homemade dog food using ground turkey

Recipe: Turkey and Vegetable Homemade Dog Food

Homemade dog food is a wonderful alternative to commercial diets. You can cater the meals to your dog's individual needs, and you can use the healthiest ingredients available. This recipe uses turkey, vegetables, rosemary and other safe and healthy ingredients.

Like most other dog food recipes, you can substitute a different protein source if your dog doesn't like turkey. If your pet is sensitive to common protein sources, you could use venison, bison or rabbit instead.

You can also use any type of fruits or vegetables that your dog likes. Fruits and vegetables that are healthy for dogs include:

• cantaloupe
• apples
• bananas
• watermelon
• green beans
• carrots
• blueberries
• cucumbers
• spinach

Before substituting other vegetables or fruits, check with your veterinarian or do some research on your own. There are some fruits and vegetables that can be toxic to dogs like grapes, tomatoes and avocados.

MORE VIDEOS: Homemade Dog Food & Treats Recipes

Turkey and Vegetable Homemade Dog Food Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 cups of water
• 1 pound of ground turkey
• 2 cups of brown rice
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• 16 ounces of frozen vegetables (I used broccoli, cauliflower and carrots

Directions

This recipe is really quite simple to make. Begin by placing a medium-sized saucepan on your stove top and setting the burner on medium heat. The add the 6 cups of water.

Now you can add the ground turkey. Mix the turkey around in the water for a few minutes, and you'll notice that it breaks up nicely. Next, add the brown rice and the rosemary.

SIMILAR RECIPE:Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Homemade Dog Food Recipe

As you'll see in my video guide, I used frozen vegetables. I often hear dog owners say that making homemade food is too time consuming. There are lots of ways to cut back on the prep time, and using frozen vegetables is a great way to reduce the time spent chopping ingredients.

If you'd prefer to use fresh vegetables, that's fine too. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces. Sometimes frozen vegetables are cut into large pieces, so you may want to chop them a bit a finer if you have a small dog.

Once you've added all the ingredients to the saucepan, let it boil for about 20 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally. The food will start to get thicker as the ingredients absorb the water. You'll know the food is done cooking when 90% of the water has been absorbed.

Once the turkey and vegetable dog food is cool you can feed it to your Fido. Like many other homemade dog food recipes, thiswill make enough for about 3-5 days (depending on the size of your dog). You can save the leftovers in the refrigerator for 5-7 days in an airtight container.

If you'd like to make a larger batch of dog food, you can store it in the freezer in an airtight container. This is a great way to prep food in advance so you don't have to cook dog food multiple times each week.

READ NEXT: Best Food for Dogs The Ultimate Buyers Guide

Homemade Turkey Dog Food with Veggies

Homemade Turkey Dog Food with Veggies

Published: Oct 26, 2023 Updated: Oct 26, 2023 by AngelaC This post may contain affiliate links

Your dog will love this delicious and nutritious grain-free homemade turkey dog food with vegetables meal. It's a great way to ensure your furry companion gets the best ingredients for a happy and healthy life.

We have kept the protein element of this homemade dog food to just turkey. This dish would be good for any dogs with allergies to beef or lamb.

Homemade ground turkey dog food is a great combination of high-quality protein and an array of colorful, nutrient-rich vegetables creating a meal that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, ensuring that your canine companion stays healthy and happy.

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

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Ground Turkey for Dogs

Turkey is a lean meat that is a good source of high-quality protein for dogs. It contains essential amino acids that can help with muscle development and overall health.

Do not add any seasonings, spices, or ingredients that are harmful to dogs, such as onions, garlic, or excessive salt. Plain, cooked ground turkey is the safest option.

Some dogs may have food allergies or sensitivities to certain proteins, including turkey. Monitor your dog for any adverse reactions, such as skin issues, gastrointestinal problems, or changes in behavior, when introducing new foods.

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.

Ingredients

Just a few simple ingredients make this delicious meal for your dog.

