Budget-Friendly Homemade Dog Food using Turkey Liver 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.

It really pains me when I see any dog have digestive issues or is allergic and its owner finds that the price of special dog food is really sky high.

A lot of commercially made food are full of fillers and artificial ingredients that can make your pet even more miserable.

But if it was possible for you to feed your dog a nutritious and tasty meal made of authentic ingredients, which is not expensive at all? This article is the answer.

Recipe Overview

• This budget-friendly homemade dog food recipe features turkey liver and kale.
• It’s packed with essential nutrients like iron, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook.
• It makes approximately 10 cups, perfect for multiple servings or freezing.
• Ideal for improving digestion, boosting immunity, and providing sustained energy.

Ingredients List

• 1 lb ground turkey (85/15) – approximately $5.00
• 1 lb turkey liver – approximately $3.50
• 2 cups cooked brown rice – approximately $0.50
• 1 cup chopped kale – approximately $1.00
• 1 cup chopped carrots – approximately $0.50
• 1/2 cup green beans (frozen or fresh) – approximately $0.75
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – approximately $0.20
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth – approximately $0.30
• 1 large egg – approximately $0.25

Total estimated cost: $14.00

Substitutions:

• Ground turkey: You can swap this for ground beef, venison, or lamb if your dog prefers.
• Turkey liver: Chicken liver or beef liver works just as well.
• Brown rice: Cooked quinoa or rolled oats are good alternatives for grains.
• Kale: Spinach or collard greens can be used instead.
• Carrots: Sweet potato or pumpkin (cooked and mashed) are great options.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Start by cooking your brown rice according to package directions.
• While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
• Add the ground turkey to the skillet and break it up with a spoon.
• Cook until it’s browned, then drain any excess fat.
• Next, add the turkey liver to the skillet with the ground turkey.
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liver is cooked through.
• Stir in the chopped kale, carrots, and green beans.
• Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
• Pour in the low-sodium broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Once slightly cooled, stir in the cooked brown rice and the raw egg.
• Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
• The residual heat will cook the egg just enough to bind the ingredients.
• Let the entire mixture cool completely before serving or storing.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): Feed about 1/2 to 1 cup per day.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Feed 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day.
• Large dogs (50-100 lbs): Feed 3 to 4.5 cups per day.
• Giant breeds (over 100 lbs): Feed 5+ cups per day.
• Adjust portions based on your dog’s activity level; very active dogs might need more.
• Puppies and senior dogs might have different needs, so consider their life stage.
• Puppies need more frequent, smaller meals, while seniors might need fewer calories.
• Always talk to your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.
• They can help you tailor the portion sizes and ensure it meets all their specific health requirements.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Ground turkey provides lean protein for muscle development and energy.
• Turkey liver is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in iron, Vitamin A, and B vitamins.
• Liver supports healthy blood, vision, and metabolism.
• Kale is packed with vitamins K, A, and C, plus antioxidants for immune support.
• Carrots offer beta-carotene for eye health and dietary fiber for digestion.
• Green beans add more fiber and essential vitamins without many calories.
• Brown rice provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• It’s also a good source of fiber, which helps with a healthy digestive system.
• Olive oil adds healthy fats, promoting skin and coat health.
• The raw egg boosts protein and adds healthy fats.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Once cooled, store the homemade dog food in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, divide the food into single-serving portions and freeze them.
• Frozen portions can last for up to 2-3 months.
• To serve from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or gently reheat it.
• You can microwave it briefly or warm it on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
• Always ensure the food is cooled to room temperature before feeding it to your dog.
• You can serve this meal on its own or mix it with a small amount of their regular kibble.
• Some dogs enjoy it slightly warm, which can bring out the flavors.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Is this recipe complete and balanced for my dog?

While this recipe is full of nutrients, it’s designed as a supplemental meal or a rotation option. For long-term feeding as a sole diet, you might need to add a vet-approved supplement to ensure it’s completely balanced. Always chat with your vet for guidance on dietary completeness.

Can I use raw turkey liver?

Yes, you can use raw turkey liver. If you choose to feed it raw, ensure it’s fresh and high-quality. However, for this recipe, cooking the liver ensures any potential bacteria are killed and helps it blend better with the other ingredients.

My dog has a sensitive stomach, is this recipe suitable?

This recipe uses whole, easily digestible ingredients like turkey and brown rice, which can be great for sensitive stomachs. However, every dog is different. Introduce it slowly and watch for any adverse reactions. If your dog has specific allergies, review the ingredient list carefully and make substitutions as needed.

How do I introduce new food to my dog?

Always introduce new foods gradually over 7-10 days. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their old food. Slowly increase the proportion of the new food while decreasing the old food until they’ve fully transitioned. This helps prevent digestive upset.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Many dog-safe vegetables can be added. Good options include pumpkin, sweet potatoes, broccoli, or peas. Make sure to research if a vegetable is safe for dogs before adding it, and cook them thoroughly.

Making your dog’s food at home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. This turkey liver and kale recipe is a simple way to boost their health with wholesome ingredients. You’ll love seeing your pup thrive on a meal made with love.

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