Taking care of a dog on a budget can be a challenge, especially when you're trying to feed your pet a healthy, high-quality diet.
This inexpensive dog food recipe is affordable on any budget and can be catered to your pup's needs.
We want to give our dogs the best, but the best commercial foods can cost upwards of $5 per serving.
When done right, homemade dog food can be healthier for your pet than any commercial dog food product.
Homemade dog food can also be affordable.
Finding a dog food recipe is easy, but finding a healthy option can be more difficult than you may think.
Most inexpensive dog food recipe options that you find online will not provide proper nutrition.
Every dog has its own unique nutritional requirements. Even dogs of the same age, sex, and breed still have different needs.
Factors including activity level, weight, and overall health condition play a major role in your dog's nutritional needs.
Dogs in different stages of life need different nutrition, as well.
Before switching your dog to a homemade diet, be sure to consult your veterinarian. They will evaluate the recipe to make sure it's going to provide your pet with the nutrients that his body needs.
Inexpensive Dog Food Recipe with Chicken
While this recipe is made with relatively inexpensive ingredients and is a healthy option for most canines, it may not be a good fit for your dog.
The best thing that you can do is consult your veterinarian and/or a canine nutritionist. They can help you to better understand your dog's unique nutritional needs and find recipes that will meet those needs.
PrintInexpensive Dog Food Recipe with Chicken
When it comes to reducing the cost of homemade dog food, it's all about the ingredients you choose.
Some tips to follow when trying to cut your homemade dog food costs include:
- buy ingredients in bulk when possible
- try to use ingredients that you already have on hand
- buy ingredients that are in season
- use leftover ingredients before they go bad
If you follow these tips and look for an inexpensive homemade dog food recipe option, you'll be able to make healthy, nutritious food that is catered to your dog's specific nutritional needs.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: about 10 cups 1x
- Category: Cooked Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Dog Food
Ingredients
2 cups brown rice
4 cups chicken stock
1 package mixed frozen vegetables
3 cups chicken (chopped)
Instructions
Add the chicken stock, rice and chicken to a large stock pot. Bring the recipe to a boil and then cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes.
Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, the recipe is done. You can serve it to your pup as soon as it's cooled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: .6 g
- Sodium: 176 mg
- Fat: 2.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 16.4 g
- Fiber: 1.3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 19 mg
Serving Size Recommendation
You can serve this food to your dog as soon as it has cooled.
I recommend feeding about 1/2 cup of food for every 20-25 pounds of body weight.
This recommendation is for 2 servings per day.
So, a 25-pound dog would eat about 1/2 cup in the morning and 1/2 cup in the evening.
This is just a guideline.
Some dogs, like working dogs and very active breeds, will need more calories than this. Lazier pets and senior dogs may not need as many.
It's best to consult your veterinarian about the appropriate serving size for your dog.
They will also help you evaluate the meal to make sure it will meet your pet's unique nutritional needs.
If necessary, they will assist you in choosing the best supplements and/or multivitamins to add.
How to store
You can store the leftover low-cost homemade dog food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or freeze them, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Keep in mind that this recipe includes no preservatives, so it won't last nearly as long as commercial dog food.
For More Information
We publish many homemade dog food and treat recipes every month. For more recipes, pet food cooking tips, and advice, see our “Recipes” section.
If you're new to home-cooked dog food subject, I recommend you read more about “How Much To Feed” to understand serving sizes, “What Supplements To Use” to create well-balanced meals, and “How To Store” for tips on simple and easy homemade dog food storing in a fridge or a freezer.