• Ground turkey - This lean protein source is the star of the show. It's packed with high-quality protein and essential amino acids, promoting muscle health and overall vitality.
• Turkey liver - if you don't have turkey liver, chicken, beef or pork liver can be used.
• Carrot - Carrots offer a burst of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, as well as fiber, which aids digestion.
• Cranberries -are rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and various phytonutrients.
• Turmeric - contains an active compound called curcumin, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties. This can be particularly useful for dogs with conditions like arthritis or joint pain.
• Broccoli - a good source of vitamins, including vitamin C and vitamin K, as well as minerals like potassium and calcium.
• Apple - a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and help regulate bowel movements. Seeds must be removed!
• Coconut oil - A small amount of coconut oil adds healthy fats that can benefit your dog's coat and skin.
• Egg - an additional source of protein.

How to make homemade turkey dog food.

We cook this ground turkey dog food recipe in one pan for an easy meal.

Cook turkey and liver in a pan.

Add chopped veggies and berries.

Storage

Before storing, allow the homemade dog food to cool to room temperature. Hot food can create condensation inside the storage container, potentially leading to spoilage.

For short-term storage (up to 3-4 days), keep the portions of homemade dog food in an airtight container in the refrigerator.Use a dedicated container for your dog's food, separate from your own food.

Freezing

Use airtight, freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label each container or bag with the date of preparation to keep track of freshness.

Freeze individual portions so you can defrost only what you need each time.

When you're ready to use frozen homemade dog food, thaw it in the refrigerator. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods, as this can lead to bacterial growth.

Homemade Turkey Dog Food with Veggies

Your dog will love this delicious and nutritious grain-free ground turkey and vegetable 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 6 servings

Calories 227 kcal

Ingredients

US CustomaryMetric

1x2x3x

• 32 oz ground turkey (2lbs)
• 2 oz turkey liver chopped
• 1 medium carrot peeled and chopped
• 6 oz broccoli florets
• 1 medium apple deseeded, chopped
• teaspoon turmeric
• 1 large egg
• 2 oz cranberries

Instructions

• Heat the coconut oil in a large pan on a medium heat.

• Add the ground turkey and turkey liver and cook the turkey until it's no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

• Add the chopped vegetables, apple, cranberries and turmeric and cook for a further 10-15 minutes they are cooked.

• Add the egg and cook for a further 2 minutes and stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

• Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool completely before serving to your dog.

Notes

Total recipe makes 48 ounces of dog food. We have listed a serving as being 8oz (one cup). Servings will vary depending uponyour dog's age, size, and activity level.If you want to make a smaller batch, reduce the ground turkey to 1lb

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Turkey Dog Food with Veggies

Amount per Serving

% Daily Value*

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.

Keyword ground turkey dog food recipe

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Homemade Dog Food Recipe

This Homemade Dog Food Recipe is filled with hearty ground turkey and fresh veggies skip the kibble and try something healthy and all natural. Learn all about dog food allergies, best home food for dogs, why its cheaper than store-bought and how to store and serve your pups!

Please note** I am not a veterinarian, just a loving dog Mom, and I highly recommend consulting with a vet that practices homemade / human-grade dog food practices before changing your dogs diet. This meal plan has worked wonderfully for us and I hope it does the same for you.

You can grab all the shopping items and products used for this recipe over on The Inspired Home from this post!

Our Backstory: Common Food Allergies for Dogs

After Rascal turned a year old or so, he started developing really strange eating habits. He wasnt finishing his food, had loud intense stomachaches and frequently threw up. We went through a number of blood tests. He had been diagnosed with things like pancreatitis, anxiety and one vet even thought he had parvo. We were stressed and at a loss at how to move forward. That is until we did an allergy test.

We uncovered that Rascal was allergic to a dozen different food items, one being beef, the main ingredient in his traditional dry dog food. Our vet introduced us to an all-natural human-grade dog food company called Just Food for Dogs. The company sells premade food and teaches people how to make a homemade dog food recipe at home. Once we started this all-natural diet, the stomach aches subsided and he was the happiest we had ever seen him.

Why we love the switch!

Now, our golden retriever Rascal eats a 100% human-grade dog food diet! Jared and I always joke that we could eat Rascals food with enough sriracha. Let me preface by saying that I NEVER thought I would be the type of person that made their dogs food homemade.

At first, the thought of homemade dog food was so daunting and just downright boogie. I can honestly say that making his food doesnt cost much more than the prescription diet he was on beforehand.

After watching the documentary Pet Fooled we realized just how unregulated the dog food industry was and started to feel stronger about our homemade switch.

Is homemade dog food good for dogs?

