This balanced homemade Dog Food Recipe is veterinarian-approved and designed to provide your furry friend with optimal nutrition for a long and healthy life. Knowing exactly what goes into your dog’s food offers peace of mind and can contribute to a shinier coat, healthier teeth, and fresher breath.
This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Make a large quantity once or twice a month, freeze it in portions, and thaw overnight as needed. This ensures convenience without compromising on freshness or nutritional value.
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your dog’s preferences. While the base recipe uses ground beef, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. Simply increase the amount of beef liver to compensate for the lower protein, iron, and zinc content in poultry. This provides variety while maintaining a balanced nutritional profile.
Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate serving size for your dog’s age, breed, and activity level. A general guideline is to feed 2-3% of your dog’s body weight daily, divided into two meals. Always prioritize your veterinarian’s recommendations for your individual dog’s needs.
This recipe provides approximately 40 calories per ounce. For in-depth information on the nutritional benefits of each ingredient, refer to Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib’s original recipe on YouTube.
While this recipe can be served raw, gently cooking the food is also an option. Use a nonstick pan over low heat without any oil, ensuring the meat is cooked through without being seared. You can form patties, create larger chunks, or crumble the mixture into mince. If using a stainless steel pan, ensure it’s properly heated and avoid high heat to prevent sticking.
This dog food recipe prioritizes lean protein sources, healthy fats, essential vitamins and minerals, and beneficial fiber. Key ingredients include:
- Lean Ground Meat: Beef, turkey, or chicken provides essential amino acids.
- Hempseed: A source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for balanced fats. Hempseed oil can be used but should not be exposed to high heat.
- Sardines: Rich in Vitamin D and Vitamin E. Use canned sardines packed in water, not oil.
- Ground Ginger: Supports connective tissue health with its manganese content.
- Kelp Powder: Promotes healthy teeth and coat with its iodine content.
- Eggs & Eggshells: Provide folic acid, Vitamin B12, and calcium (eggshells are for adult dogs only, not puppies).
- Beef Liver: A source of copper, iron, and zinc. Adjust the amount when using poultry instead of beef.
- Broccoli, Red Bell Pepper, & Spinach: Offer antioxidants, phytonutrients, enzymes, and fiber. Omit spinach for senior dogs with kidney issues.
To prepare the food, combine the meat, eggs, kelp, ginger, hempseed, sardines, and optional pumpkin puree. Set aside half of the eggshells. Blend the vegetables, remaining eggshells, and beef liver in a food processor until finely chopped. Combine the meat mixture and the blended ingredients thoroughly.
Portion the mixture according to your dog’s daily needs and store it in the freezer for up to several weeks or in the refrigerator for up to four days. Thaw frozen portions overnight before serving.
Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet. This recipe provides a foundation for a healthy homemade dog food, but individual needs may vary.
This balanced diet can be supplemented with healthy homemade treats. Consider incorporating ingredients like green-lipped mussels, known for their anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for joint health.
This dog food recipe provides a nutritious and delicious meal plan that your dog will love.
