There are some healthy dog food recipes you can make at home if you want to start your dog on a healthy diet, especially when kibbles can be bad for your dog’s health. Making your own dog food ensures that you know what your pet is eating at mealtime and will also definitely save you a considerable amount of money.
For a moment, picture yourself eating the same food every day. Aside from it being too boring, you should also question if you’re getting all the nutrients you need. Your pet may be going through the same feeling. There’s a reason why dogs always seek what we humans eat. Just like us, your pets would want variety, even if it means leftovers.
Homemade dog food recipes may not only ensure the health of your pet but are also useful if you ever run out of those canned dog food and kibbles.
But then again, don’t forget to check the ingredients in case of any food allergies or dietary restrictions your pet may have.
Salmon
This is an eco-friendly recipe because it uses things that people often tend to throw away, like broccoli sticks, peelings and so on to make a delicious dish for your four-legged friend.
Ingredients
- Two carrots
- Two potatoes
- Broccoli head (with stem)
- Squash
- Two portions of salmon (with skin)
- Olive oil
Method
1. Cut the broccoli and squash stalks into slices.
2. Peel the carrots, potatoes and save the peelings.
3. Place the broccoli stalks, pumpkin, carrots and potato peelings into a pressure cooker and give a few whistles.
4. Pour the oil into a pan or pot and place over medium heat.
5. Place the salmon slices and fry them in a pan.
6. Pull out the salmon skin when it feels fresh and place it in a dog bowl.
7. Transfer the cooked contents of the pressure cooker into a dog bowl.
8. Give everything a good mix for your dog to enjoy.
Pork & Beef
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground pork
- 2-2.5lbs ground beef
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1 large apple, cored
- 2 carrots (or 8 baby carrots)
- 1 c. kale
- 1/2 c. blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 c. rice
- 1/2 c. water
Method
1. Put the ground meats in a 4-6 quart crockpot. You can really use any ground meat that you would like.
2. Peel and chop the potato, apple and carrots into 1″ pieces. Chop the kale.
3. Add all of the fruits and veggies to the crockpot and mix with the meat.
4. Cook on HI for 3-5 hours or on LOW for 5-7 hours until the meat is browned.
5. When the meat mixture is close to being done, cook up the rice with the water on the stovetop. When the rice is done, mix it into the meat mixture.
6. Separate the food into 1/2c. -1c. portions in small baggies or Tupperware and store them in the freezer. When it’s mealtime for your furbaby, you can just take the necessary portion and microwave it whilst storing the balance back in the freezer.
Vege-rich Turkey
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 pounds ground turkey
- 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1 zucchini, shredded
- 1/2 cup peas, canned or frozen
Method:
1. In a large saucepan of 3 cups water, cook rice according to package instructions; set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the turkey as it cooks.
3. Stir in spinach, carrots, zucchini, peas and brown rice until the spinach has wilted and the mixture is heated for about 3-5 minutes.
4. Let it cool completely, then serve.
Crockpot dog food
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chopped butternut squash
- 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup peas, frozen or canned
Method:
1. Stir in ground beef, brown rice, kidney beans, butternut squash, carrots, peas and 4 cups water into a 6-qt slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, stirring as needed.
3. Let cool completely.
Pictures by Salu Solo, Damn Delicious & Emily’s Little Homestead