While I am not a vet, and I certainly cant speak for all animals (pun intended), I can tell you that switching to homemade dog food made the world of difference for Rascal. We had a very unique case with him and his food allergies, but we have also seen other positive changes.

On traditional dog food, Rascal was lethargic, he shed in abundance and his appetite was mediocre. He was also low in his weight class, weighing in at just 64 pounds for a full-sized male Golden Retriever.

Since the dog food switch, he has been energetic, focused, and calmer. He has also put on about 15 pounds in just one year after switching to homemade food. On a traditional diet, were vacuuming at least once a day but now only 1-2x a week. We no longer have to coax Rascal into mealtime and have finally developed a great eating schedule.

Ingredients for Rascals homemade dog food:

• Olive oil
• Ground turkey
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Zucchini squash
• Broccoli
• All-Natural chicken stock or water
• Macaroni noodles (I love DeLallo)

Note: We add in a supplement nutrient blend from a company called Just Food For Dogs very similar to dog vitamins as well as Omega oil to make sure he is getting enough healthy fats. I highly recommend adding both of these into your dog food so you can rest assure that they are getting proper nutrients.

DIY dog food seasoning

While dogs cant have all of the same aromatics as humans can (skip the onions!) they can have a small variety of dried or fresh herbs and spices that contain great nutrients and help flavor their meals. Use a few teaspoons sprinkled on top or mixed into the food. These are some easily digestible herbs and spices to try:

• Basil
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Cinnamon
• Turmeric
• Ginger

Foods dogs should never eat

If you are serious about making the shift to a DIY dog food lifestyle, avoid including any of the foods mentioned below as they can be toxic and poisonous to dogs:

• Chocolate (and other sugary foods or drinks)
• Avocados
• Onions + Garlic
• Milk (or other dairy products)
• Meat with nitrates (i.e. hot dogs and bacon)

How do you make homemade dog food

1. Cook turkey: In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey, begin to break it down, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until mostly cooked through.
2. Chop veggies: With a food processor, finely chop sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini and broccoli.
3. Add vegetables and stock: Add in the chopped vegetables and chicken stock (or water). Cook on a strong simmer for 7-8 minutes, or until veggies are tender and cooked through.
4. Stir in pasta: Mix in your cooked pasta noodles to the turkey vegetable mixture.
5. Feed your pups: Portion out meals accordingly. For every 10 lbs, you need roughly 1/2 cup of food per meal. Example: If you have a 20 lb dog, they will eat 1-1.5 cups of the batch per meal (2-3 cups total per day). Rascal weighs 70 pounds and eats about 3-3.5 cups per meal (7 cups total per day).

Alternative method: Slow cooker

Add in all the ingredients and cook on high for 4 hours. This does cook down some of the nutrients as the mixture cooks longer but it can be an easier cooking method depending on your kitchen/time.

Tools needed for cooking dog food at home

• Food Processor: Before I start cooking a batch of homemade dog food, I blend up all the vegetables in my food processor. This Cuisinart food processor is my go-to. Its a bit smaller than traditional food processors (we dont have a lot of counter space) but works just as well as a larger model. Blending up the veggies nice and fine will speed up the cooking process.
• Dutch Oven: I make the entire batch in my large Le Creuset round Dutch oven. I love using a Dutch oven because I can ground the meat first, and then finish off the batch right in the same pot. The process is very similar to making chili except for dogs. Ya knowDog Chili. (Yes, you can also use a crockpot. Just add all the ingredients and set it on high for 4 hours).
• Measuring Cups: Rascal has his own set of measuring cups now because it makes measuring out food ingredients and the finished batch WAY easier.
• Meal Prep Containers: This is basically meal prepping for your dog, so you will need some great Tupperware.

Recipe variations: What natural foods can I feed my dog?

Home-cooked dog food diets can be one of the best ways to keep your best friend happy and healthy. As always, check with your vet before testing a new dog diet, but here are some of my best recommendations:

• Protein: Rascal digests ground turkey really well but you can try ground beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and Rascals personal favorite: venison. If you dont have a meat grinder, you can ask your butcher to grind it for you or cut it up super fine before cooking.
• Vegetables: Spinach, butternut squash, cranberries, cauliflower, apples, green beans. Here is an entire list of AKC approved fruits and vegetables you can give your dog.
• Grains & Carbs: Rice, quinoa, barley, whole grain pasta, and potatoes can be great options. If you can believe it, Rascal is actually allergic to rice. I wish I were kidding.

