If you were forced to eat the same food every day for your entire life, wouldn’t you wonder if you were receiving a nutritionally balanced and complete diet? This is what life is like for dogs. In the past, before commercially produced dog food existed, dogs consumed similar foods to humans. That is why our dogs often beg for our food – they are meant to have a diverse diet. We have prepared some suggestions on how to create dog food, nutritional recommendations, and our preferred recipes for homemade dog food.
Homemade Dog Food Recipes
CBD-Infused Dog Treats
If you prefer to make your own CBD dog treats instead of buying them, here’s a recipe. Remember to inform your vet that you’re including CBD in your dog’s diet. Ensure you consult the dosing instructions provided by the CBD product manufacturer to ensure you administer the correct amount to your dog.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 apple, cored and grated
- 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/3 cup olive or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup water
- dash of sea salt
- 120 mg CBD oil
The total number of treats made is 24.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a dog cookie baking tray with coconut oil.
- Core and grate the apples, then peel and grate the carrots.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, oats, and coconut sugar. In another medium-sized bowl, beat the egg. Then, add coconut oil, water, and grated apples and carrots.
- Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients bowl; mix thoroughly. Finally, add CBD oil and mix once more.
- Using a Tbsp measuring spoon, portion the dog biscuits and press them into the dog treat baking pan.
- Bake for 32-37 minutes or until the biscuits are firm and golden-brown on the outside.
- Store in an air-tight container.
Beef Stew, Doggie Style
This recipe is abundant in iron derived from fresh protein and can be kept in the refrigerator for the majority of the week (or frozen and reheated at a later time).
Ingredients
- 1 pound of beef stew meat
- 1 small sweet potato
- 1/2 cup of carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup of green beans, diced
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
The total amount is approximately 4 cups, which is equivalent to 32 fluid ounces.
Nutritional Info (per 1 cup serving):
- Calories : 301
- Protein : 36.7 g
- Fat : 8.4 g
- Carbs : 17.4 g
- Minerals & Vitamins : Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Potassium
Directions
- Cook the sweet potato in a microwave for 5 to 8 minutes until firm but tender. Set aside.
- Slice the beef into small chunks about the size of a nickel.
- Cook the beef stew pieces in a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until well-done.
- Remove the beef chunks from the pan, reserving the drippings.
- Dice the sweet potato.
- Heat the drippings over medium-low heat. Slowly add flour and water into the drippings while whisking to create a thick gravy.
- Add the meat, sweet potato, carrots, and green beans into the gravy and stir to coat.
- Cook until the carrots are tender — about 10 minutes.
- Let it cool and serve.
- Store remaining stew in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Turkey, Rice, And Veggie Mix
For dogs who may need to maintain a healthy weight, this recipe is an outstanding option as it is both low in calories and low in fat. It contains a well-balanced combination of lean animal protein, nutritious carbohydrates, and vegetables, resulting in a total of 12 cups of dog food. Additionally, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 5 days.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups uncooked brown rice
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 (16 ounces) package of frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower
The total amount is approximately 12 cups, which is equivalent to 96 fluid ounces.
Nutritional Info (per 1 cup serving):
- Calories : 97
- Protein : 11 g
- Fat : 4.3 g
- Carbs : 4.7 g
- Minerals & Vitamins : Iron, Potassium
Directions
- Place the water, ground turkey, rice, and rosemary into a large Dutch oven.
- Stir until the ground turkey is broken up and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the frozen vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Easy Slow Cooker Beef & Rice Meal
We appreciate this recipe because of its nutritional benefits, short preparation time (10 minutes), and simple slow cooker method. It produces 12 cups of food and, similar to the beef stew, can be stored in the freezer for future meals.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds of ground beef
- 1 ½ cups uncooked brown rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups chopped butternut squash
- 1 ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 4 cups of water
The total quantity is approximately 12 cups, which is equivalent to 88 fluid ounces.
Nutritional Info (per 1 cup serving):
- Calories : 400
- Protein : 39.1g
- Fat : 7g
- Carbs : 44.2 g
- Minerals & Vitamins : Iron, Potassium, Calcium
Directions
- Stir in all ingredients with 4 cups of water in a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours or high heat for 2 to 3 hours.
- Stir as needed and cool to room temperature.
Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
If you are seeking a remedy for your dog’s digestive problems, consider using pumpkin as it is gentle on upset stomachs and can provide relief. These homemade dog treats are an excellent method to incorporate a natural aid for your pet’s digestion into their diet.
