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Franker Jones

Homemade Dog Food on a Budget

This easy homemade dog food recipe combines affordable ground turkey, brown rice, vegetables, and eggs into a simple cooked meal for dogs. It is a practical option for pet parents looking for a homemade meal using inexpensive, everyday ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dog food
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Rice
  • Amount: 2
  • Unit: cups
  • Name: brown rice uncooked
  • Notes: Cook according to package directions.
Protein
  • Amount: 2
  • Unit: pounds
  • Name: lean ground turkey
  • Notes: Cook thoroughly and drain excess fat.
Vegetables
  • Amount: 2
  • Unit: cups
  • Name: carrots diced
  • Notes: Use fresh or frozen carrots.
  • Amount: 1
  • Unit: cup
  • Name: green beans chopped
  • Notes: Use plain green beans without added salt or seasoning.
Eggs
  • Amount: 2
  • Unit: large
  • Name: eggs
  • Notes: Cook thoroughly before serving.
  • Optional Healthy Fat
  • Amount: 1
  • Unit: tablespoon
  • Name: olive oil
  • Notes: Optional. Skip if the turkey is already higher in fat.
Water
  • Amount: 4
  • Unit: cups
  • Name: water
  • Notes: Adjust as needed while cooking the rice and vegetables.

Equipment

  • Amount: 1 Name: Large Pot Notes: For cooking the rice and combining the ingredients. Amount: 1 Name: Large Skillet Notes: For cooking the ground turkey. Amount: 1 Name: Wooden Spoon Notes: For breaking up the meat while cooking. Amount: 1 Name: Measuring Cups Notes: For measuring the ingredients. Amount: 1 Name: Food Storage Containers Notes: For portioning and storing leftover dog food.

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice.
  2. Rinse the brown rice and cook it according to the package directions until tender. Set aside once finished.
  3. Cook the turkey.
  4. Place the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until completely cooked through with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Cook the vegetables.
  6. Add the carrots and green beans to a large pot with enough water to soften them. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
  7. Cook the eggs.
  8. Scramble the eggs in a separate skillet until fully cooked. Do not add salt, butter, garlic, onion, or other seasonings.
  9. Combine everything.
  10. Add the cooked rice, turkey, vegetables, and scrambled eggs to a large pot or mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until evenly combined.
  11. Cool the food.
  12. Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving it to your dog.
  13. Portion and store.
  14. Divide the food into individual portions. Refrigerate portions you plan to use within a few days and freeze the rest for longer storage.
  15. Serve appropriately.
  16. Serve a portion appropriate for your dog's size, age, activity level, and overall diet. If this recipe will make up a substantial portion of your dog's regular diet, ask your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist about balancing it for your dog's specific nutritional needs.
RECIPE NOTES
  1. This homemade dog food is designed as a simple budget friendly meal using affordable ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores. Avoid adding salt, onion, garlic, sauces, seasoning blends, butter, or other ingredients that may be unsafe for dogs.
  2. Homemade diets can become nutritionally incomplete when fed as a dog's primary diet for an extended period. For long term feeding, have the recipe reviewed by your veterinarian or a board certified veterinary nutritionist so it can be appropriately balanced for your dog's individual nutritional needs.
  3. Always introduce a new food gradually and stop feeding it if your dog develops digestive upset or other concerning symptoms.