Homemade Dog Food with Beef (2024)

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My Samoyed, as he grew out of puppyhood, refused to eat kibble (and even canned food) and would go days without eating or eating very little until he lost weight. Frustrated, I did some research and started giving him this homemade dog food twice a day. He is back to a normal weight, and is very happy! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Serve without bones; give separately as a treat as desired and use caution.

Submitted bydish567

Updated on November 17, 2023

Homemade Dog Food with Beef (1)

44

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef

  • 6 cups water, or more as needed

  • 4 cups uncooked brown rice

  • 1 pound assorted beef bones (shin, shank, short ribs, or marrow bones)

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

  • 1 (15 ounce) can sliced carrots, drained

  • 1 (13.5 ounce) can spinach, drained

  • 6 eggs

  • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

Directions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease.

  2. Place 6 cups water and brown rice into a stockpot. Add browned beef, bones, and rosemary; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low or low and let simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until rice is mushy, about 45 minutes. Add water if necessary to keep mixture a little thicker than a porridge-like consistency.

  3. Meanwhile, place carrots, spinach, and eggs with their shells into an electric blender. Blend until completely pureed and no eggshells are intact.

  4. Mix pumpkin and blended egg mixture in a bowl until combined. Remove meat mixture from heat and pour egg mixture into the pot to cook the eggs in hot contents, about 5 minutes. Let cool thoroughly before feeding to your dog, about 30 minutes.

Cook’s Note

I feed my 60-pound dog 2 1/2 to 3 cups of food a day minus the bones. I will add about one bone a day to his food bowl. Feed less or more according to your dog's weight and activity level.

You can substitute other vegetables, such as peas, celery, and sweet potatoes, or add fruit, such as apples, bananas, and blueberries. You can also use frozen or fresh vegetables, just be sure to purée them with a blender. I find canned vegetables are the easiest to store and use. My dog also loves a tablespoon or so of nonfat yogurt added to the top.

You can mix in oatmeal or barley but don't use wheat, soy, or corn. You can use any cut of beef, chicken, fish, or lamb, but be sure to cut them into bite-size pieces before boiling. You can get bones from a butcher, but be sure not to use chicken bones.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

846Calories
27g Fat
107g Carbs
43g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe6
Calories846
% Daily Value *
Total Fat27g34%
Saturated Fat9g47%
Cholesterol258mg86%
Sodium369mg16%
Total Carbohydrate107g39%
Dietary Fiber9g31%
Total Sugars5g
Protein43g87%
Vitamin C14mg15%
Calcium196mg15%
Iron8mg47%
Potassium1161mg25%

* 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.

Powered by the ESHA Research Database © 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Photos of Homemade Dog Food with Beef

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Homemade Dog Food with Beef (4)

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Homemade Dog Food with Beef (2024)

FAQs

What is the best meat to put in homemade dog food? ›

Very lean ground beef or poultry- This is the main source of protein and has to be lean since dogs have a high amino acid requirement. Compared to ground beef, ground chicken and turkey are lower in protein, iron, and zinc, so you'll need to make up for it with extra beef liver.

Can I feed my dog cooked beef everyday? ›

Yes – as long as you feed the safe types of beef! Cooked beef can be given as meal toppers or treats. However, you cannot feed your dog only cooked beef every day. Dogs need a complete and balanced diet with the correct proportions of nutrients.

Is dog food with beef good for dogs? ›

Lean beef is safe for dogs to eat. In fact, beef is a common ingredient in many dog foods. It's an excellent source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals that your dog needs for overall health (48). The beef that you feed to your dog should be plain, without any added sauces or seasonings.

Can I feed my dog ground beef and rice everyday? ›

Feed the Appropriate Amount

Cooked lean meats are good options as treats or food toppers for your dog. If feeding ground beef as a treat, limit the total amount to no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. Ground beef and plain white rice could be an option for dogs who need to eat a bland diet temporarily.

What not to put in homemade dog food? ›

Notes: In general, look for a ratio of 50% protein, 25% veggies/greens, 25% grain. Feel free to mix and match veggies, but there are some things dogs should NEVER eat: NO xylitol, chocolate, avocado, cherries, grapes/raisins, tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts.

