Homemade Dry Dog Food Recipe using Turkey & Sweet Potato Biscuits

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.

You​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ are in the middle of eating your own dinner when your dog sits by your foot, and his eyes seem to say, “Save me some of that.”

The contrast hurts: your plate is colorful, pronounceable, fresh; his bowl has the same brown nuggets that you have been giving since he was a puppy, and their ingredient list is like a chemistry-laden shrug.

Well, the good news is that you can easily change that. And this homemade dry dog food recipe is gonna help you get started.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dry dog food recipe makes nutritious and tasty biscuits.
• It uses turkey and sweet potato, perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.
• Prep time is about 20 minutes, and cook time is around 40-50 minutes.
• This recipe yields approximately 40-50 medium-sized biscuits, depending on your cookie cutter size.

Ingredients List

• 1 lb Ground Turkey (lean): $5.00 – $7.00
• 1 medium Sweet Potato (about 1 cup cooked, mashed): $1.00 – $1.50
• 1 cup Rolled Oats (not instant): $0.50 – $0.75
• 1/2 cup Whole Wheat Flour (or oat flour for gluten-free): $0.25 – $0.40
• 1 large Egg: $0.20 – $0.30
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (finely chopped): $0.50 – $0.75
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: $0.10 – $0.15
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder: $0.05 – $0.10
• Water (as needed)
• Optional: 1 tsp canine multivitamin supplement powder for added completeness: $0.20 – $0.30

Total estimated cost: $7.80 – $11.45

Substitutions:

• Ground Turkey: You can use ground chicken or lean ground beef.
• Sweet Potato: Butternut squash or pumpkin puree (not pie filling) work well.
• Whole Wheat Flour: For gluten-sensitive dogs, use oat flour or rice flour.
• Rolled Oats: Can be substituted with an equal amount of cooked brown rice, though the texture might change slightly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cook the sweet potato: Peel and chop the sweet potato into small pieces.
• Boil or steam until very soft, then mash thoroughly.
• Make sure there are no lumps.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked and mashed sweet potato, ground turkey, egg, olive oil, chopped parsley, and turmeric.
• Mix everything well until it’s evenly combined.
• Gradually add the rolled oats and whole wheat flour (or your chosen substitute) to the mixture.
• Mix until a firm dough forms.
• If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together.
• If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Use a cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
• Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 30 minutes, then flip the biscuits over.
• Continue baking for another 10-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are firm and dry.
• They should be crunchy.
• Let them cool completely on a wire rack before storing.

Feeding Guidelines

• These biscuits are a great supplement or treat, not a complete daily diet without a vet’s approval.
• For small dogs (under 20 lbs): Offer 1-2 biscuits per day.
• For medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Offer 3-4 biscuits per day.
• For large dogs (over 50 lbs): Offer 5-6 biscuits per day.
• Adjust based on activity level: Highly active dogs might need a bit more, while less active or senior dogs might need less to avoid weight gain.
• Puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs have higher nutritional needs; always consult your vet for precise guidance on supplementing their diet.
• This recipe is not designed to be a sole source of nutrition unless explicitly balanced by a veterinary nutritionist for your dog’s specific needs.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Ground Turkey: A lean protein source that’s easy on digestion, providing essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and overall health.
• Sweet Potato: Packed with dietary fiber, which aids healthy digestion, and rich in vitamins A and C, crucial for vision and immune function.
• Rolled Oats: A great source of soluble fiber, beneficial for gut health and regulating blood sugar.
• Eggs: Provide high-quality protein, choline for brain health, and essential fatty acids.
• Parsley: Contains vitamins K and C, and acts as a natural breath freshener.
• Olive Oil: Supplies healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, good for skin and coat health.
• Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with joint health.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Once completely cooled, store the biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the biscuits in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.
• To serve frozen biscuits, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or microwave briefly until defrosted.
• You can serve these biscuits at room temperature, slightly warmed, or crumbled over your dog’s regular kibble for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make these biscuits soft instead of crunchy?

Yes, you can. Just reduce the baking time by about 10-15 minutes. The biscuits will be softer and more chewy. Store soft biscuits in the fridge and they will keep for about 5 days.

My dog has allergies, how can I adjust this recipe?

You can substitute whole wheat flour with oat flour or rice flour for gluten allergies. For protein allergies, try different lean meats like lamb. Always check with your vet if you’re unsure about specific substitutions for your dog’s allergies.

Is this recipe a complete and balanced meal for my dog?

No, this recipe is intended as a treat or supplemental food. It does not contain all the vitamins and minerals needed for a complete diet. For a truly balanced homemade meal, you would need to add specific supplements and have it formulated by a veterinary nutritionist.

Wrapping Up

Making your own Homemade Dry Dog Food Turkey & Sweet Potato Biscuits is a simple way to show your dog some extra love with wholesome ingredients. Your dog will appreciate the delicious taste, and you’ll love knowing exactly what they’re eating.

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