There are a few benefits to homemade dog food recipes, you can be certain that the ingredients they are getting are natural or organic, they are not getting any food that they shouldn't get and if you make a small batch yo can save money. Especially if you favor organic dog food.
dog eating food @owlsuns via Twenty20
Here are some recipes that are easy to make that you dog will love.
Beef and Vegetable Balls
Some dogs prefer meaty treats over sweet ones. This recipe has hearty meat flavor and good aroma that your dog will really enjoy.
Ingredients
2 6-ounce jars of organic beef and vegetable baby food
1 cup of whole-wheat flour (or white substitute)
2 cups of dry milk
1 cup of water
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
3. Drop the mixture onto a baking sheet in large spoonfuls.
4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
5. Allow the treats to cool completely.
6. Store leftover beef and vegetable balls in the fridge for up to five days.
Turkey and Veggie Dinner
This basic dog food recipe incorporates turkey for protein and vegetables for added vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients
4 cups of water
1 pound of ground turkey
2 cups of brown rice
1 cup of carrots, chopped
1 cup of green beans, chopped
1 tablespoon of fish oil (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until the meat is cooked through.
2. Add the brown rice, turkey, and water to a large pot and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is soft and tender.
4. Add the carrots and green beans and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
5. Allow to cool before serving.
6. Store extra dinners in the fridge for up to five days.
Chicken Casserole
This recipe uses chicken, which is a good source of protein, and plenty of vegetables to produce a tasty mix. Green beans can aid your dog to feel full and vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
1/2 cup of green beans, chopped
1/2 cup of carrots, chopped
1/2 cup of broccoli, chopped
1/2 cup rolled oats.
4 cups of low-salt chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Remove the excess fat from the chicken breasts and slice the breasts into small chunks.
2. Cook the chicken breasts in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until no longer pink.
3. Add the chicken, vegetables, rolled oats, and chicken broth to a large pot and cook over medium heat until the carrots are tender – about 15 minutes.
4. Allow to cool before serving.
5. Store leftover casserole portions in the fridge for up to five days.
Doggie Chili
Dogs require a lot of protein to ensure that they're healthy and active. Your dog ought to get the majority of its protein from whole meat resources, like fresh chicken. Beans have a decent amount of protein as well.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
1 cup of kidney beans, drained
1 cup of black beans, drained
1 cup of carrots, diced
1/2 cup of tomato paste
4 cups of chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Remove the excess fat and dice the chicken breasts into small pieces.
2. Cook the chicken breasts in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink.
3. Add the chicken, beans, carrots, tomato paste, and chicken broth into a large pot and cook over medium heat until heated through – this should take about 10 minutes.
4. Allow the mixture to cool before serving.
5. Store leftover chili in the fridge for up to five days.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Dogs just love peanut butter, and these cookies are a great way to slip some fish oil into your pet's diet. This particular oil enhances your dog’s coat, rendering it softer and healthier. For this recipe, it is recommended to use organic peanut butter since a number of commercial brands of peanut butter have hydrogenated oils and preservatives in them. If you can't find an organic one, then you can just make your own! For this you will only need raw peanuts and peanut oil (and a blender or food processor to mix it up as you require).
Ingredients
2 cups of flour (wheat if your pooch isn't allergic to it; white if he is)
1 cup of rolled oats
1/3 cup of smooth peanut butter
1 tablespoon of honey
1/2 tablespoon of fish oil
1 1/2 cups of water
Instructions:
1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine the flour and oats together in a large mixing bowl. Pour in one cup of water and mix until smooth. Incorporate the peanut butter, honey, and fish oil and blend until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Gradually add the water till the concoction has a thick and doughy consistency.
4. Mildly flour a cooking surface. Roll the dough onto the surface to make a 1/4 inch thick sheet.
5. Make use of a cookie cutter to make shapes. Put the cookies onto a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes. 6. Let the cookies cool completely before feeding.
Chicken Jerky
The jerky is both tough and chewy, so it will keep your dog entertained for some time. The chicken offers a decent amount of protein. Another benefit is that this treat can also help to clean your dog's teeth.
Ingredients
Two to four chicken breasts
Instructions:
1. Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Get rid of any excess fat from the chicken. Turn the white meat on its side and use a paring knife to cut and portion the breast into 1/8 inch thick strips.
3. Set the strips on a baking sheet. Bake for two hours.
4. Test the chicken before removing from the oven. It must be dry and hard. Allow the chicken to cool completely before serving.
5. Store the jerky treat in an airtight jar/container inside the fridge. You can serve this to your dog up to two weeks.
Frozen Yogurt Popsicles
These cool homemade treats are made out of human grade ingredients and contains fruit juice and carrots, which provide your dog with an extra vitamin boost. Yogurt has calcium and protein, and helps your pet break down food.
Ingredients
6 ounce container of plain, NON-FAT frozen yogurt
1 cup of “no-sugar added” fruit juice
1/2 cup of carrots, minced
Instructions:
1. Add the yogurt, fruit juice, and carrots into a bowl. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and well-blended.
2. Put the mixture into the ice cube trays.
3. Freeze until the mixtures are solid.
Fruit and Vegetable Strips
These strips are a more affordable alternative to the organic versions that can be bought in pet shops. Additionally, they break apart effortlessly, so you can serve tinier pieces as training rewards. Fruit and veggies are abundant with vitamin C, which can boost your dog’s body's defense mechanisms.
Ingredients
1 small sweet potato
1 medium banana
1 cup carrots, minced
1/2 cup unsweetened organic applesauce
2 cups of whole wheat flour (white if your dog is allergic to wheat)
1 cup of rolled oats
1/3 cup of water
Instructions:
1. Cook the sweet potato in the microwave for between 8 to 10 minutes, or until the insides are soft. Set aside and allow cooling.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Mash the banana and sweet potato in a large mixing bowl with a hand masher until smooth. Add in the carrots, flour, and oats. Gradually add in the applesauce and water while mixing.
4. The ingredients will form soft dough. Roll the dough on to a lightly floured surface until its 1/8 inch thick.
5. Cut the dough into strips.
6. Cook on a baking sheet for 25 minutes.
7. Store the leftover strips in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Tips and advice
While many dogs can deal with a range of different treats given in small amounts, some may get indigestion if you switch foods too soon or excessively. Prior to making your own homemade dog food, you should speak with your vet and ask if they have any specific ingredient recommendations, as some dog breeds may be more susceptible to food allergies than others.
After acquiring your vet’s approval, change your dog’s food over little by little, slowing blending in a homemade dish with your regular food for a couple of days to a week.