As our beloved canine companions enter their golden years, their nutritional needs evolve to support changing activity levels and maintain vital muscle mass. The Muscle Maintenance Senior Mix is a thoughtfully crafted dinner designed specifically for senior dogs who need high-quality protein without excess calories. This recipe features lean ground beef as the primary protein source, delivering essential amino acids that help preserve muscle tissue even as activity levels naturally decline with age.
Quinoa, an ancient superfood grain, provides complete plant-based protein along with easily digestible carbohydrates that won't weigh down less active seniors. Unlike heavier grains, quinoa is gentle on aging digestive systems while still providing sustained energy throughout the day. The addition of fresh green beans adds valuable fiber for digestive health and a satisfying crunch that many senior dogs enjoy, all while keeping calorie counts in check.
This recipe is enhanced with nutrient-dense sweet potato for beta-carotene and fiber, plus a touch of fish oil to support joint health and maintain a lustrous coat. The blend of ingredients creates a balanced meal that respects the reduced caloric needs of senior dogs while ensuring they receive optimal nutrition to stay strong, healthy, and vibrant through their later years.
Perfect for batch cooking, this recipe yields multiple servings that can be refrigerated or frozen, making it convenient for busy pet parents who want to provide restaurant-quality nutrition at home. Each serving is carefully balanced to meet the 40-50% protein requirement essential for muscle maintenance, while the vegetable and grain components provide the fiber and nutrients that support overall senior dog wellness.
| 2 lbs | lean ground beef, 93% lean or leaner |
| 1 cup | quinoa, uncooked, rinsed |
| 2 cups | green beans, fresh or frozen, chopped into 1-inch pieces |
| 1 large | sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes |
| 2 medium | carrots, peeled and diced |
| 3 cups | water |
| 2 tbsp | fish oil, omega-3 supplement for dogs |
| 4 oz | beef liver, diced into small pieces (optional) |
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water for about 30 seconds to remove any bitter coating.
In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
Add the rinsed quinoa to the boiling water, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is fully cooked and water is absorbed.
While quinoa cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Cook the ground beef for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently and breaking into small crumbles, until fully browned with no pink remaining. If using liver, add it during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
Drain any excess fat from the cooked beef and set aside.
In the same large pot used for quinoa (after quinoa is done), add the remaining 1 cup of water and bring to a boil.
Add the diced sweet potato and carrots to the boiling water, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add the chopped green beans to the pot with sweet potato and carrots, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until green beans are tender but still slightly crisp.
Drain the vegetables and return them to the pot.
Add the cooked quinoa and cooked ground beef to the pot with the vegetables.
Stir all ingredients together thoroughly to combine, ensuring even distribution of protein, grains, and vegetables.
Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Once cooled, stir in the fish oil until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Portion the cooled food into individual serving containers based on your dog's weight (approximately 1 cup per 20 lbs of body weight per day, divided into meals). Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
