Senior Joint Support Stew
Ingredients
- 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 cup cubed butternut squash
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 lb beef bone broth (plain, unsalted)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/4 cup dried kelp powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and brown the ground turkey, breaking it into crumbles, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sear the beef stew cubes on all sides until lightly browned, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside with the turkey.
- Add the carrots, celery, sweet potato, and butternut squash to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant.
- Return the turkey and beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and bone broth. Add the brown rice and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and rice is fully cooked.
- Stir in the green beans, spinach, blueberries, ground flaxseed, and kelp powder. Cook uncovered for an additional 10-12 minutes until green beans are tender and spinach is wilted.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely to room temperature before serving. The stew should be thick and hearty with tender chunks of meat and vegetables throughout.
💊 Required Supplements
For a 50lb senior dog serving approximately 4 cups of this stew daily: Add 1500mg glucosamine HCl, 1200mg chondroitin sulfate, 500mg MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), and 1000mg fish oil (providing approximately 300mg EPA and 200mg DHA). Mix supplements directly into each meal. Alternatively, use a veterinary-approved joint supplement at the manufacturer's recommended dosage for a senior dog of this weight class.
Nutritional Analysis
4 cups (for 50lb senior dog)| Calories | 680 kcal |
| Protein | 52g (38% DM) |
| Fat | 24g (18% DM) |
| Carbohydrates | 62g (40% DM) |
| Fiber | 8g (4% DM) |
| Moisture | 70% |
| Calcium | 0.8% DM |
| Phosphorus | 0.7% DM |
| Ca:P Ratio | 1.14:1 |
🧊 Safety & Storage
Refrigerate in airtight glass or BPA-free containers for up to 5 days. Freeze individual portions in silicone muffin molds or freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator—never microwave. Always serve at room temperature or slightly warm. Discard any uneaten food left out for more than 2 hours. Wash hands and all surfaces thoroughly after handling. Consult your veterinarian before introducing this recipe, especially if your dog has kidney disease, pancreatitis, or food allergies.
⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning
Do not substitute the beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth without adjusting sodium levels, as many commercial broths contain unsafe sodium concentrations for senior dogs. Avoid replacing turkey with fattier proteins like lamb or pork, as excess fat can trigger pancreatitis in older dogs. Do not omit the kelp powder without adding an iodine source, and never use onion, garlic, grapes, or macadamia nuts as substitutes—these are toxic to dogs. If substituting sweet potato for pumpkin, maintain the same volume to preserve fiber and carbohydrate balance.
⚕️ Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
Share this recipe