What should top 3 ingredients be in dog food? ›

What are the top 3 ingredients to look for in dog food? The top ingredients to look for in dog food are high-quality proteins (named meat sources - chicken, beef, fish, and lamb), natural carbohydrates (whole fruits and vegetables), and healthy fats (animal fats or plant-based oils).

What meat should you not feed to dogs? ›

Feeding your dog fatty foods, like hot dogs, bacon, ribs, or fried chicken, can upset your dog's stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea. It can also lead to pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas. Some breeds, like Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers, may be more prone to pancreatitis.

Can dogs eat scrambled eggs? ›

Eggs are nutritious for both people and dogs. They can be tasty treats or a hearty breakfast, whether they're hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, or over easy. A cooked entire egg or yolk can be good for your dog, unless your pet has a pre-existing health condition like acute pancreatitis or diabetes.

Is beef or chicken better for dogs? ›

Chicken is the leaner option of these two meats. This makes it a good choice for dogs who are overweight or who need a strictly controlled diet. Beef's higher fat content makes it more filling, but also can lead to pets packing on pounds of they eat too much.

Which is better for dogs, salmon or beef? ›

One of the clear and uncompromising benefits of fish for dogs is that it's generally A LOT LOWER IN FAT LEVELS than meat, which is why it's ideal for training, for dogs needing to lose some weight or for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

How to cook beef for dogs? ›

How Do You Boil or Cook Ground Beef for Dogs?
  1. Place the ground beef in a pan.
  2. Break it into small pieces using a wooden spoon and add a little water.
  3. Set the cooker on medium heat, cover it with a lid, and let the meat boil.
  4. Stir the meat after every 2 or 3 minutes until the water has completely evaporated.
Apr 22, 2024

Can dogs eat canned tuna? ›

Can dogs have tuna? Yes, you can feed your dog canned tuna, as long as you do so in moderation and infrequently. Choose the version that's packed in fresh water instead of oil or salted water. Also check the label to make sure there is no extra salt added to the canned tuna.

What are the best ingredients to put in homemade dog food? ›

Good homemade food for healthy dogs includes all the vitamins, calcium, proteins and minerals your pet needs to stay healthy. You can add ground beef, chicken, lamb or venison, as well as vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, parsnips, beets, yams, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes.

Can I mix raw ground beef with dry dog food? ›

Yes, it is safe to add raw food to kibble for your dog's diet, as long as you introduce the raw food gradually to give your dog's stomach bacteria time to adapt. Mixing raw and kibble is nothing your pet can't handle, as their digestive systems are capable of processing a variety of food types.

What is the best ground meat for dogs? ›

Chicken, turkey, lean ground beef, and chuck steak or roast are animal-based proteins, which help dogs grow strong. A few rules apply: Always cook meat well. Never serve it raw or undercooked.

What is the healthiest meat to feed your dog? ›

Chicken. Chicken is a staple ingredient in many dog foods for good reason. “It's a lean source of protein, essential for your dog's energy and muscle health,” explains Perea. “Additionally, chicken provides omega-6 fatty acids, promoting healthy skin and a glossy coat.”

What organ meat is best for homemade dog food? ›

  • LIVER. The thought of eating liver sounds gross, we know, but it's one of the top organ meats you can give your dog. ...
  • Tripe. Tripe is the muscular stomach lining of grazing animals like cows, pigs, sheep and goats. ...
  • Heart. ...
  • Kidney.

What three meats should dogs avoid? ›

Meats to Never Give Your Dog
  • Bacon. Bacon, the notoriously delicious salty, fatty, cured meat that is loved by millions should be avoided by dogs. ...
  • Ham. As you can imagine, ham should be avoided for reasons similar to bacon. ...
  • Processed Meats. ...
  • Chicken with Bones. ...
  • Proceed with Caution: ...
  • Chicken Meat. ...
  • Pork Meat. ...
  • Fish.
Sep 29, 2021

What is the easiest meat to digest for dogs? ›

For many, gentle options include venison, fish, duck, turkey, and lamb – easy on the digestion, and a hit with the taste buds. Cooked over raw. Our four-legged pals have a carnivorous core, but raw meat might be a smidge too rich dog food for a sensitive stomach. So, choose cooked meat for easier digestion.

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