DIY Dog Treats for Senior Dogs

Dogs mature in very similar ways to their human counterparts. As people age, several health issues, including hip dysplasia and joint problems, can develop through routine activity, as with dogs! As aging canines fail to absorb the nutrients from their regular dog food, pet parents must switch to senior dog food and add senior dog treats. Senior dog food recipes support cognitive function and reduce joint and body discomfort. Senior dog treats can target specific aging issues, like skin irritation, heart support, and additional joint support. Keep reading to find Fido’s new favorite treat recipes you can bake at home!

Peanut Butter & Banana

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of xylitol-free peanut butter
• 1 ripe banana
• 2 cups of flour
• 1/4 tsp of baking powder
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1/2 cup of water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Line a baking sheet with non-stick spray or parchment paper
3. In one bowl, combine peanut butter and banana until creamy while mixing dry ingredients in a separate bowl
4. Add mixtures together in a large bowl, adding water one teaspoon at a time until the dough is soft
5. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface until about 1/2 inch thick
6. Cut out desired shapes and place them on a baking sheet
7. Bake for about 20 minutes or until firm

Sweet Potato & Pumpkin

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup of sweet potato puree
• 2 tbsps of peanut butter
• 2 cups of flour
• 1 tsp of baking powder
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1/2 cup of water

Instructions:

1. Set oven to 350 degrees F. and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Combine pumpkin, sweet potato, and peanut butter in a bowl until blended
3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture
5. Add water one teaspoon at a time until the dough is soft
6. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2” thick
7. Cut out desired shapes and place them on a baking sheet
8. Bake for 20 minutes, and allow to cool before serving to Fido

Apple & Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 2 cups of flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Prepare your oven at 350 degrees F while lining a baking sheet with non-stick spray
2. In one bowl, combine applesauce, oatmeal, and honey until thoroughly mixed
3. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients
4. Combine mixtures in small increments until thoroughly blended, adding teaspoons of water until the dough is soft
5. Roll out onto a lightly floured surface until 1/2 inch thick; cut out desired shapes
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes

Oatmeal, Banana, & Yogurt (No bake)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked oats
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup yogurt

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick spray
2. Mix ingredients in a bowl
3. Pour wet mixture into silicone treat tray
4. Place in the freezer until solid

Check out these related blog posts for more treat recipes!

DIY Valentine’s Day Dog Treats

Enriching Dog Treat Recipes

DIY Frozen Dog Treats