Low-Cost Homemade Dog Food featuring Turkey Necks and Kale

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.

Are you tired of paying an arm and a leg for your dog food? And are you constantly asking yourself what exactly is that bag of kibble?

It really is hard to want the best for your little four-legged friend without going bankrupt, especially with all those frightening ingredient lists.

However, the fact is that you don’t have to pick between your budget and the health of your dog. This meal is a great way to give your pet a good and cheap food.

Recipe Overview

• Purpose: Provides a low-cost, nutrient-dense meal using readily available ingredients.
• Benefits: Supports joint health, provides essential vitamins, promotes healthy digestion, and is great for sensitive stomachs.
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours (pressure cooker or slow cooker recommended for turkey necks)
• Serving Size: Approximately 12-14 cups (adjust based on your dog’s needs)

Ingredients List

This list includes everything you need. We’ve also added estimated costs from a typical US grocery store to help you plan your budget.

• Turkey Necks (3-4 large, about 3 lbs): $6.00-$9.00 ($2-$3 per lb)
• Rolled Oats (1 cup, uncooked): $0.20-$0.30 (approx. $3 for 42 oz)
• Sweet Potatoes (2 medium, about 1 lb): $1.00-$1.50 ($1-$1.50 per lb)
• Carrots (4 large, about 1 lb): $0.70-$1.00 ($0.70-$1 per lb)
• Kale (1 bunch, about 5 oz): $2.00-$3.00 ($2-$3 per bunch)
• Chicken Livers (4 oz, optional but recommended): $0.50-$1.00 (approx. $2 for 1 lb)
• Fish Oil (1 tablespoon, or flaxseed oil): $0.20-$0.30 (approx. $10 for 8 oz bottle, many servings)
• Water (8-10 cups): Negligible cost
• Optional: Plain Yogurt (1/2 cup, for serving): $0.50-$0.75 (approx. $4 for 32 oz)

Total Estimated Cost: $11.10 – $16.85

Substitutions: You can swap turkey necks for chicken backs or frames if turkey is unavailable. Instead of kale, spinach or collard greens work well. Sweet potatoes can be replaced with pumpkin or butternut squash. Chicken livers can be swapped for beef liver or hearts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this meal for your dog.

• Step 1: Cook the Turkey Necks. Put the turkey necks in a large pot or slow cooker. Add enough water to just cover them. If you have a pressure cooker, cook on high pressure for 60-90 minutes. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the bones are very soft and crumbly.
• Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables. While the necks are cooking, peel and chop the sweet potatoes and carrots into small, dog-friendly pieces. Wash the kale thoroughly and chop it finely.
• Step 3: Cook Vegetables and Oats. Once the turkey necks are done, carefully remove them from the pot and set aside to cool. Keep the bone broth from the pot. Add the chopped sweet potatoes and carrots to the hot broth. Cook until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Then, stir in the rolled oats and chopped kale. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the oats are soft and the kale wilts. If using chicken livers, add them now and cook until no longer pink.
• Step 4: Debone and Shred. Once the turkey necks are cool enough to handle, carefully strip all the meat and any soft, crumbly cartilage or bones from the neck. You should be able to mash the bones between your fingers if they are cooked enough. Discard any hard, splintery bones. Shred the meat into small pieces.
• Step 5: Combine and Blend. Pour the cooked vegetable and oat mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded turkey meat and the fish oil. Mix everything together well. You can mash some of the sweet potatoes for a smoother texture.
• Step 6: Cool Down. Let the entire mixture cool completely before storing or serving.

Feeding Guidelines

Getting the right portion size for your dog is important.

