homemade dog food venison

DIY Homemade Venison Dog Food Recipe

If youre a dog owner looking for a homemade venison dog food recipe that is healthy, easy to make, and delicious, look no further than this grain-free Venison & Squash recipe. Made with ground venison (deer meat), butternut squash, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and a few other key ingredients, this recipe is perfect for dogs health and longevity.

Made easily on your stove, your dog will love the taste and youll love knowing that youre feeding them a homemade nutritious meal thats free of fillers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.

About this recipe

Venison has high protein, so it provides a seamless transition to a fresh whole-food diet for dogs who are currently eating a raw diet. Its also a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities that need a novel protein source.

Venison is also rich in nutrients like vitamins B12 and B6, riboflavin, and niacin, which all support a healthy and energetic metabolism. Butternut squash is extremely nutritious and rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and dietary fiber. It is also high in B vitamins, which are great for the overall energy and digestion your dog needs. The fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids that are important for maintaining healthy skin, a shiny coat, and brain development during growth.

By making your own dog food with high-quality ingredients, you can ensure your pup is getting complete and balanced nutrition.

Calorie Content (Calculated):872 kcal ME/kg; 25 kcal ME/oz450 kcal ME/18 oz; 1800 kcal ME/72 oz

Learn how to make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

If you dont have venison available but still want to ditch the kibble, try our other veterinary nutritionist-developed recipes Lamb & Brown Rice, Beef & Russet Potato, Fish, Green Beans & Sweet Potato, or Chicken & White Rice.

Ingredients List

Makes approximately 11.5 lbs*

Note: As with any dog food recipe, it is essential that it is complete and balanced. This recipe is nothing without the DIY Nutrient Blend, which is formulated specifically for each recipe to meet AAFCO recommendations. The blend is compounded from 100% human-grade nutraceuticals regulated by the FDA. As such, it is vital that you follow this recipe exactly as it is written.

Serving Size For Venison & Squash Dog Food

Venison & Squash Homemade Dog Food Recipe: Home Cooking Instructions

PREPARATION

1. Wash all fruits and veggies thoroughly. Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, but if one or two items are purchased frozen (may add as is), make sure there are no added ingredients such as salt or sugar.

2. As an alternative to cubing raw and boiling, butternut squash may also be baked, mashed and mixed. Do not butter or salt. If baking the squash, start this process first since it can take up to 90 minutes. Simple baking instructions are available online.

3. The weight of the squash should be verified after it is cubed, since a significant amount of weight can be lost in the preparation process.

4. Prepare a one-quart ice bath. Once the squash and potatoes are cooked, the ice will be used to cool them and to stop the cooking process so they retain their texture.

Cooking Instructions

1. Choose a pot that will hold all the squash and potatoes, add water and bring to a rapid boil. In the meantime, cube squash (remove seeds, stem and skin) and sweet potatoes (do not peel) to an appropriate bite size for your dog. Add squash and sweet potatoes to the boiling water and lower heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until fully cooked (soft to the touch). Add ice to stop the cooking process. Drain. Let the squash and potatoes cool to the touch.

2. In a nonstick skillet, brown the ground venison over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Add Brussels sprouts and cranberries while venison is still slightly pink.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, including the safflower and Omega Plus oils. Slowly sprinkle in DIY Nutrient Blend until fully incorporated.

4. Portion into individual serving sizes and store in freezer or refrigerator. Stored in the refrigerator, this recipe will stay fresh for up to 4 days. In the freezer, it can be stored for up to 3 months.

Summary

Making your own homemade pet food can be a rewarding and healthy choice for your dogs diet. This Venison & Squash dog food recipe is an easy and nutritious way to provide your dog with a balanced diet that they will love and that isnt highly processed dry food.

No matter how you choose to prepare it, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your home (other than dog treats, of course). So, grab your apron and get ready to whip up a batch of delicious homemade dog food that will keep your good dog a healthy dog!

