As dogs age, they may experience a decline in appetite, making it challenging to ensure they receive proper nutrition. Poor appetite in senior dogs can be caused by various factors, including dental issues, medical conditions, medication side effects, or simply a decrease in their sense of smell and taste. However, one solution that can help entice a senior dog to eat is bone broth.
How is Bone Broth Beneficial for Senior Dogs?
Bone broth has the following benefits for a senior dog:
- It acts as a nutritional powerhouse for them providing all the essential nutrients.
- It helps in stimulating appetite, especially for dogs who don’t eat much.
- It supports digestion by increasing healthy gut bacteria.
Overall, bone broth is the perfect inclusion to a senior’s dog’s diet.
Making Bone Broth for Senior Dogs
Here’s how you can make bone for senior dogs at home. Start by choosing the right bones. Make sure they are high-quality bones from grass-fed or pasture-fed animals. Beef, chicken, turkey, and fish bones are ideal to use. Avoid using cooked bones.
Next, follow the given steps:
- To make bone broth, place the bones in a large pot or slow cooker.
- Add enough water to cover the bones.
- Also, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar as it extracts the minerals from the ingredients.
- You can also add vegetables like carrots, celery, and parsley for added flavor and nutrition.
- Simmer the bones on low heat for several hours or even overnight to allow the nutrients to infuse into the broth.
Remember to skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the cooking process.
Feeding Guidelines
Once the bone broth is ready, strain the liquid to remove any bones or vegetable remnants. Let it cool and then store it in airtight containers. You can refrigerate the broth for up to five days or freeze it in smaller portions for longer storage. When feeding bone broth to a senior dog with a poor appetite, start with small amounts and gradually increase the serving size. Monitor their response and change the quantity if needed.
Creative Ways to Incorporate Bone Broth into a Senior Dog's Diet
There are many ways you can incorporate bone broth into your senior dog’s diet. However, some of the common ways are:
- To mix it with their regular food
- Feed as freeze-dried dog treats
Homemade Bone Broth-Based Recipes
Get creative and use bone broth as a base for homemade dog food recipes. You can combine bone broth with cooked meats, vegetables, and grains to create nourishing and easily digestible meals for your senior dog. This allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the recipes to your dog's specific dietary needs and preferences.
In Conclusion
Bone broth is a valuable resource for senior dogs who struggle with a poor appetite. Hence, feed your dogs the best in their last days. Buy the best quality bone broth from Paws Food Express in Houston, Texas.
We also sell a variety of food items for cats and dogs at our pet store. Contact us now to know more!