Homemade Dog Food

Have you ever taken the time to read a dog food ingredient label? Some of those words I can’t pronounce and most I don’t even know what they are.

My husband and I made the choice to feed our dog a purchased human grade fresh dog food, and she loved it, however, the price tag is steep, and when we added 2 more dogs to our pack, that just wasn’t financially sustainable. So, I did what any good dog mom would do, research, and more research, and then I took to the kitchen.

I decided that fresh, homemade dog food had to be healthier for my canine companions than the dry bagged food you get at any big box store. And my vet completely agrees. The equation is quite simple; you start with a good, lean cut of meat, add a grain, like rice or pasta and then choose a few vegetables (I use at least 4 in each batch).

Fresh is best, but I will use frozen veggies in a pinch. Brown rice is better than white, but my dogs love Jasmine rice. Lentils & eggs will add an extra punch of nutrition. You want your meat to be lean and nutritious I’ve used fish, ground chuck, beef roast, pork roast and boneless, skinless chicken breast and my pups have never turned a meal away.

How I do it: first I cook the meat, hamburger is fried and drained of any extra grease. Chicken or roasts I cook in water or broth and shred. When the meat is done, I put the veggies in the broth and let them set for 30-60 minutes to soften.

While the veggies are doing their thing I cook my rice. 3 cups rice and 4.5 cups water, bring to a boil then turn off heat and put a lid on it. Your rice will be ready in 15-20 minutes.

Once it’s all done, I put the rice, meat, veggies and a little bit of broth into a large bowl and start mixing it up. I add enough liquid that it won’t be sticky, but you don’t want it soupy. I add a little coconut oil (it’s good for their coats and skin) and it’s all done. I let it cool and then I bag it up.

Serving:

I serve by weight.

5-15# = 1/2-1 cup

15-25# = 1-1.5 cups

25-35# = 1.5-2 cups

35-50# = 2-2.5 cups

This will vary based on dog size, weight, age and activity level.

I also supplement with a vet approved multi vitamin daily. Here’s a list of some of my dogs favorite veggies:

Corn, green beans, peas, carrots, celery, Brussel sprouts, spinach, cauliflower, asparagus, kale, and sweet potatoes. I use red kidney beans for the most nutrition. check with your vet for his or her approved veggie list. That’s all friends! Now get to cooking and make your fur babies happy!! Ps…I serve my dogs their meals in the large Rae Dunn bowls, yes, they might be spoiled.