Tired of second-guessing what’s in your dog’s food? Ditch the mystery and take charge with a homemade turkey dog food recipe that’s healthy, simple, and packed with fresh ingredients. Say goodbye to overpriced, questionable options and hello to meals your pup—and your wallet—will love.
Here’s how to make a nutritious, tail-wagging meal your dog will adore.
Nutritional Benefits
One of the main advantages of making your dog food is that you have complete control over the ingredients and can tailor the recipe to your dog’s needs. One of the primary advantages of preparing homemade dog food is having complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to customize the recipe to your dog’s specific nutritional needs.
Ground turkey, in particular, is an excellent protein choice for dogs due to its high digestibility and lower likelihood of triggering allergies compared to other meats like beef or chicken
Serving & Storage
Once the turkey and rice mixture has cooled, you can immediately serve it to your dog. The recommended serving size will depend on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level, so consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion sizes.
Any leftover food can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also portion the food into individual servings and freeze them for up to two months, making it easy to thaw and serve as needed.
When reheating frozen meals, do so slowly in the microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Transitioning to Homemade Dog Food
If you’re switching your dog from commercial dog food to homemade meals, it’s essential to do so gradually to avoid digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of the homemade food with their current food, gradually increasing the proportion of homemade food over a week or two.
It’s also crucial to consult your veterinarian before significantly changing your dog’s diet. They can help you ensure that your homemade recipes are nutritionally balanced and appropriate for your dog’s needs.
With some planning and preparation, you can feel confident that you’re providing your furry friend with the best possible nutrition while strengthening the bond between you.
Ground Turkey Recipe for Dogs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground turkey
- 2 tbsp chicken liver finely diced
- 2 medium carrots coarsely chopped
- 1 cup green beans diced
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Fill the bottom of a double boiler with 1 1/2 cups of water and place a steam basket filled with the vegetables on top. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the vegetables to steam until they become tender, which should take approximately 10 minutes.
- While the vegetables are steaming, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the turkey and liver. Cook the meat, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked through. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and drain off any excess fat, discarding it.
- Transfer the steamed vegetables to a food processor and pulse until they reach a desired consistency. Add the chopped vegetables to the cooked turkey in the skillet.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the turkey and vegetable mixture, tossing well to ensure even distribution. Set the mixture aside to cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers for storage.
Nutrition
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.