Ingredients
- 1 can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup oats (optional if your dog is on a grain-free diet, sub an extra 1/4 cup grain-free flour)
- 3 cups whole wheat flour, brown rice flour, or gluten-free flour
- 3 tablespoons of peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol free)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
The total number of treats made is approximately 24.
Nutritional Info (per 1 biscuit serving):
- Calories : 27
- Protein : 1.3 g
- Fat : 1.5g
- Carbs : 2.8 g
- Minerals & Vitamins : Vitamin D, Iron
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, oats, and cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin, and peanut butter until combined. Stir wet ingredients into dry.
- Pour a floured surface and roll the dough to 1/2″ thick. Cut out using a cookie cutter.
- The dough will be a little sticky; add a dusting of flour to your hands and the rolling pin to help. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Place on cooling racks and let cool thoroughly. They will harden as they cool.
Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe: Chicken Jerky Strips
If you want to avoid additives and preservatives, it is not advisable to trust store-bought rawhides. Instead, you can opt for homemade chicken jerky strips. This recipe is grain-free and offers a healthier option that is also simple to make. It is recommended to store these strips in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, and they can last for up to two weeks if they manage to stay uneaten for that long.
Ingredients
- 2 to 4 boneless, 3-oz skinless chicken breasts
- Total : Makes approx. 10-20 strips
Nutritional Info (per 1 stick serving):
- Calories : 33
- Protein : 7.8 g
- Fat : >1g
- Carbs : 0 g
- Minerals & Vitamins : Vitamin D, Potassium
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
- Trim all excess fat off the chicken breasts.
- Cut into 1/8 inch thick strips using a paring knife.
- Bake for 2 hours on a baking sheet until the strips are dry and hard.
- Cool completely before presenting to your pup.
Frozen Banana Treats
Who wouldn’t want a cool treat after a long walk in the hot sun? This easy recipe for a frozen smoothie for your dog includes yogurt, banana, and peanut butter. Is there anything else we need to add?
Ingredients
- 4 cups plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol free)
- 3 ripe bananas, peeled & mashed
Total: Approximately 8 treats, each weighing 1 ounce.
Nutritional Info (per 1 treat serving):
- Calories : 150
- Protein : 8.5 g
- Fat : 3.7 g
- Carbs : 19.5 g
- Minerals & Vitamins : Calcium, Potassium, Iron
Directions
- Blend all ingredients into a puree.
- Pour into 4-ounce plastic cups (ice trays or toddler popsicle trays work well).
- Freeze until firm.
- Can keep in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE DOG FOOD
Preparing your dog’s food at home offers numerous health benefits. When compared to processed kibble dog food, a homemade diet allows you to have a clear understanding of what your dogs are consuming, providing you with peace of mind and confidence that they are receiving the necessary nutrients to stay healthy. In this guide, you can find information about creating your own dog food, including suggestions for selecting high-quality meats and vegetables, to guarantee that your pets meet all of their nutritional requirements.
IMPROVING YOUR DOG’S HEALTH WITH A HOMEMADE DIET
The most crucial aspect is to maintain a balanced diet. Deficiencies can arise if the meal plan lacks balance. Dogs can quickly develop health issues, especially if there is an imbalance of vitamins or minerals, notably calcium, in their diet. This occurrence can happen within a few months, particularly in puppies. This is the primary reason why veterinarians are against homemade meals since they directly witness all the deficiencies.
HOW TO ENSURE YOUR DOGS GET A BALANCED DIET
Know Better for Dogs offers a comprehensive solution for your dog’s needs. We exclusively use high-quality ingredients and incorporate essential nutrients and protein to promote health and longevity. Our whole food premix supplies your dog with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. We simplify and make it convenient for dog owners to maintain a balanced raw or cooked meat diet at home, enhancing their dogs’ well-being. Our premix suits all life stages, utilizing only 100% human-grade ingredients. Know Better for Dogs is grain-free. Simply add raw or cooked meat and water, and vegetables are optional. Making homemade dog food has never been easier, so have fun experimenting with various meat and vegetable combinations and enjoy the results!