• General Rule: A good starting point is about 1/2 to 1 cup of food per 20 pounds of body weight per day, divided into two meals.
• Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): 1/2 – 1 cup per day. For example, a 10 lb Chihuahua might need 1/4 – 1/2 cup twice daily.
• Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 1 – 2.5 cups per day. A 40 lb Border Collie might eat 1 to 1.5 cups twice daily.
• Large Dogs (50+ lbs): 2.5 – 5+ cups per day. A 70 lb Labrador could get 2 cups twice daily.
• Activity Levels: Active dogs will need more food than less active ones. Adjust based on their energy use.
• Life Stages: Puppies, senior dogs, and pregnant/nursing dogs have different nutritional needs. Puppies often need more frequent, smaller meals. Senior dogs might need slightly less food if their activity drops.
• Consult Your Vet: Every dog is different. It’s always best to talk to your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice, especially if your dog has specific health conditions or dietary needs. They can help you make sure this recipe fits into a balanced diet for your dog.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

This homemade meal is packed with goodness for your dog.

• Turkey Necks: They’re a fantastic source of natural protein, calcium, and phosphorus. These minerals are vital for strong bones and teeth. Plus, the connective tissue offers glucosamine and chondroitin, which support healthy joints.
• Rolled Oats: Oats are a gentle source of soluble fiber. This fiber helps regulate digestion and can be soothing for dogs with sensitive stomachs. They also provide sustained energy.
• Sweet Potatoes: These are complex carbohydrates, giving your dog lasting energy. They’re also rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, and provide more dietary fiber for gut health.
• Carrots: Full of beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A in the body. This supports healthy vision, immune function, and skin. They also add a natural sweetness dogs love.
• Kale: This leafy green is a powerhouse of vitamins K, A, and C. It also contains iron and antioxidants. These help boost immunity and fight inflammation.
• Chicken Livers (Optional): If you include them, livers are incredibly nutrient-dense. They provide essential B vitamins, iron, and trace minerals. They’re like a natural multi-vitamin.
• Fish Oil: A crucial source of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). These are excellent for skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and support brain function and joint health.

Storage and Serving Tips

Make sure you store and serve this food properly.

• Refrigeration: Store the cooled dog food in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. You can serve the food cold, at room temperature, or slightly warmed. Warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, making sure it’s not too hot before serving.
• Serving Ideas: Serve this meal on its own, or mix it with your dog’s regular kibble. This can help them transition to new food or just add variety to their diet. You can also add a spoonful of plain yogurt (dairy-free if preferred) for added probiotics.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Are the cooked turkey neck bones safe for my dog?

Yes, if they are cooked until they are very soft and crumbly. The cooking process, especially in a pressure cooker or slow cooker, makes the bones so soft that they are easily digestible and won’t splinter. Always test a bone first to ensure it’s soft enough to crush between your fingers before adding it to the food.

Can I use other types of meat or bones?

Absolutely. Chicken backs, frames, or even beef oxtail can be used. Just ensure any bones are cooked to that same soft, crumbly consistency. Different meats offer slightly different nutrient profiles, adding variety is great!

Is this recipe a complete and balanced diet?

This recipe provides many excellent nutrients, but it might not be nutritionally complete on its own for long-term feeding. Here’s what I found: for a truly balanced diet, you might need to add a vet-approved supplement. Or, you could rotate this recipe with a commercially balanced food. It’s always best to talk to your vet or a canine nutritionist to make sure your dog is getting everything they need.

My dog has allergies. How can I adjust this recipe?

Here’s how it works: you can substitute ingredients easily. If your dog is allergic to chicken liver, simply omit it or use a different organ meat they tolerate. For grain allergies, omit the oats or replace them with a small amount of quinoa or brown rice (if tolerated). Always introduce new ingredients slowly to monitor for reactions.

How much does this recipe actually save me compared to commercial food?

This might work for you: while commercial food costs vary widely, premium brands can run $2-$4 per pound. This recipe comes out to about $0.90-$1.40 per pound of finished food. So, it can save you a significant amount, especially for larger dogs, while giving you control over the ingredients.

Wrapping Up

Ready to try this budget-friendly recipe for your best friend? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!