Homemade Grain-Free Dog Food

4.8
(19)
17 Reviews
3 Photos

I developed this homemade grain-free dog food because my dog is getting older and his health has become more of a priority. I worry about how many nutrients kibble may lose through the cooking process. This food includes all of the vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that my dog needs. It took me a bit of research to figure out what foods to use and in what proportions. The protein ingredients include liver and poultry (dark meat poultry is best), sunflower oil for linoleic acid, and 10 other essential amino acids that dogs need in their diet.

Submitted by nursekja
Updated on November 17, 2023
3
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
10
Yield:
10 cups
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 10 servings

  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

  • 2 apples - peeled, cored, and chopped (make sure seeds are removed)

  • ¼ cup water

  • 6 eggs

  • 3 pounds ground chicken

  • 6 ounces chicken livers, chopped

  • 3 tablespoons sunflower seed oil

  • 4 cups baby spinach leaves

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  2. Place carrots, apples, and water into a pot. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until soft, 10 to 15 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile, crack eggs into a bowl and set aside. Place eggshells onto a baking sheet.

  4. Bake eggshells in the preheated oven until dry, 5 to 7 minutes.

  5. Remove eggshells from the oven and pulverize using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder.

  6. Combine ground chicken, chicken livers, reserved eggs, ground eggshells, and sunflower oil in a large skillet. Heat over medium heat, mixing occasionally, until chicken is browned and crumbly and livers are no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes.

  7. Place spinach on top of meat mixture, then cover with a lid and steam until soft, about 5 minutes.

  8. Mash softened carrots and apples in a bowl with a potato masher and add to meat mixture. Mix until well combined.

Recipe Tips

Use organic apples to avoid pesticides. Be sure to remove all apple seeds, as they are toxic to dogs.

Store three days' worth in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Freeze remaining food in three-day portions. Defrost in the refrigerator on the first day of use. Heat each cup for 45 seconds in the microwave, and let cool before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

291 Calories
12g Fat
7g Carbs
37g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Calories 291
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 3g 14%
Cholesterol 242mg 81%
Sodium 144mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 37g 74%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 52mg 4%
Iron 3mg 18%
Potassium 490mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.