main ingredient, salmon, is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, kale is a leafy green that is high in vitamins A, C, and K, all of which are important nutrients for reducing inflammation.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cooked salmon
– 1/2 cup chopped kale
– 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
– 2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup water
Instructions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix together salmon, kale, and pumpkin puree until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the salmon mixture, mixing until well blended. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is soft but not sticky.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out with dog bone-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm. Cool on a wire rack.
Yield: 2 dozen’
Dog Treat Recipes for Heart Support
The main job of these dog treat recipes you’ll find below is to help keep your dog’s heart healthy. They’ll do this by helping to reduce inflammation and keeping their weight down (if they’re currently carrying a few extra pounds).
1. Pumpkin & Banana Dog Treats
Pumpkin is a great source of fiber, which can help to reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, bananas are a good source of potassium, which is an important mineral for heart health.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– 2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup water
Instructions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, banana, and peanut butter until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the pumpkin mixture, mixing until well blended. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is soft but not sticky.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out with dog bone-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm. Cool on a wire rack.
Yield: 2 dozen’
2. Sweet Potato & Carrot Dog Treats
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, which can help to reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, carrots are a good source of beta-carotene, an important nutrient for heart health.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
– 1/2 cup grated carrot
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup water
Instructions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix together sweet potato, carrot, and honey until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the sweet potato mixture, mixing until well blended. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is soft but not sticky.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out with dog bone-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm. Cool on a wire rack.
Yield: 2 dozen’
3. Oatmeal, Banana & Yogurt Dog Treats
Oats are a good source of fiber, which can help to reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, bananas are a good source of potassium, and yogurt is a good source of protein, both of which are important nutrients for heart health.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup water
Instructions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, banana, and yogurt until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the oat mixture, mixing until well blended. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is soft but not sticky.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out with dog bone-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven,. or until firm Cool on a wire rack.’
Yield: 2 dozen’
Dog Treat Recipes for Skin Support
Dogs can suffer from skin problems just like humans. If your dog is scratching more than usual, it might be time to adjust their diet. These dog treat recipes for skin support can help to soothe your dog’s itchiness and discomfort.
1. Salmon & Coconut Oil Dog Treats
Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining healthy skin. Meanwhile, coconut oil can help to soothe dry, itchy skin.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cooked salmon, shredded
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil
– 2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup water
Instructions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix together salmon and coconut oil until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the salmon mixture, mixing until well blended. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is soft but not sticky.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out with dog bone-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven,. or until firm Cool on a wire rack.’
Yield: 2 dozen’
2. Sweet Potato & Honey Dog Treats
Sweet potatoes are a good source of beta-carotene, an important nutrient for healthy skin. Honey can also help to soothe irritated skin.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup waterInstructions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix together sweet potato and honey until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the sweet potato mixture, mixing until well blended. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is soft but not sticky.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out with dog bone-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven,. or until firm Cool on a wire rack.’
Yield: 2 dozen’
3. Pumpkin & Yogurt Dog Treats
Pumpkin is a good source of fiber, which can help to soothe an upset stomach. Yogurt also contains probiotics, which can help to support 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 waterInstructions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin and yogurt until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the pumpkin mixture, mixing until well blended. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is soft but not sticky.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out with dog bone-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven,. or until firm Cool on a wire rack.’
Yield: 2 dozen’
4. Banana & Oatmeal Dog Treats
Bananas are a good source of potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy skin. Oatmeal can also help to soothe itchy, dry skin.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup mashed banana
– 1 cup oatmeal
– 2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup waterInstructions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix together banana and oatmeal until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the banana mixture, mixing until well blended. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is soft but not sticky.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out with dog bone-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm Cool on a wire rack.
Yield: 2 dozen’
Dog Sitting for Elderly Dogs
Here at Sara’s Happy Paws, we’re pros in elderly dog sitting! Not only have we had elderly dogs to care for of our own, but we’ve had loads of experience in caring for our elderly fur clients as well. Between medication distribution, easy-on-the-joints walks, and plenty of dog treats and cuddles, we’ve got your elderly dog’s needs covered!
We know that as your dog gets older, its needs change. They may need more frequent potty breaks or have a little more trouble getting around. That’s why we’re here to help! We’ll make sure your dog is comfortable and safe, while also getting the love and attention they need and deserve. And even better, if you book an overnight care service with us, we’ll even make some of these delicious treats we talked about above for your old fella as well!
If you’re interested in learning more about our elderly dog-sitting services, or if you’re ready to book a service, please visit our website or give us a call! Happy treat making!