*All weights indicated are raw or dry weight.

Prefer to make a smaller batch? This printable PDF includes instructions for full and half batches of food. You can also view instructions for making this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Easy Venison Homemade Dog Food Recipe

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Venison is a lean, healthy red meat option for dogs prone to protein sensitivities. I like to add it to my dogs' diet because I believe in feeding a balance of red and white meat. Venison can also be expensive for people who don't have access to hunted meat or don't live in an area where venison is a common protein. In this article, I will share the nutritional benefits of venison for dogs, along with one homemade dog food recipe that includes venison as an ingredient, formulated with Animal Diet Formator software, and one recipe using a base mix.

Nutritional Benefits of Venison for Dogs

Venison isa nutrient-dense protein high in essential amino acids and rich in thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, iron, and zinc. I include this protein in my dogs' diet because

1. Protein:Venison is a rich source of high-quality protein, crucial for the growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues in your dog's body. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscles, enzymes, hormones, and immune cells.
2. Vitamins:
   • B Vitamins:Venison contains various B vitamins, including:
     • Niacin (Vitamin B3): Supports energy production, skin health, and digestion.
     • Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): Supports a healthy nerve system and red blood cell production.
     • Vitamin B1 (thiamine): Supports nerve, muscle, and heart functions.
     • Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Important for brain function, enzyme reactions, and metabolism.
   • Vitamin A:Essential for vision, immune function, and skin health.
   • Vitamin D:Important for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.
3. Minerals:
   • Iron:Venison is a good source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed and essential for oxygen transport in the blood.
   • Zinc:Supports immune function, skin health, and wound healing.
   • Selenium:Acts as an antioxidant, supporting immune function and thyroid health.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:Venison is from grass-fed animals, resulting in higher omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are beneficial for skin health, coat condition, and reduced inflammation.
5. Phosphorus:Important for bone health, energy metabolism, and nutrient utilization in the body.
6. Bioavailable Nutrients:Venison provides easily digestible nutrients, ensuring optimal nutrient absorption and utilization in the body.

The nutrient profile of venison makes it a valuable addition to your dog's diet, especially for those with specific dietary needs or sensitivities. When feeding venison to your dog, ensure it is sourced from high-quality, reputable suppliers to maintain its nutritional integrity.

Venison Dog Food Recipe [Raw]

Venison is the main ingredient, and the recipe calls for ground venison. The specific cut of venison is up to the individual dog owner.

Ingredients:

The following recipe was formulated using Animal Diet Formulator software. Mix the following ingredients, multiplying the ingredients when feeding multiple dogs or large dogs.

• 5 pounds of raw venison
• 1 pound pork heart
• 1.5 pounds pork liver
• 1.1 pounds pork kidney
• 1.5 pounds of organic leafy greens (collard greens, kale, spinach, bok choy)*
• 1 tablespoon of kelp powder (rich in essential minerals)
• 1 tablespoon of spirulina
• 11 ounces of canned boiled oysters (cans are 8 ounces each)
• 5 ounces of wild-caught canned salmon**
• 2 tablespoons of organic hemp seeds
• 1 drop of Vitamin E oil
• 3.15 pounds chicken necks**
• 2 chicken eggs

*The vegetables can be rotated to provide variety. Ensure that the vegetables are safe and suitable for dogs. I don't feed onions; however, other vegetables I feed include cabbage, kale, zucchini, and yellow squash. **I recommend adding the salmon and chicken necks to the individual meals when feeding your dog instead of to the grind to avoid creating a potential thiamin deficiency.

Recipe Feeding Amounts

The recommended feeding amounts can vary depending on your dog's age, weight, and activity level. As a general guideline, you can start with the following:

• For adult dogs: Feed about 2-3% of your dog's body weight daily. For example, if your dog weighs 50 pounds (22.7 kilograms), feed approximately 1-1.5 pounds (450-680 grams) of food daily.
• For puppies: Puppies require a higher percentage of their body weight in food. Start with around 5-10% of their expected adult weight and adjust as needed based on their growth and body condition.

