Cheap Homemade Dog Food Recipe Using Pumpkin & Peanut Butter

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.

Do you sometimes think that the cost of your dog’s food is the one that is making your wallet look empty? And perhaps you are concerned about the content of those factory prepared bags?

Balancing quality and price is quite a challenge, and your dog should not have to suffer for it.

Good news: I have a homemade dog food recipe that is simple, cost effective, and full of things that make your dog happy.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog food recipe uses simple pantry staples.
• It’s designed to be budget-friendly and super nutritious.
• Prep time: About 15 minutes.
• Cook time: About 30-35 minutes.
• Serving size: Makes about 6-8 cups of food, depending on the ingredients used.

Ingredients List

• Lean Ground Turkey (93% lean): 1.5 lbs – estimated cost $7.00 – $9.00
• Canned Pumpkin Puree (plain, 100% pumpkin): 1 (15-ounce) can – estimated cost $1.50 – $2.50
• Peanut Butter (xylitol-free, unsalted): 1/2 cup – estimated cost $1.00 – $2.00
• Rolled Oats (uncooked): 2 cups – estimated cost $0.50 – $1.00
• Carrots (finely shredded): 1 cup – estimated cost $0.50 – $1.00
• Green Beans (canned, no salt added, drained, or fresh/frozen steamed): 1 cup – estimated cost $0.50 – $1.00
• Water: 2 cups – estimated cost $0.00
• Dog-Specific Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement: As directed on packaging – estimated cost $0.20 – $0.50 per serving

Total estimated cost: $11.20 – $17.00 (This total doesn’t include the supplement cost as it’s a recurring purchase, but one bottle lasts many servings.)

Substitutions: You can swap ground turkey for lean ground chicken or beef. If your dog has an oat allergy, cooked brown rice can be used instead of oats. Sweet potato puree can replace pumpkin if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• First, brown the ground turkey in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.
• Break up the meat as it cooks until it’s fully cooked through and no pink remains.
• Then, drain any excess fat from the pot.
• Next, add the canned pumpkin puree, peanut butter, rolled oats, shredded carrots, green beans, and water to the pot with the turkey.
• Stir everything really well to combine all the ingredients.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low, then cover the pot.
• Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• The oats should be soft and most of the liquid absorbed.
• Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool completely.
• Once it’s cool, mix in the dog-specific multivitamin/mineral supplement according to the label’s directions.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): Feed about 1/2 to 1 cup per day. For example, a Chihuahua might need 1/2 cup, while a Corgi might need 1 cup.
• Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): Feed about 1 to 2 cups per day. A Beagle might get 1.5 cups, a Border Collie 2 cups.
• Large Dogs (over 50 lbs): Feed about 2 to 4 cups per day. A Golden Retriever could eat 3 cups, a Great Dane up to 4 cups.
• Puppies and very active dogs often need more calories. Pregnant or nursing dogs also have higher demands.
• Senior dogs or less active dogs might need slightly less to prevent weight gain.
• Always check with your vet. They can give you personalized advice based on your dog’s specific needs, activity level, and health conditions.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Ground Turkey: This is a great source of lean protein. It provides essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair without a lot of unhealthy fat.
• Pumpkin Puree: Packed with fiber, pumpkin helps support healthy digestion and can ease both constipation and diarrhea. It also contains vitamins A, C, and E.
• Peanut Butter (xylitol-free): Offers healthy fats, protein, and B vitamins. It’s a tasty energy source.
• Rolled Oats: A good source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and soluble fiber, which helps with gut health and keeps blood sugar stable.
• Carrots: Provide beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to Vitamin A, good for vision and immune function. They also add fiber.
• Green Beans: Low in calories and high in vitamins K, C, and A. They add fiber and bulk to help your dog feel full.
• Canine Supplement: Ensures your dog gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals (like Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc) that might be harder to balance in a homemade diet.

Storage and Serving Tips

• The food will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, divide the cooled food into individual serving portions.
• Freeze these portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months.
• To reheat from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or gently warm it in the microwave.
• Always check that the food is not too hot before serving.
• You can serve the food at room temperature or slightly warm.
• Some dogs like it mixed with their dry kibble, or you can offer it as a standalone meal.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Is this recipe complete and balanced for my dog?

This recipe provides a good base of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. However, for long-term feeding, it’s crucial to include a high-quality canine multivitamin and mineral supplement to ensure full nutritional completeness. Always talk to your vet to make sure it meets all your dog’s needs.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, absolutely. You can add dog-safe vegetables like spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers. Just make sure they are cooked and pureed or finely chopped for easier digestion. Avoid onions, garlic, and avocado.

My dog is a picky eater, will they like this?

Most dogs love the combination of pumpkin and peanut butter! The strong, appealing smells usually get even picky eaters interested. You can try mixing a small amount with their regular food at first to introduce it.

How do I know if this food agrees with my dog’s stomach?

Introduce any new food gradually over several days. Start by mixing a small amount with their current food and slowly increase the homemade portion. Watch for any signs of upset stomach like vomiting or diarrhea. If you notice any issues, stop feeding and consult your vet.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog’s food at home doesn’t have to be hard or expensive, and this cheap homemade dog food recipe using pumpkin and peanut butter is a simple, healthy way to show your love.

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