Homemade Dry Dog Food Recipe using Lamb & Millet Morsels

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 scratching itself more than usual or not showing any interest in food?

Several commercial dog foods are full of fillers and allergens that are very common, which means that dogs become our digestive tract suffers, their coats become lifeless or they develop a habit of eating selectively.

It’s a real issue when all you want is for them to be healthy and happy.

That said, you can now make your own homemade dry dog food to solve this problem, and I’m gonna show you how simple it is.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dry dog food recipe uses lamb and millet to create delicious, crunchy morsels.
• It’s perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or common protein allergies.
• Prep time is about 20 minutes, and cook time is around 50-60 minutes.
• This recipe makes approximately 6-8 cups of dry food, depending on how you shape and dry the morsels.

Ingredients List

• 1.5 lbs ground lamb (approx. $8-$12) – Lamb is a novel protein source, great for dogs with allergies to chicken or beef. It’s rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins. You can swap this for ground turkey or venison if your dog prefers.
• 2 cups millet flour (approx. $4-$6) – Millet is a gluten-free grain, easy to digest, and a good source of fiber, B vitamins, and magnesium.
• 1 cup rolled oats (approx. $1-$2) – Oats add fiber for digestion and are a good source of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid.
• 1 cup bone broth (low sodium, unsalted) (approx. $3-$5) – Bone broth is packed with collagen, amino acids, and minerals, supporting joint health and digestion.
• 2 large eggs (approx. $0.50-$1) – Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential amino acids.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots (approx. $0.50) – Carrots are a good source of beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin K.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach (approx. $0.50) – Spinach offers vitamins A, B, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants.
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted (approx. $0.50) – Coconut oil provides healthy fats, supporting skin and coat health.
• 1 tsp dried parsley (approx. $0.20) – Parsley is a natural breath freshener and contains vitamins K and C.
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (approx. $0.20) – Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Optional: 1 tbsp dog-specific vitamin and mineral supplement (approx. $0.50-$1.00 per serving) – This helps ensure complete nutritional balance, especially if this is a primary food source.

Total estimated cost: $20 – $30

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, crumble the ground lamb.
• Add the millet flour, rolled oats, bone broth, eggs, chopped carrots, chopped spinach, melted coconut oil, dried parsley, and turmeric powder.
• If using, add the dog-specific vitamin and mineral supplement now.
• Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until well combined. It should form a firm dough.
• Roll the dough into small, pea-sized or marble-sized morsels. This size helps them dry evenly.
• Spread the morsels evenly on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure they are not touching.
• Bake for 30 minutes.
• Reduce the oven temperature to 200°F (95°C) and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the morsels are dry and firm to the touch. They should be hard, not soft.
• Turn off the oven and leave the morsels inside with the door slightly ajar for an hour or two to fully cool and dry out. This helps achieve that “dry food” texture and prevents mold.

Feeding Guidelines

• For small dogs (10-20 lbs): Start with about 1/2 to 1 cup per day, divided into two meals.
• For medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Offer 1 to 2 cups per day, split into two meals.
• For large dogs (50-90 lbs): Give 2 to 3 cups per day, divided into two meals.
• Puppies, very active dogs, or pregnant/nursing dogs may need more food.
• Senior dogs or less active dogs might need slightly less.
• Always introduce new foods gradually over 7-10 days to avoid upset stomachs.
• Always provide access to fresh water.
• It’s a good idea to chat with your vet about specific portion sizes for your dog, especially if they have health conditions.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Ground Lamb: This is a high-quality protein source, great for muscle development and repair. It’s often well-tolerated by dogs with common food sensitivities.
• Millet Flour: A fantastic gluten-free carbohydrate, millet provides sustained energy and is rich in fiber for healthy digestion. It also offers B vitamins and magnesium.
• Rolled Oats: Another excellent source of complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber, oats help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support a robust digestive system.
• Bone Broth: Full of collagen, gelatin, and amino acids, bone broth is great for joint health, gut integrity, and boosting the immune system.
• Eggs: A complete protein, eggs supply all essential amino acids crucial for overall health, strong muscles, and a healthy coat.
• Carrots and Spinach: These vegetables pack in essential vitamins (like A, K, C), minerals, and antioxidants, supporting vision, immunity, and overall vitality.
• Coconut Oil: Provides easily digestible medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can improve skin and coat health, aid digestion, and boost energy.
• Turmeric and Parsley: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while parsley acts as a natural breath freshener and adds vitamins.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Once completely cooled, store the morsels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• You can serve these morsels warm, at room temperature, or even mix them with a little water or bone broth to soften them if your dog prefers.
• They can also be mixed with your dog’s regular kibble to transition them or add variety to their diet.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use a different meat?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground lamb with other lean ground meats like turkey, venison, or even beef if your dog doesn’t have an allergy.

Are these completely nutritionally balanced for every meal?

While this recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients, for long-term sole feeding, it’s best to add a vet-approved canine vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure all nutritional requirements are met. Always consult your vet.

How can I make these crunchier?

The key to crunch is proper drying. Make sure to bake them at the lower temperature for the full duration and leave them in the cooling oven. If they still feel soft, you can bake them for a little longer at 200°F (95°C).

My dog won’t eat them dry. What should I do?

Try rehydrating them slightly with a little warm water or low-sodium bone broth. Some dogs prefer a softer texture.

Wrapping Up

Making your own dog food might seem like a big step, but this lamb and millet recipe is simple, nourishing, and shows your dog just how much you care.

It gives them a delicious, digestible meal made with real ingredients.

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