It's important to monitor your dog's weight and body condition regularly. Adjust the feeding amounts accordingly to maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

Recipe Feeding Instructions:

1. Thoroughly wash the vegetables.
2. Grind the pork and organ meats, or use a pre-ground blend if available.
3. Finely chop or puree the vegetables.
4. Mix the ground blend with the remaining ingredients (except salmon and chicken necks, which will be added to individual meals).
5. Separate the mixture into individual serving sizes based on your dog's daily feeding amount.
6. Store the servings in airtight containers or freezer bags.
7. Thaw each serving before feeding and serve at room temperature, adding chicken necks and salmon to the meals. Because I balance over time, I may add the salmon and chicken necks to one day's meals, or spread them in meals over a few days.

Remember to introduce new foods gradually and observe your dog for signs of digestive upset or allergies.

Alternatives to Ingredients this Recipe

In the above recipe, I use chicken necks as the source of bone. However, chicken is a common food sensitivity in dogs. My dogs can handle raw chicken much better than processed chicken (kibble and canned), but this may not be true for all dogs. If I couldn't feed chicken to my dogs, I'd use the following alternatives:

• duck necks
• duck wings
• turkey necks

Venison Dog Food Recipe (with Base Mix)

A base mix is a mixture of whole foods (e.g. vegetables, fruits, and seeds) that are freeze-dried or dehydrated. It helps dog owners formulate a nutritionally complete diet without the use of software, spreadsheets, or professional guidance. I use Raw Vibrance by Dr. Harvey's, a grain-free base mix that doesn't contain synthetic vitamins.

I use a base mix because it's easier. I don't stress about balancing my dogs' meals, I don't maintain a spreadsheet, and I don't think about macro and micronutrients. I'm not suggesting that people who choose to count calories and nutrients are wrong; I'm stating that I do things differentlyeasier (for me). And it works.

About Dr. Harvey's Raw Vibrance

• A grain-free and holistic blend of 24 incredible whole foods, including raw goats milk, green-lipped mussels, shiitake mushrooms, and eggshell membranes
• Made with nine dehydrated vegetables, two antioxidant-rich fruits, two energy-packed seeds (sesame and chia), bone meal and crushed eggshells for calcium, and nine other immune-boosting superfoods
• Easy and convenient way to prepare a raw food diet for your dog
• Proudly made in New Jersey, USA, and Non-GMO Certified

Ingredients in Dr. Harvey's Raw Vibrance

Broccoli, Green Beans, Squash, Celery, Cabbage, Carrots, Crushed Eggshell, Spinach, Beets, Raw Goats Milk Powder, Apples, Blueberries, Bone Meal, Sesame Seeds, Chia Seeds, Shiitake Mushrooms, Green Lipped Mussel Powder, Ginger, Kelp, Parsley, Eggshell Membrane

My Homemade Dog Food Recipe Venison

Dr. Harvey's doesn't recommend the following practice. However, these modifications to their instructions work for my dogs, which I confirmed through two nutrient tests on four dogs that this practice meets their nutritional needs.

• I start with an 80 10 10 blend of muscle meat, organ meat, and bone.
• For every 10-15 lbs of raw, I use 1-1/2 cups of the base mix (this amount is pre-hydration).

If I used a base mix with the above recipe, I would remove the Vitamin E oil, vegetable mix, spirulina, and hemp seeds. The recipe I formulated for my dogs is as follows:

• 15 pounds of ground venison
• 6 pounds of grass-fed beef (pork or lamb) organ blend
• 4 pounds of ground duck wings or necks
• 2 cups of Dr. Harvey's Raw Vibrance
• 1 can of boiled canned oysters

Note: This recipe is a general guideline for information only and should not replace professional advice. The recipe was formulated for a healthy adult 60-pound (27.2 kg) dog.

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