Homemade Dog Food
Homemade Dog Food
I’ve lived in several neighborhoods around Pittsburgh over the years, and I especially like the East End because it’s convenient to parks, shops and restaurants. One thing I noticed after moving here 14 years ago is how many people keep pets—dogs in particular. From Chihuahuas to Labs and Golden Retrievers, dogs are part of daily life in this community. As any pet owner knows, caring for a dog requires time, attention and thoughtful choices about nutrition and exercise.
My dog Sasha gets walked daily when weather allows, but winter often keeps us indoors. During cold months she’s less active and prefers to curl up under a blanket. That reduced activity, coupled with irregular feeding and too many treats, led to a noticeable weight gain. I knew I had to change her routine, and one of the first steps was improving her diet.
After researching options, I developed a simple homemade dog food recipe that’s worked well for Sasha. Before trying any new diet for your pet, check with your veterinarian to ensure it meets your dog’s specific nutritional needs. That said, after three months on this homemade mix, Sasha has lost weight and shows signs of improved health and energy.
Tools you’ll need:
Food processor
Sharp knife
Ingredients:
1 pound cooked lean meat (organic chicken, turkey, pork or beef)
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup pureed raw peas
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup uncooked oatmeal
Whites of four hard-boiled eggs
Directions:
1. Cube the cooked meat and pulse it a few times in the food processor to break it down. Transfer the processed meat to a large bowl.
2. Pulse the chopped raw carrots in the processor until finely chopped, then add them to the bowl with the meat.
3. Add the cooked brown rice and the pureed peas into the bowl.
4. Chop the cooked egg whites and add them along with the uncooked oatmeal.
5. Stir the mixture thoroughly with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are evenly combined.
6. Portion the food into 2–3 ounce servings and freeze in small resealable bags. Move a portion to the refrigerator the night before you plan to serve it so it’s ready the next day.
This recipe provides a balance of protein, modest fat and fiber to support digestion and help control weight. If your dog doesn’t like peas or carrots, substitute other dog-safe vegetables such as green beans or cooked squash. You can also use legumes or quinoa instead of brown rice if you prefer.
Enjoy!
Chef Chuck Kerber
Cooksandeats.com
[email protected]