Canine Cooking
Specifically designed as a senior dog recipe, this meal meets all Canine Cooking requirements with balanced protein, vegetables, and beneficial ingredients like bone broth and fish oil.
Senior Shepherd's Slow-Cooked Lamb Stew
This thoughtfully crafted lamb stew is designed specifically for senior dogs who deserve meals as wise and wonderful as they are. Featuring tender, slow-cooked lamb that's rich in easily digestible protein and essential amino acids, this recipe supports muscle maintenance in aging canines. The extended cooking time breaks down the meat fibers, making it exceptionally gentle on sensitive stomachs and perfect for dogs with dental issues.
Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy while delivering beta-carotene and fiber for digestive health. Carrots add natural sweetness and additional vitamins, while the homemade bone broth serves as the foundation of this healing stew, providing glucosamine and chondroitin to support aging joints and promote mobility. The addition of fish oil delivers omega-3 fatty acids for coat health, brain function, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
The slow-cooking method preserves maximum nutrients while creating a warming, aromatic meal that even the pickiest senior dogs find irresistible. The soft texture requires minimal chewing, making it ideal for dogs with missing teeth or jaw discomfort. Each serving is packed with joint-supporting compounds, easily digestible proteins, and gentle fiber to keep your gray-muzzled companion feeling their best.
This recipe makes approximately 12 cups, perfect for batch cooking and freezing in individual portions. Feed 1 cup per 20 pounds of body weight per day, divided into two meals. Always consult with your veterinarian before changing your senior dog's diet, especially if they have existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
Nutrition
4 hours 20 minutes
None servings
285 calories
Fat
12.50g
Carbs
18.00g
Protein
24.00g
Ingredients
| 2 lbs | boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes |
| 6 cups | low-sodium bone broth |
| 2 large | sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed |
| 3 medium | carrots, peeled and sliced |
| 1 cup | green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces |
| 2 cups | spinach, fresh, roughly chopped |
| 1 cup | brown rice, uncooked |
| 2 tbsp | fish oil |
| 1 tbsp | coconut oil |
| 1/2 tsp | ground turmeric (optional) |
Equipment
Cutting board
wooden spoon or spatula
paper towels
measuring cups and spoons
large skillet
sharp knife
vegetable peeler
potato masher or fork
storage containers
slow cooker (6-quart capacity)
Instructions
1
Trim any excess fat from the lamb shoulder and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels.
8 min
2
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Peel and slice the carrots into 1/4-inch rounds. Trim and cut green beans into 1-inch pieces. Roughly chop the spinach.
10 min
3
Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lamb cubes in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
2 min
4
8 min
Brown the lamb on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. The meat doesn't need to be cooked through, just seared for flavor.
5
Transfer the browned lamb to a slow cooker. Add the bone broth, sweet potatoes, carrots, and uncooked brown rice.
2 min
6
Add turmeric if using, and stir all ingredients together to combine well.
1 min
7
4h
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to LOW heat. Cook for 4 hours, allowing the ingredients to cook slowly and thoroughly.
8
After 3.5 hours of cooking, add the green beans and chopped spinach to the slow cooker. Stir to incorporate.
2 min
9
30 min
Continue cooking for the final 30 minutes until all vegetables are very tender and the lamb easily shreds with a fork.
10
Remove from heat and allow the stew to cool completely, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The stew should reach room temperature before serving or storing.
45 min
11
If using fish oil, stir it into the cooled stew until well distributed throughout.
1 min
12
Use a potato masher or fork to gently break up the lamb into smaller, more manageable pieces for senior dogs. The meat should shred easily.
3 min
13
Portion the stew based on your dog's weight: serve 1 cup per 20 lbs of body weight per meal. Store remaining portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
5 min