I had a blast creating this recipe, and a big thank you to everyone who voted on Instagram for the ingredients! This recipe is packed with protein and healthy fats while keeping carbohydrates low. The calorie distribution mirrors that of a typical raw diet, with over 45% of calories coming from protein, 40% from fat, and less than 15% from carbohydrates. It’s particularly well-suited for highly active dogs, like herding or sled dogs, who benefit from the higher fat and protein content for muscle repair and energy.
INGREDIENTS
95% Lean Ground Beef: This lean ground beef is a fantastic source of essential amino acids and packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, iron, vitamin B6, niacin, and phosphorus.
Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a great protein source, salmon does have a higher fat content, which limits the amount that can be incorporated into the diet. It also provides B vitamins and vitamin D.
Pumpkin Puree: This ingredient offers a good amount of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. It acts as an excellent prebiotic, supporting healthy gut bacteria and boosting the immune system.
Carrots: Carrots are loaded with beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, vitamin A, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition.
Broccoli: Known for its versatility, broccoli is high in vitamins A, C, E, K, and various B vitamins. It also contains several important minerals, including iron, potassium, calcium, selenium, and magnesium.
Walnut Oil: This oil is a great source of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, both of which are essential fatty acids that dogs require in their diet.
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet: A superb source of EPA and DHA, along with vitamin E, Nordic Naturals fish oil is purified and third-party tested, ensuring an excellent EPA to DHA ratio that balances the higher omega-6 fatty acids found in chicken and walnut oil.
Supplement (BalanceIT Canine): Without this supplement, the recipe will lack sufficient riboflavin, calcium, copper, iodine, and manganese.
DIET COMPOSITION
PERCENT CALORIE BASIS
- Protein: 47%
- Fat: 41%
- Carbohydrate: 12%
- Moisture: 74%
- Total Calories: 994
HOMEMADE DOG FOOD RECIPE
- 340g (12oz) 95/5 lean ground beef, pan-broiled
- 85g (3oz) salmon, cooked using dry heat
- 78g (1/2 cup) broccoli, cooked (boiled)
- 55g (1/2 cup) carrots, raw
- 82g (1/2 cup) mango, raw
- 122g (1/2 cup) pumpkin, canned
- 2 tsp Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet
- 1 tsp walnut oil
- 3 ⅛ tsp BalanceIT Canine / Human Supplements
This recipe is formulated to meet AAFCO standards, providing a complete and balanced diet for adult dogs when all ingredients are prepared as specified and all supplements are included. Any modifications to the recipe will result in it no longer being considered balanced and should be regarded as a “treat” or “addition,” comprising no more than 10% of your dog’s overall daily caloric intake. Without supplementation, this recipe will be deficient in calcium, riboflavin, copper, iodine, and manganese.
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and begin by baking the salmon until it is fully cooked. You’ll need to start with about 4 ½ ounces of salmon to yield the 3 ounces required for the final recipe.
While the salmon is baking, pan-broil the lean ground beef in a non-stick (cast-iron) pan until it is no longer pink. To get the 12 ounces needed for the recipe, start with approximately 16 ounces (1 pound) of extra lean ground beef.
Next, bring about 1 cup of water to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, add the broccoli and cook for about 5-7 minutes before draining it.
After all the ingredients are cooked, allow them to cool completely. I typically dedicate one day to prepare all the ingredients and let them cool overnight in the fridge before portioning them out the next day.
Once cooled, chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces, weigh them, and portion for each meal. If you have a smaller breed dog or one that tends to pick around ingredients, I highly recommend using a food processor to puree everything together.
For convenience, I often make large batches to last a week, so I don’t have to cook daily for my dogs.
HOW MUCH TO FEED
The amount you should feed your dog will depend on their individual metabolism and lifestyle needs. Caloric requirements can vary by up to 50% above or below the “average” amount and still be considered normal.
For overweight or obese dogs aiming to lose weight, it’s important to feed them according to their “ideal weight.” If your dog needs to shed some pounds, please consult with your veterinarian to determine their specific caloric needs.
The chart below outlines the average calories needed for dogs based on their weight. If you’re using this recipe as a treat, be sure to keep the portion within the “treat” category. If you plan to serve it as a complete and balanced meal, you can either recalculate the recipe using BalanceIT or adjust the serving size according to your dog’s caloric needs (average suggested amounts within the “food” category).
