Finding a dog food recipe is easy, but finding a healthy option can be more difficult than you may think. Just because an internet site says the recipe is recommended by a veterinarian does not mean that it's a healthy option for all dogs. This healthy home cooked meal for dogs may need additional supplements in order to provide balanced nutrition for your pet's needs.
Every dog has his own unique nutritional requirements. Even dogs of the same age, sex and breed still have different needs, because their overall health and well-being is different. Some dogs are overweight, while others could stand to gain a few pounds. Dogs in different stages of life need different nutrition, as well.
Dogs also have individual nutritional needs based on their activity level. For example, a dog that stays indoors all day while his owner is away at work won't burn nearly as many calories as a working dog that is on the move all day long.
So, what does this mean for your pooch?
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.
Healthy Home Cooked Meal for Dogs
Before changing a dog’s diet, particularly if your pet has serious health conditions, always discuss this change with your vet. Show them this recipe, let them know what you plan to feed your dog and ask for their input on healthy variations. They will probably recommend adding supplements and/or a multivitamin to the meal to make it nutritionally balanced.
Recipe: Healthy Home Cooked Meal for Dogs
This healthy home cooked meal for dogs can be catered to your dog's preferences. For example, you could use ground beef instead of turkey. You could even use venison, ostrich or any other protein source that is available in your region.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings (1/2 cup) 1x
- Category: Dog Food
- Cuisine: Dog Food
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. ground turkey
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 squash, chopped
- 1 large apple, cored and chopped
- 1 tbsp. calcium powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
Instructions
Cook the quinoa according to the instructions on the packaging. Brown the ground turkey over medium heat in the olive oil. Mix the cooked quinoa and browned turkey in a large bowl with all of the other ingredients.
The heat from the quinoa and turkey will soften the vegetables. Slightly. If your dog won't eat raw veggies or has dental issues and would prefer softer vegetables, you can steam them before mixing into the recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 2.9 grams
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 19.2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 17.4 grams
- Fiber: 2.6 grams
- Protein: 33.7 grams
- Cholesterol: 116 mg
How much to feed: I recommend feeding about 1/2 cup of food for every 20-25 pounds of body weight. 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.
How to store: You can store the leftovers 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 treats 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.
