Beef & Pumpkin Stew for Senior Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 cup canned pure pumpkin (not pie filling)
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat and set beef aside.
- In the same pot, add olive oil and sauté carrots and zucchini for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add the browned beef back to the pot along with the broth, rice, and pumpkin. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes until rice is cooked through and vegetables are very soft.
- Add green beans in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely before serving. Mash or blend if your senior dog has dental issues.
💊 Required Supplements
Add per serving (approximately 1 cup): 1/4 tsp calcium carbonate powder for bone health, 200 IU Vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols) for immune support, 50mg Vitamin B-complex for energy metabolism, and 1/8 tsp iodized salt for thyroid function. Mix supplements into cooled stew immediately before serving to preserve potency.
Nutritional Analysis
1 cup (for 25lb dog)| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 26g (33% DM) |
| Fat | 14g (18% DM) |
| Carbohydrates | 36g (45% DM) |
| Fiber | 5g (6% DM) |
| Moisture | 74% |
| Calcium | 1.1% DM |
| Phosphorus | 0.85% DM |
| Ca:P Ratio | 1.3:1 |
🧊 Safety & Storage
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Always serve at room temperature—never microwave directly. Wash all produce thoroughly and ensure beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Discard any uneaten food after 2 hours at room temperature.
⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning
Do not substitute pumpkin with pumpkin pie filling (contains toxic spices and excess sugar). Avoid replacing beef with fattier cuts as this may trigger pancreatitis in seniors. Never use onion, garlic, grapes, or xylitol-containing broth as these are toxic to dogs. Rice substitutions with quinoa or oats may alter fiber content and digestive tolerance.
⚕️ Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
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