Senior Joint Support Stew
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into small cubes
- 8 oz wild-caught salmon fillet, deboned and cubed
- 1 cup sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 cup low-sodium bone broth (chicken or beef)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
- Add diced chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Pour in the bone broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add sweet potato and butternut squash, stirring to combine with the chicken.
- Sprinkle in turmeric and ground ginger, mixing well to distribute evenly.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add the salmon cubes and green beans, cooking uncovered for another 8-10 minutes.
- Gently fold in the beaten eggs, stirring continuously to create a silky texture.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh spinach and blueberries, allowing residual heat to wilt the greens.
- Fold in the cooked brown rice and let the stew cool to room temperature before serving.
- Portion into airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze as directed below.
💊 Required Supplements
Add per daily serving (for a 25 lb dog): 1,000 mg fish oil (providing ~300 mg EPA + 200 mg DHA), 500 mg glucosamine HCl, 400 mg chondroitin sulfate, 250 mg MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), and 1/4 teaspoon of a canine-specific multivitamin powder meeting AAFCO minimums. Mix supplements into the cooled stew immediately before serving to preserve potency.
Nutritional Analysis
1.5 cups (for 25 lb senior dog)| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 38g (32% DM) |
| Fat | 22g (18% DM) |
| Carbohydrates | 42g (40% DM) |
| Fiber | 5g (5% DM) |
| Moisture | 70% |
| Calcium | 0.8% DM |
| Phosphorus | 0.7% DM |
| Ca:P Ratio | 1.14:1 |
🧊 Safety & Storage
Cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating. Store in airtight glass or BPA-free containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, or freeze individual portions in silicone molds or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Always discard any uneaten food left out for more than 2 hours. Wash hands and all surfaces thoroughly after handling raw poultry and fish.
⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning
Do not substitute chicken with leaner proteins like turkey breast as the added fat from thighs supports joint lubrication in seniors. Avoid replacing salmon with white fish as you will lose critical omega-3 fatty acids. Never use onion, garlic, or grapes/raisins as substitutes for listed vegetables and fruits—these are toxic to dogs. Do not swap brown rice with white rice or skip it entirely without adjusting caloric calculations. Turmeric should not be omitted as it is a primary anti-inflammatory agent in this formulation.
⚕️ Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
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