Snacks to pair with home cooked dog food

• Peanut butter: Rascal has his own dedicated jar of peanut butter. He loves a traditional kong but you can also mold and freeze peanut butter in any shape for a quick frozen treat. When the jar is almost finished I break out my peanut butter spoon.
• Greek Yogurt Ice Cream: In the summer we blend up unflavored Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and peanut butter. Place a spoonful or two into a silicone cupcake pan and freeze for a few hours. These make for a great dog ice cream.
• Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes: Rascals favorite easy treat. We love bringing these over to family and friends houses so Rascal always has a healthy treat on hand.

How to store, reheat and freeze

This homemade dog food will last 5-7 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer. We usually make a weeks worth of food at a time and store it in the refrigerator. We store all of the meals in simple Tupperware containers and we ALWAYS save our plastic take-out containers and re-use them for Rascals Dog Food.

When eating time rolls around, simply nuke it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds and cool slightly before serving.

For freezing, I recommend freezer-safe containers or freezer zip-top bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before feeding and reheat as directed.

Homemade dog food recipe FAQ

How much homemade dog food should my dog eat?

This will definitely vary from dog to dog and I highly recommend speaking to your vet before going homemade. Generally speaking, for every 10 lbs your dog weighs is roughly 1/2 cup of prepared food.

Rascal weighs 75 lbs and we feed him about 3-3.5 cups of food per meal (2 meals per day).

Is it cheaper to feed your dog homemade food?

Homemade dog food is more affordable than you might think. Its very relative to how large your dog is, but Ill break down the numbers for you (we buy the ingredients at Sprouts)The last dry kibble dog food Rascal was prescribed was over $90 a bag. A homemade batch costs us roughly

• 3 lbs ground turkey $10.49
• 2 lbs sweet potatoes $5.19
• 3 carrots $1.04
• 2 zucchini squash $1.32
• 1 cup broccoli $0.49
• 2 lbs macaroni noodles $3.34

Grand total: $21.87 per batch

Your meat/protein will be the largest cost. I always pick up ground turkey when its on sale and freeze it until we need it for a batch. Cheap and cheerful!

Other Rascal posts to check out!

If you make this Homemade Dog Food Recipe, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!

I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the College Housewife community!

Originally published in May 2020, updated February 2022 with updated info and recipe card.

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Description

This Homemade Dog Food Recipe is filled with hearty ground turkey and is all-natural skip the kibble and try something fresh and full of veggies. Learn all about dog food allergies, best home food for dogs, why its cheaper than store-bought and how to store and serve your pups!

2 tbsp olive oil

3 lbs ground turkey

3 medium sweet potatoes

3 carrots, peeled

2 zucchini squash

1 cup broccoli florets

3 cups chicken stock or water (no salt added)

20 ounces cooked macaroni noodles, such as ditalini

1. Cook turkey: In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey, begin to break it down, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until mostly cooked through.
2. Chop veggies: With a food processor, finely chop sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini and broccoli.
3. Add vegetables and stock: Add in the chopped vegetables and chicken stock (or water). Cook on a strong simmer for 7-8 minutes, or until veggies are tender and cooked through.
4. Stir in pasta: Mix in your cooked pasta noodles to the turkey vegetable mixture.
5. Feed your pups: Portion out meals accordingly. For every 10 lbs, you need roughly 1/2 cup of food per meal. Example: If you have a 20 lb dog, they will eat 1-1.5 cups of the batch per meal (2-3 cups total per day). Rascal weighs 70 pounds and eats about 3-3.5 cups per meal (7 cups total per day).

Notes

Slow Cooker: Add in all the ingredients and cook on high for 4 hours. This does cook down some of the nutrients as the mixture cooks longer but it is can be an easier cooking method depending on your kitchen/time.

Storage: Store in an airtight container or zip-top bags for 5-7 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat: Nuke it for 30-60 seconds in the microwave and cool slightly before serving.

Please note** I am not a veterinarian, just a loving dog Mom and I highly recommend consulting with your vet that practices homemade / human-grade dog food practices before changing your dogs diet. This meal plan has worked wonderfully for us and I hope it does the same for you.

Keywords: all natural, diy, pet recipes