homemade dog food recipes grain free

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

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9 Homemade Grain-Free Dog Food Recipes Every Dog Will Love

Have you ever wanted to cook homemade treats for your dog but had no idea how to do so? If this is you, youre in the right place. Making homemade treats for your dog is an excellent way in controlling what exact ingredients your dog is eating, and its also an excellent way to save money. In this post, well list 9 grain-free recipes you can make at home that your dog will surely love.

Grain-free diets are not for every dogthey are only needed if your dog has a grain allergy. Also, the recipes listed below are not meant to substitute your dogs regular diet; they are intended for treats only.

Note:

The FDA conducted a study regarding any correlation between grain-free dog foods and the risk of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) due to peas, lentils, legumes, and/or potatoes.

As of December 2022, the FDA announced they do not intend to release public updates until there is meaningful new scientific information to share. That said, we recommend consulting your veterinarian before feeding your dog a grain-free diet.¹

Without further ado, here is a list of grain-free recipes that are easy to make.

The 9 Homemade Grain-Free Dog Food Recipes

1. Our Favorite Homemade Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe

Chicken and Apple Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe

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.

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Dogs

Servings 10 cups

Calories 291 kcal

1 oven
1 Cooking pot
2 Bowl
1 Baking sheet
1 Grinder
1 skillet
1 Potato masher

4 medium carrots peeled and chopped
2 apples - peeled cored, and chopped (make sure seeds are removed)
cup water
6 eggs
3 pounds ground chicken
6 ounces chicken livers chopped
3 tablespoons sunflower seed oil
4 cups baby spinach leaves

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
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.
Meanwhile, crack eggs into a bowl and set aside. Place eggshells onto a baking sheet.
Bake eggshells in the preheated oven until dry, 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove eggshells from the oven and pulverize using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder.
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.
Place spinach on top of meat mixture, then cover with a lid and steam until soft, about 5 minutes.
Mash softened carrots and apples in a bowl with a potato masher and add to meat mixture. Mix until well combined.

Use organic apples to avoid pesticides and 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.

Calories: 291kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 37gFat: 12g

Keyword Homemade grain-free dog food with chicken and apple

2. Grain-Free Turkey Dog Food Recipe by Pawsome Recipes

This recipe is nutritious and easy to make. It contains all-natural ingredients and is low-carb, which is beneficial to doggies with diabetes. Low-carb diets help regulate blood sugar levels and may even aid with weight loss.

This is a turkey-based dish that provides excellent protein while providing essential vitamins and minerals. You can prepare this dish in 35 minutes, and its super easy to make. It calls for quite a bit of ingredients, but all the ingredients are beneficial to your dogs health. You can access the recipe here.

3. Venison Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe by Azestfor

For doggies that love the taste of venison, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Prep time is only 10 minutes, and cook time is only 30 minutes, so you wont be cooking away in the kitchen all day to make this delicious meal. You only need 7 ounces of venison, potatoes, kale, sunflower oil, and added vitamins.¹ This recipe is excellent for dogs needing a low-fat diet.

4. Grain-Free Homemade Dog Recipe Chicken or Turkey by Pawsome Recipes

This homemade recipe gives you the option of chicken or turkey, whichever your doggie prefers. It holds a nutritional balance of easy-to-find ingredients consisting of carrots, sweet potato, chicken or turkey, spinach, lentils, and water. Its low-fat, grain-free, and can be made in 30 minutes. This recipe includes healthy protein, fats, carbs, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

5. Slow Cooker Grain Free Chicken Recipe by Top Dog Tips

For those who love to use a slow cooker for convenience, youll love making this dish for your doggie. All you need is chicken, sweet potato, apple, carrots, kidney beans, frozen peas, and olive oil. This meal is ready in 8 hours; just add it all in, program your slow cooker, and youre set!

6. Grain-Free Beef Stew by Life at Clover Hill

This grain-free beef stew recipe only involves a few ingredients: beef, potato or sweet potato, carrot, and frozen peas. You can substitute beef for chicken or turkey if your doggie prefers. This recipe is cheap to make and will last in your fridge for 56 days.

7. Beef and Salmon Dog Food Recipe by The Canine Health Nut

To prepare this dish, you will need to add BalanceIT, a canine supplement that includes necessary riboflavin, copper, calcium, iodine, and manganese to make it complete and balanced; however, you may omit this ingredient for serving only as a treat.

This recipe is also high in protein and fat, so keep this in mind if your dog requires a low-protein, low-fat diet. Otherwise, if you have a high-energy doggie, this dish will be a hit with lean ground beef, salmon, pumpkin puree, carrots, broccoli, and walnut oil.

8. Turkey Vegetable Mash by SkinnyMS

This turkey and veggie recipe is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and no added fillers. It only takes 20 minutes total to make and calls for only a few healthy ingredients, such as lean ground turkey, chicken, carrots, green beans, cauliflower, and olive oil.

9. Organic Stew for Dogs Recipe by Happy and Yummy

This is another slow cooker recipe your doggie will love. This recipe includes chicken, sweet potato, and 2 pounds of mixed veggies you can buy in a bag. It does call for brown rice, but in order to make it grain-free, you can substitute brown rice for cauliflower. You can cook for 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low, whichever works best for you.

