These soft mini meatballs are designed for senior dogs who struggle with hard treats. The pumpkin keeps them incredibly moist, while the beef provides the protein ageing muscles need. They're so soft they practically melt in your dog's mouth.
At a Glance
| β± Prep | 15 minutes |
| π₯ Cook | 18 minutes |
| π½ Makes | About 20 mini meatballs |
| π For | Senior dogs 7+ years |
π₯ Ingredients
- 200g lean beef mince
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup oat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
π©βπ³ Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175Β°C (350Β°F).
- Mix beef mince and pumpkin puree together thoroughly.
- Add beaten egg, oat flour, and olive oil.
- Mix until well combined β the mixture will be quite soft.
- Roll into small balls about 2cm diameter.
- Place on a lined baking tray.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes until cooked through but still very soft.
- Cool on the tray β resist the temptation to make them crispy!
π Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months β thaw in the fridge overnight.
π Nutrition Notes
Beef provides high-quality protein essential for maintaining muscle mass in ageing dogs, plus iron, zinc, and B12. Pumpkin adds fibre for digestive health and beta-carotene. The meatball format ensures even toothless dogs can enjoy these.
π‘ Tips
- For dogs with very few teeth, flatten into patties instead of balls
- The pumpkin keeps these incredibly moist even after baking
- Great for hiding medications β press a pill into the centre
- Use lean mince to keep these easy on ageing digestive systems
πΎ Senior Dog Note: These treats are designed to be gentle on ageing teeth and digestive systems. Senior dogs may have reduced kidney or liver function, so keep treats moderate. If your senior dog has specific health conditions, consult your vet about appropriate treats.
π While You're Here
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