Homemade Dog Food

If you’re like me, the thought of making your dogs food at home can be very intimidating. Exactly what do dogs eat, if not kibble? Will they get enough of whatever that is without kibble? I was too afraid to mess it up and make my dogs sick or malnourished. However, I came across an article not too long ago and it made me think. Imagine living off of processed, fast food for the rest of your life. I am a Newfoundland breeder (obviously) and the average lifespan of a Newf is only 8-10 years. That thought is almost unbearable to me. I knew I needed to research this and find out how I could make this the longest, healthiest life possible. I love my dogs. They are my babies. They have brought me so much love that I can’t imagine life without them. So I decided to get over my fears and actually do it. After studying everything I possibly could on what each ingredient offers your dog and how much of it they need, I came up with our recipe and

Now here’s the thing, I feed an army of 8 Newfies. Obviously, depending on how many dogs you have and/or the breed they are, you will make a considerable amount less than we have to make here. Because of that, you will need to know your own measurements and this is a simple trial and error basis. The thing to remember is that if you make more than you need, you can always freeze what’s left for the next week (we make it week by week). So with all that being said, let me dive into the ingredients of a well balanced, home made dog food for your fur baby.

Vegetables

Sweet Potatoes-

One of the best dietary sources of Vitamin A, which promotes healthy skin, coat, eyes, nerves, and muscles in dogs. They are also a rich source of vitamins A, C, B6, potassium, calcium, and iron, just to name a few.

Cucumbers

Good for the diet of an overweight dog as they are a high water content with a low calorie value. They are high in antioxidants (like Vitamin C) which are known to counteract free radicals which are oxidants that can cause cell damage.

Celery

Very low in fat and cholesterol and is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, folate, potassium and manganese. The amount of fiber found in celery will help your dogs feel full quicker as well as aid their digestive system.

Beets
Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals including Vitamin C, potassium, folate, and magnesium. The skin contains betalain pigments, which have antioxidants and anti inflammatory properties. In moderation, as a snack or a food topping, beets are beneficial to a dogs skin and coat and their digestion.

Butternut Squash

Filled with potassium which greatly benefit the nerves, enzymes, kidneys, and muscles.

***MAKE SURE YOU REMOVE SEEDS (no seeds in frozen)

Spinach

Contains large amounts of vitamins A, B, C, and K. It also contains iron, antioxidants, beta-carotene, and roughage which stimulate the digestive tract.

Kale

An awesome source of 2 main antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, which can potentially protect from cancer. Supports vision and colon health and liver detoxification. Its also known to help fight off infections.

Pumpkin

Improves digestion, reduces anal gland problems, prevents hairball buildup and helps with constipation, diarrhea and helps to settle an upset stomach

Broccoli

Filled with a variety of important vitamins and nutrients, including Vitamin C and K, and potassium. These nutrients do wonders for heart health, bone density, and the immune system.

Carrots

Rich in vitamin A and a host of nutritional benefits. Beyond supporting eye health, it also assists in supporting a thriving immune system and healthy skin and coat. Carrots are also a great way to help maintain regular fecal consistency.

FRUITS

Raspberries

Low in sugar and calories but high in fiber, manganese and vitamin C. They’re an awesome source of dietary fiber (digestive system, also fighting obesity) and like cucumber will keep your dog fuller for a longer period of time.

Blueberries

Awesome low calorie treat that contains antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K which support the immune system and contribute to overall health. They are also the perfect size snack or treat to use for training.

Pineapple

This is one of those things that only a bit is needed and you don’t want to overdo it. Pineapple is full of minerals including manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium, iron, and small amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. Its great for helping absorb protein. They should only receive a few bites per day. If this is a source of worry for you, you can skip it.

MEATS/PROTEINS

Beef Liver (thoroughly cooked)

Awesome source of iron which is necessary for healthy blood and muscle function. At adult age a max of 2.5-3oz of liver is all that’s needed.
***Raw liver is VERY high in Vitamin A so it should only be fed in moderation***

Salmon (THOROUGHLY COOKED/NEVER RAW)

Awesome source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support the immune system, may decrease inflammation and keeps the coat looking shiny and healthy. Salmon/fish oil can be added to food in place of Salmon for the same health benefits.
***NEVER FEED YOUR DOG RAW FISH

Boiled eggs

Rich in protein, eggs are also a great source of linoleic acid, Vitamin B2 and B12 and water soluble Vitamin A which are all good for the skin and coat. Remember to keep the shells on! They are an awesome source of calcium.

Brown rice

Excellent source of fiber, essential amino acids, micronutrients like B vitamins, magnesium and manganese and contain high quality carbohydrates that are a great source of energy.

Oats

If your dog has wheat or grain sensitivities oatmeal may be a great alternative. Oats can be used in moderation with rice or as a supplement to rice. They are full of linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps keep the skin strong and healthy. They are a great source of soluble fiber, which can help regulate glucose levels.

Lean Ground Beef

Healthy source of protein which also provides the essential fatty acids like omega-6 with minerals and vitamins that help with a healthy coat, skin, joints, and muscles

Beans (Pinto, Black, Kidney, Soybean, Garbanzo, Butter, Lima or Lentil)

Beans contain B-vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Great sources of protein, antioxidants, and fiber for your dog. They’re also said to help regulate blood sugar.
***Stay away from canned beans…dangerous amount of sodium

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Be sure to soak your beans the night before and rinse thoroughly to avoid an excess of gas.

1- Start boiling eggs.

2- While eggs are boiling, start cooking your meat. When your meat is halfway cooked, add water to make broth.
(DO NOT SEASON OR ADD SPICES AND SALTS)

3- Wash your fresh vegetables and fruit and start cutting. When the meat is close to being done, add the chopped vegetables and beans. The size of each vegetable chunk should be determined by the breed/size of your dog. Obviously, the smaller the dog, the smaller the chunk.

4-Put the lid on and allow the vegetables to somewhat soften.
(Our dogs like a little crunch in their sweet potatoes so we make sure not to overcook to a mushy point)

5- Mash up those boiled eggs while you let the veggies cook. Be sure to leave the shells on.

6- Now you will add the frozen vegetables, spinach and kale to the mix and give them a chance to cook up a bit.

7- Then you will add the rice (you might need a bit more water at this point).

8- Once the rice is cooked, you will add the boiled eggs and mix it all together.

Now that it’s all mixed together, you’re done! You just need to store it. Again, because we are feeding an army, we have ginormous food containers that we stuff full and put in the fridge. There’s never any leftover. We only have the means to make enough for one week at a time so for us, there’s no need to freeze. However, I have heard of people who use gallon freezer bags in order to store some in the freezer and in that case you can save for up to 6 months.

It might sound like a lot of work but I promise, it’s not. It’s so easy and once you have it done, you can literally just scoop out each portion every day just like you would a bag of kibble. Your fur babies will thank you for this and so will your wallet.

And remember…

If you try this, please let us know what you and your dogs think!