Homemade Raw Venison and Kale Bowl Recipe

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Is your dog not as peppy, itching more than usual, or just not as full of life as before?

Many store-bought dog food, though they claim high, don’t give the fresh, real good stuff our pet pals need.

This may cause dull fur, tummy troubles, low zip, & even big health woes.

Why not try a raw dog food recipe?

Overview: Homemade Raw Venison and Kale Bowl Recipe

My version of this home-made raw dog food, Venison & Kale Bowl, is full of good stuff to make your dog feel great inside & out.

It has lean meat, key vitamins, & stuff your dog needs, not like dry kibble.

It takes just 25 mins to get ready & no need to cook.

This mix makes about 8-10 meals for a mid-size dog, making it both easy & so good for them.

Ingredients List

Crafting this nutrient-rich meal involves selecting the freshest, highest-quality components. Here’s what you’ll need, along with estimated costs for a typical batch in the USA:

• 2 lbs Ground Venison (lean): $30 -$50 (look for human-grade, pasture-raised if possible)
• 1 bunch Fresh Kale (organic, destemmed): $3 -$5
• 0.5 lb Chicken Livers (or other animal liver): $2 -$4
• 1/4 cup Finely Ground Eggshell Powder (from organic eggs) or Bone Meal (dog-specific): $1 -$5 (if buying bone meal)
• 1/4 cup Pure Pumpkin Purée (not pie filling): $1 -$2
• 2 tbsp Organic Flaxseed Oil (or salmon oil): $1 -$2 (per use from a bottle costing$15$30)
• 1 tsp Kelp Powder (optional, for trace minerals): $0.50 (per use from a bag costing $10-20)

Total estimated cost per batch: ~$38 – $69. Consider buying in bulk for savings on regular ingredients!

Substitutions: If venison is hard to find or too costly, lean ground beef, lamb, or turkey can be excellent alternatives. For kale, organic spinach or collard greens work well, just ensure they are fresh and destemmed. If you can’t find chicken livers, any other animal liver like beef or lamb liver can be used.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing this nutritious raw meal for your dog is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a balanced and safe meal.

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Thoroughly wash the kale leaves, then remove the tough stems. Finely chop the destemmed kale, or use a food processor to pulse it into small, manageable pieces, ensuring no large chunks remain.
2. Process Organ Meats: Gently pat dry the chicken livers. Using a food processor or a sharp knife, finely chop or lightly pulse the livers until they are well-minced but not puréed, making them easier to mix and digest.
3. Combine Main Ingredients: In a large, sturdy mixing bowl, combine the ground venison, chopped kale, and minced chicken livers. Use your hands, wearing gloves for hygiene, to thoroughly mix these ingredients together.
4. Add Supplements and Oils: Sprinkle in the ground eggshell powder (or bone meal) and kelp powder (if using). Add the pumpkin purée and flaxseed oil to the mixture.
5. Mix Thoroughly: Continue to mix everything rigorously until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the venison base. Ensure there are no pockets of unmixed ingredients, as consistent distribution is key for nutrient intake.
6. Portion and Store: Once fully mixed, divide the raw food mixture into individual meal portions using an ice cream scoop, measuring cup, or specific pet food containers. This makes daily feeding quick and convenient.

Always practice safe raw food handling by washing hands and surfaces thoroughly after preparation.

Feeding Guidelines

Determining the right portion size for your dog is crucial for their health and depends on several factors. Generally, adult dogs require 2-3% of their ideal body weight in raw food per day, divided into one or two meals.

For example, a 50-lb adult dog would typically need 1-1.5 lbs of this Venison and Kale Bowl daily. Highly active dogs or those in colder climates may require slightly more, while senior dogs or less active breeds might need slightly less to maintain a healthy weight.

Puppies and pregnant or lactating dogs have higher caloric and nutritional demands, often needing 4-6% of their body weight daily, distributed across multiple small meals. Always consult your veterinarian to establish the most appropriate feeding plan tailored to your dog’s specific breed, age, activity level, and health status.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

This Homemade Raw Venison and Kale Bowl is a powerhouse of essential nutrients, meticulously chosen to support your dog’s optimal health. Venison provides an exceptionally lean, novel protein source, making it ideal for dogs with sensitivities or allergies to common proteins like chicken or beef.

It’s rich in B vitamins, iron, and zinc, crucial for energy metabolism and immune function. Kale, a true superfood, offers a bounty of vitamins K, A, and C, along with powerful antioxidants that support cellular health and reduce inflammation.

Chicken livers are organ meat superstars, brimming with vitamins A, B, and iron, vital for vision, healthy red blood cells, and overall vitality. The addition of finely ground eggshell powder (or bone meal) ensures a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, essential for strong bones and teeth.

Pumpkin purée contributes healthy fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health, while flaxseed oil provides beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for a shiny coat, healthy skin, and reducing inflammatory responses. Kelp powder, if included, adds a spectrum of trace minerals, supporting thyroid function and overall metabolic balance.

Storage and Serving Tips

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the freshness and safety of your homemade raw dog food. This Venison and Kale Bowl will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, raw food freezes exceptionally well. Portion the food into individual servings before freezing in freezer-safe bags or containers; it can be stored for up to 2-3 months this way. To serve frozen portions, simply transfer them to the refrigerator the night before to thaw completely, ensuring the food is always served at room temperature.

Never microwave raw food, as this can cook it and destroy vital nutrients; instead, a quick soak in warm water can help bring it to temperature if needed. You can serve this meal on its own, or if your dog is transitioning to a raw diet, mix a small amount with their regular kibble, gradually increasing the raw portion over several days or weeks.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

How do I safely transition my dog to a raw diet?

Introduce raw food gradually to avoid digestive upset. Start by replacing a small portion of your dog’s regular food with the raw meal, slowly increasing the raw amount over 7-10 days until they are fully transitioned.

Is homemade raw dog food safe from bacteria?

Yes, when handled properly. Always source human-grade ingredients, practice strict kitchen hygiene (wash hands, surfaces, and bowls), and keep raw food refrigerated or frozen. Dogs’ digestive systems are naturally more acidic than humans’, making them more resistant to bacteria.

Do I need to add supplements to this recipe?

This recipe provides a balanced foundation with key vitamins and minerals. However, individual dogs may have unique needs. Consulting with a vet or a canine nutritionist is always recommended to assess if additional targeted supplements are necessary for your dog’s specific health profile.

Where can I source quality venison and organ meats?

Look for trusted local butchers, specialty pet food stores that carry human-grade raw ingredients, or online raw food suppliers. Ensure the meat is suitable for raw consumption and hasn’t been treated with additives.

Wrapping Up

Feeling inspired? Your dog deserves the vibrant health this homemade raw Venison and Kale Bowl offers.

Pin this recipe to your Homemade Raw Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips and recipes!