CHOOSING THE MEAT FOR A HOMEMADE DOG FOOD
When making homemade dog food, the primary ingredient is either raw or cooked meat. Dogs require a diet primarily composed of protein due to being essentially obligate carnivores. It is important that the meat used is fresh and suitable for humans to eat. The recommended fat content should fall within the range of 8 to 15%. Here is a selection of meats to consider for the dog food recipe:
Beef, which can be in the form of lean pre-ground stewing meat, boneless steak or roast, or heart, can be used as an ingredient. Similarly, lamb can be used as pre-ground boneless stewing meat from the shank, leg, or butt. Poultry, on the other hand, can be in the form of pre-ground boneless and skinless breast fillet or thigh. Lastly, venison can be utilized as pre-ground stewing meat from the neck, shank, or shoulder.
To maintain the same meaning, the text could be rephrased as follows, step by step: 1. The use of exotic meats like buffalo, caribou, elk, moose, duck, or rabbit is also possible. 2. Using raw fish regularly is not recommended because it can cause a thiamine deficiency. 3. The information is based on a reference from Houpt, Hintz & Shepherd in 1978, found in The Domestic Dog, Cambridge University Press, 1995.
VEGETABLES FOR HOMEMADE DOG FOOD
When preparing homemade dog food, the recommended proportion for vegetables is approximately 1/4 of the meal. Including vegetables in the dog’s diet can supply vital vitamins, minerals, and fiber. For optimal nutrient absorption, it is beneficial to lightly steam, chop, or puree the vegetables. Some ideal choices of vegetables for homemade dog food include:
The sequence of vegetables includes butternut squash, pumpkin, cucumber, zucchini, carrots, and parsnips.
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THINGS TO AVOID WHEN MAKING DOG FOOD AT HOME
When preparing your dog’s food, it is important to avoid certain human foods such as raw beans, peas, spinach, beet greens, kale (on a daily basis), chard, onions, garlic, leek, green tomato, potato, and bell peppers.
1. It is advisable to refrain from giving your dog raw green beans as they have a toxic alkaloid that resembles arsenic. To eliminate these toxins, cooking the green beans is necessary. 2. Steer clear of consuming raw, non-aged garlic as it can irritate the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, potentially causing or worsening ulcers. 3. It is not recommended to include other members of the Lily family, such as onions, garlic, shallots, and chives, in your dog’s diet. These plants can be harmful to dogs whether they are eaten raw, cooked, or dried, leading to damage in the red blood cells. 4. The nightshade family, including bell peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes, contains a substance called “Solanine” which is an alkaloid that can be toxic. Solanine is also poisonous to humans, but it would require a higher concentration, like that found in potato sprouts or green potatoes, to cause illness. 5. It is advisable to avoid feeding carbohydrates like corn, wheat, rice, brown rice, and potatoes to dogs. Dogs lack the necessary digestive enzymes to effectively break down and metabolize carbohydrates.
The addition of carbohydrates to commercial dog food helps reduce production cost but often leads to canine health problems such as gastrointestinal issues, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and food allergies.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MAKING YOUR OWN DOG FOOD
Learn the answers to some commonly asked questions that dog owners have about preparing homemade dog food: – What types of homemade food are good for dogs? Good homemade food for healthy dogs should contain all the necessary vitamins, calcium, proteins, and minerals. You can include ground beef, chicken, lamb, or venison, as well as vegetables like zucchini, carrots, parsnips, beets, yams, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes. – Is it acceptable to feed homemade dog food? Yes, it is acceptable to feed your dog homemade food as long as the diet provides all the essential nutrients for their health. Before introducing new food to your dog’s diet, consult your Holistic Veterinarian. – What is the recommended ratio for homemade dog food? Since dogs are obligate carnivores, their diet should primarily consist of meats and protein. A good ratio to follow is 80% meat, 10% vegetables, and 10% Know Better Pet Food Premix. – How much food should you feed your dog? The amount of food you should feed your dog depends on their size and activity level. The following are our daily serving recommendations for dogs based on weight: – 1/4lb. or 1/2 cup for a 10-12lb. dog – 1/2lb. or 1 cup for a 20-25lb. dog – 1lb. or 2 cups for a 40-50lb. dog – 2lbs. or 4 cups for a 100lb. dog – What else should you include in a homemade dog diet? In addition to a grain-free diet with high nutritional value, your dog requires proteins from animal sources such as beef, chicken, or lamb, as well as fats from meat. They also need essential omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and magnesium, which can be obtained from certain fish oils, egg yolks, and other foods. It may also be beneficial to include homemade dog treats like sardines, eggs, fruits, or vegetables.
