Bone Appetit!
Creating your own dog food at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, offering numerous benefits for both pet owners and their furry companions. Not only does DIY dog food allow you to tailor meals to your pet’s unique nutritional needs, but it also provides an opportunity to use whole, fresh ingredients without the additives found in many commercial dog foods. Plus, providing meals from home when boarding your pet can help to provide a sense of comfort and familiarity, easing the transition and making their stay more enjoyable.
The following simple, pet-approved recipes can help you get started on your journey to making your own dog food. These doggie dishes are designed to be straightforward, with minimal prep, ensuring that your dog can enjoy a variety of wholesome meals at home, at the pet resort, or wherever they rest their paws.
- Beef Stew to Bark About
A hearty meal packed with iron, protein, and vegetables, this simple stew includes beef, sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans, cooked until tender and served in a homemade gravy.
- Start by cooking a small sweet potato in the microwave until it’s firm but tender. Set aside.
- Cut stew meat into small, bite-sized pieces and brown in a pan with vegetable oil.
- Remove the meat and use the drippings to create a gravy by whisking in flour and water until thick.
- Combine meat, diced sweet potato, carrots, and green beans in the gravy and cook until carrots are tender.
- Let the stew cool before serving.
- Turkey, Rice, & Veggie Mix
Low in calories and fat, this recipe is ideal for weight management. It combines ground turkey with brown rice and a mix of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower, providing a balanced meal.
- Place water, ground turkey, uncooked brown rice, and dried rosemary in a large Dutch oven.
- Stir the mixture to break up the turkey and distribute it evenly. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is cooked.
- Add a mix of frozen vegetables towards the end of the cooking time and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool before serving. This can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Pup-Approved Pumpkin Biscuits
For a healthy treat, these biscuits include pumpkin, oats, peanut butter, and a hint of cinnamon, offering a digestive aid and a tasty reward for your dog.
- Start by preheating your oven and preparing a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients like flour and oats (if using) with a dash of cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin, eggs, and peanut butter until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to create biscuit shapes.
- Bake until golden brown and let them cool before serving.
- Simple Chicken and Vegetable
A nutritious blend of lean chicken, brown rice, spinach, zucchini, and peas, this recipe is as appealing to look at as it is beneficial for your dog’s health.
- Begin by cooking lean ground chicken in a large saucepan, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Once cooked through, add water, vegetables, rice, and a bit of rosemary for flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the rice is tender.
- Allow the mixture to cool before serving to your dog.
- Instant Pot Dog Food
Leverage the convenience of an Instant Pot or pressure cooker to prepare a wholesome meal of rice or oats, lean meat (turkey or chicken), and your choice of vegetables, all cooked together for a quick and nutritious dog food option. Simply combine all ingredients with the required amount of water, set the recommended cooking time and pressure level for your ingredients, and kick back. After cooking is complete, carefully release pressure and allow food to cool to room temperature.
A few things to keep in mind:
- For all recipes, be sure to refrigerate any leftovers.
- Introduce new foods gradually and monitor your pet for any signs of digestive distress.
- Consult with a veterinarian to ensure that homemade meals meet your dog’s nutritional requirements, particularly if your pet has special needs.
In addition to serving your dog these nutritious homemade meals, why not consider a stay at Springdale Pet Ranch? Our climate-controlled accommodations, daily wellness checks, and pet-loving staff ensure your dog is cared for in the best possible way. Thanks to our luxurious suite upgrades and discounted activity packages, your dog will enjoy their time as much as they enjoy your homemade meals. Better yet? You can bring along your homemade dog food to keep your pet on their regular diet even while boarding.
Located conveniently between San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande, Springdale Pet Ranch is the perfect home away from home for your furry friend. Schedule your boarding stay today and give your pet the attention and comfort they deserve.