It’s becoming increasingly popular to feed your furry friend human-grade dog food, and for good reason! This approach can be cost-effective, simple, and often healthier than traditional processed kibble. This guide provides easy How To Make Homemade Dog Food Recipes using lean ground sirloin, wholesome brown rice, fresh vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and beneficial herbs. This vibrant alternative can provide a new lease on life for your canine companion.
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. This guide is based on personal experience, research, and recipes used under veterinary supervision. Always consult with your vet before changing your dog’s diet and use your own judgment.
Understanding Homemade Dog Food
Many pet owners are curious about raw diets. While some advocate for them, it’s important to consider the risks. Vets often advise against raw diets due to the risk of food poisoning. Additionally, raw diets require careful planning to ensure proper balance. Mixing raw and cooked foods can cause digestive issues in dogs because they digest at different rates.
Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipe Breakdown
This go-to recipe features lean ground sirloin, brown rice, carrots, hard-boiled eggs, parsley, and Omega-rich oil. Don’t be afraid to use substitutions based on your dog’s needs and preferences.
Ingredient Substitutions and Considerations
Important: Dogs can have food allergies! The top 5 allergens are beef, dairy, wheat, chicken, and eggs. Consult your vet if you suspect an allergy.
- Meat: Opt for lean ground beef, ground chicken, ground turkey (white or dark meat), or ground pork. Ensure the meat is free of seasonings. Dogs with kidney disease benefit from low-phosphorus options like lean ground sirloin.
- Grains: Brown rice is an easily digestible source of fiber. White rice is a suitable alternative if limiting phosphorus. Other options include oats, quinoa, and whole-grain pasta. Be aware that gluten is a common allergen for dogs.
- Eggs: While eggs are a top allergen and yolks are high in phosphorus, they are also a high-quality protein source. Consult your vet about including eggs in your dog’s diet.
- Vegetables: Shredded carrots and fennel are great choices. Frozen veggie blends (peas, corn, carrots, green beans) are convenient and nutritious. Cooked sweet potatoes and canned 100% pumpkin (not pie filling!) add fiber and support digestion. Never feed raw sweet potato.
- Herbs: Curly parsley is beneficial for preventative kidney health, but limit intake for dogs with kidney disease. Cilantro, thyme, and basil offer various health benefits.
- Oil: Drizzle in a few tablespoons of Omega-3-rich oil like olive oil or safflower oil. Omega oil blends are also available, but tend to be more expensive.
Hydration for Dogs with Kidney Disease
Hydration is crucial, especially for dogs with kidney disease. Saturated food reduces the workload on the kidneys.
- Bone Broth: Enhance hydration with nutritious liquids like homemade bone broth. Use dog-friendly ingredients like apples, ginger, and mushrooms (avoid onions). Bone broth can boost the immune system, improve liver health, aid digestion, and relieve joint pain.
Feeding Guidelines
A general guideline is to feed approximately 1 cup of prepared food per 10 lbs of body weight. Adjust portion sizes based on your dog’s individual needs. Dogs with kidney problems may benefit from several small meals throughout the day.
Kidney-Friendly Snacks
Choose snacks wisely, especially for dogs with kidney disease. Opt for thin apple slices, banana chunks, carrots, whole unsalted peanuts in the husks, and dehydrated sweet potatoes. Limit meat-based chews and treats high in phosphorus.
Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipe
Yields: Approximately 13 cups
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cooked organic brown rice (3 cups uncooked rice)
- 2 pounds ground lean beef, cooked through, fat drained
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and diced small
- 3 medium-sized carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup minced curly parsley
- 3 tablespoons olive or safflower oil
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large container.
- Stir to combine completely.
- Store tightly sealed in the refrigerator between feedings.
Notes:
- Adjust food amount based on your dog’s weight and activity level.
- Portion out food for smaller dogs and freeze for longer storage. Thaw as needed.
- Metric measurements:
- 790 grams cooked organic brown rice
- 700 grams ground lean beef, cooked through, fat drained
- 4 (200 grams) hard-boiled eggs, peeled and diced small
- 207 grams carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
- 14 grams minced curly parsley
- 22 grams of olive or safflower oil
- Instant Pot Instructions:
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Place trivet in Instant Pot, add 1 cup water, and place eggs on top. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then manually release pressure. Cool eggs in a water bath.
- Rice: Combine rice and water in Instant Pot. Select the rice function and allow pressure to release naturally.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute it in this recipe with 1/4 cup of Homemade Dog Food Seasoning Blend.
More Homemade Dog Food Recipes
Explore these additional recipes for variety:
- Home Made Dog Food Recipe for the Holidays: This recipe features seasonal ingredients like sweet potatoes, cranberries, rosemary, and sage.
- Pumpkin and Yogurt Bowl for Dogs Recipe: A healthy breakfast option with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Homemade Dog Food Seasoning Blend Recipe: Combine dried parsley, basil, dill, rosemary, and oregano for a flavorful and healthy seasoning.
Conclusion
Creating how to make homemade dog food recipes is a rewarding way to provide your beloved companion with a nutritious and delicious diet. By following these guidelines and consulting with your veterinarian, you can tailor recipes to meet your dog’s specific needs and preferences. Start experimenting and discover the joy of feeding your dog wholesome, homemade meals!