Conclusion

These recipes are all super easy to make and only call for a few ingredients. We highly recommend consulting your veterinarian before feeding any of these recipes to ensure its safe for your dog, as all dogs have specific nutrient requirements, especially those with health issues. If you get the go-ahead from your vet, get cooking!

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Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock

Grain Free Turkey Dog Food Recipe

Published: Feb 9, 2023 Updated: Nov 14, 2023 by AngelaC This post may contain affiliate links

This grain free turkey dog food recipe is an easy and nutritious way to make your pup's mealtime more enjoyable. It has all the natural ingredients they need and is entirely grain-free and low carb.

This turkey-based dish is a great source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, making it ideal for any pup's diet. Plus, the turkey adds a nice flavor that most dogs love!

Dogs that are suffering from diabetes can benefit from low-carb foods. Mainly because Type 2 Diabetes can be caused by excessive intake of carbs and sugars. Low-carb diets can help normalize the dog's blood sugar levels and even stimulate weight loss.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read mydisclosure policyfor more information.

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GROUND TURKEY FOR DOGS

Feeding ground turkey to your dog can be a great way to provide them with a healthy and delicious meal. Ground turkey is packed with lean protein and essential vitamins and minerals that are essential for good canine health. It's also an excellent source of dietary fat, as well as calcium, zinc, magnesium and iron. Additionally, it contains all the essential amino acids your dog needs for a healthy and balanced diet.

DOGS WITH GRAIN-FREE ALLERGIES

Dogs can have allergies to grains, just like humans can have allergies to certain foods. Grains, such as wheat, corn, and soy, are common ingredients in many commercial dog foods. In some dogs, these grains can cause an allergic reaction, leading to symptoms such as itching, skin irritation, digestive issues, and respiratory problems.

It's important to note that not all dogs are allergic to grains, and that some dogs can tolerate grains without any problems. If you suspect your dog may have a grain allergy, it's a good idea to speak to your veterinarian to determine the best course of action. They may recommend switching to a grain-free diet or conducting allergy testing to determine the specific allergen.

INGREDIENTS

There's a lot of healthy and natural ingredients in this homemade dog food recipe.

Ground turkey - try to get lean ground turkey.
Chicken gizzards - organ meat is a great source of nutrients for dogs.
Chicken liver - Although very nutritious, liver should not be more than 5% of your dog's meal.
Sardines - these oil fish are used for their anti inflammatory properties and their protein content.
Apple - a great source of vitamin C, A and fiber. Ensure that you do not give your dog any apple seeds.
Blueberries - a source of anti-oxidants, fiber and vitamins.
Parsley - aids digestion and great for dogs breath.
Chia seeds - a good source of omega 3 fatty acids.
Ground flaxseeds - great for skin and coat health.
Shiitake Mushrooms - great for the immune system
Broccoli - a low carb vegetable full of vitamins
Green Beans - great for fiber and vitamins
Coconut oil - a healthy oil for dogs.

Remember to go slowly when introducing new foods. And we recommend checking with your veterinarian first if your dog has any digestive issues or other health concerns.

HOW TO MAKE GRAIN FREE TURKEY DOG FOOD RECIPE

Cook meat in the coconut oil

Add vegetables and berries

Cover and cook.

Feed to happy doggo!

STORAGE

Keep this homemade dog food in the fridge in airtight container and it should last up to 4 days.

To freeze, once cooled, spoon into either zip lock bags or airtight containers and store in the freezer. It will last up to 3 months. Defrost thoroughly before serving.

VARIATIONS

This recipe can be tweaked to what you have in your fridge and if your dog have any preferences:

Swap the ground turkey with ground chicken but ensure that it is lean.
Use other low carb vegetables such as kale, cauliflower and pumpkin.
Top with a quails egg, chicken's neck or chicken's foot.

MORE GRAIN-FREE DOG FOOD RECIPES

If you are looking for grain-free dog food recipes, your dogs may enjoy these:

Grain Free Pancakes

Ground Beef Dog Food

Dog Thanksgiving Dinner

Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

Fish and Sweet Potato Dog Food

Grain Free Turkey Dog Food

Your pup with enjoy a bowl of this turkey dog food full of meat, berries and vegetables for a healthy grain-free and low carb meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dog Meals

Cuisine Grain Free Dog Food, Homemade Dog Food

Servings 8 servings

Calories 124 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey lean
1 oz chicken liver
4 oz chicken gizzards
4 oz sardines
2 oz green beans chopped
2 oz broccoli chopped
2 oz blueberries
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1 tablespoon chia seeds
2 tablespoons parsley, fresh, chopped
2 oz apple chopped
2 oz shiitake mushrooms
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

Heat the coconut oil in a large pan or skillet on a medium heat.
Add the ground turkey, chicken liver and chicken gizzards. Cook until browned and cooked through.
Add the vegetables, blueberries, parsley, apple, chia seeds, ground flaxseed and mushrooms. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Allow to cool before serving.

Notes

Makes 8 servings of 4oz a serving.Always check with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods into your dogs diet.Any nutritional analysis on the website is based on an estimate, calculated by Spoonacular from the individual ingredients in each recipe. Variations may occur for various reasons, including product availability and food preparation. We make no representation or warranty of the accuracy of this information.