Making your own dog food at home is easier than you think and can be a great way to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. A simple homemade dog food recipe lets you know exactly what’s going into their bowl, using fresh, wholesome ingredients. Store-bought options often include processed ingredients, but with this recipe, you can give your pet the love and nutrition they deserve. Let’s dive into creating a healthy meal that’s as simple as it is nourishing!
From Kibbles to Homemade Meals
When Shadow joined my life at just 10 weeks old, I was new to being a pet owner and didn’t know much about how to care for a dog. Like many first-time pet owners, I chose regular dry dog food because it was simple and easy.
As I learned more about keeping dogs healthy, I realized that Shadow needed proper nutrition, just like I do. From watching a Dog Nutritionist, I discovered that a mix of animal protein and plant-based foods was essential to keep Shadow healthy.
This inspired me to start making homemade dog food for him. I began using ingredients like pork, chicken, beef, or fish, along with vegetables, fruits, and eggs. Over time, I created an easy, healthy recipe that Shadow loves and that gives him all the nutrients he needs to stay strong and happy.
Caring for Shadow with Love
Shadow is my special companion and my first pet as an adult. He has a big place in my heart and is much more than just a dog. He is my hiking buddy, always by my side, and my best friend. As a Toy Aussie, his playful energy and loving personality bring so much happiness to my life. Taking care of his health and happiness is very important to me.
Making homemade meals for Shadow takes time, but it is worth it. At three and a half years old and weighing nine and a half pounds, Shadow is full of energy and loves life. Even though he is small, he has a big spirit and enjoys exploring the mountains with me.
Every day, Shadow eats two half-cup servings of my homemade dog food and gets a few snacks to keep him happy. His bright personality and loyal companionship inspire me every day. I am excited to share the easy recipe that helps keep him healthy and full of energy.
Tips for Making Safe Homemade Dog Food
You can use any type of meat you prefer, including raw, if you feel comfortable with it. For me, I like to keep meat handling to a minimum. I have separate pots and utensils just for making my dog’s food, and I skip using knives or cutting boards. Instead, I rely on a food processor to prepare everything except the meat.
When it comes to vegetables, both fresh and frozen work well. I prefer using frozen mixed vegetables because they are quick and easy to use. You can always switch up the ingredients to match what your dog likes best.
There’s no strict rule about how much of each ingredient to use for this homemade dog food recipe. I follow what works for me, but you can easily adjust the amounts and ingredients to suit your dog’s preferences and needs. There’s no need to worry about being exact.
Remember to avoid garlic and onions since they are dangerous for dogs. Be careful with raw eggs too, as they can carry salmonella. Always double-check that the ingredients you include are safe for your dog before preparing their food.
Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipe
For Shadow, this recipe typically lasts about three weeks and costs around $45 for all the ingredients. If you’re making a larger batch, purchasing meat and frozen vegetables from Costco is a great way to save money.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 lbs raw pork, beef or chicken (boneless and skinless)
- 2-3 lbs frozen mixed vegetables (Costco blend or any variety without added seasoning), thawed slightly
- 6 eggs (including the shells)
- 3 apples (cored and diced)
- 2 mashed bananas
- 1 cup ground flax seeds
- 1/2 cup Chia seeds
- Any frozen berries
Instructions:
1. For this homemade dog food recipe, begin by cooking the meat in a large pot with just enough water to cover it. Simmer for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and separates easily. Once cooked, turn off the heat and allow the meat to cool completely before using it.
2. If you’re using eggs, you have a few options. You can boil them whole and blend them in the food processor, including the shell. Another option is to crack them into the broth and stir, treating it like making soup. Then mix this with the rest of the ingredients.
3. Once the broth and meat are cooled, shred the meat using your hands and add it back to the pot.
4. Use a food processor to finely chop the thawed frozen mixed vegetables and diced apples. Also, process any other ingredients you’re using until they’re thoroughly mixed together. Then, add everything to the pot with the other ingredients.
5. If using flax and chia seeds, add them in. Then, mix everything together by hand until it has a texture similar to potsticker filling.
6. Divide the mixture into meal-sized servings and store them in a freezer-safe container.
7. When it’s mealtime, thaw the desired portion of the homemade dog food in the refrigerator and serve 1/2 to 1 cup per meal, adjusting according to your dog’s size and dietary needs.
Bonus Tip: Homemade Frozen Meat Treats
For a healthy homemade snack, try freezing cooked meat on a baking tray. Spread the shredded meat evenly on the tray and freeze it. Once it’s frozen, transfer the pieces into a freezer bag or container. When it’s time to feed your dog, you can serve the frozen meat as is or let it thaw for a few minutes. These treats thaw quickly, and Shadow absolutely loves them!
For me, making healthy homemade dog food has become an important part of caring for Shadow. It’s a simple and safe way to give him meals that are both healthy and delicious. More than that, it lets me provide him with wholesome food that he truly enjoys. It’s a rewarding way to keep him happy and healthy with meals made just for him.
You can also read my article to learn about the benefits of homemade dog food for your pets but always consult your vet to ensure the diet fits your pet’s specific health needs.
