Homemade Dry Dog Food Recipe using Cottage Cheese & Spelt Squares

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 filling the bowl with dog food, and a faint, disturbing thought goes through your head: What’s this stuff really?

The ingredient list is a blur of unpronounceable chemicals and vague “by products”.

Your dog is scratching his ear, then he lets out a sigh and looks less like a vibrant companion and more like a houseplant that has been tired for a long time.

It’s time for a change, and this homemade dry dog food recipe is your solution. Let’s make some healthy food for your dog now.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dry dog food recipe uses cottage cheese and spelt squares.
• It’s perfect for pups needing a gentle, gut-friendly meal.
• Prep time is about 20 minutes, and cook time is around 2 hours.
• This recipe makes enough for approximately 5-7 days for a medium-sized dog.
• It delivers quality protein, essential fats, and slow-release carbohydrates.

Ingredients List

• 2 cups Spelt Flour (approx. $3.00)
• 1 cup Cottage Cheese, low fat (approx. $2.50)
• 1 large Egg (approx. $0.30)
• 1/4 cup Bone Broth, unsalted (approx. $0.75)
• 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil, melted (approx. $0.50)
• 1 tablespoon Flaxseed Meal (approx. $0.20)
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (approx. $0.10)
• Optional: 1/2 cup finely chopped Carrots or Spinach (approx. $0.40)
• Recommended: High-quality canine vitamin/mineral supplement (as directed by vet) (approx. $1.00 per serving)

Total Estimated Cost: $8.75 – $9.75

Substitutions: You can swap spelt flour for oat flour for a gluten-free option. Plain Greek yogurt can replace cottage cheese. Chicken broth works if you don’t have bone broth. Olive oil can be used instead of coconut oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, egg, bone broth, and melted coconut oil.
• In a separate bowl, combine the spelt flour, flaxseed meal, and turmeric powder. If using, add the chopped carrots or spinach here too.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a firm, consistent dough forms. It should be easy to handle but not sticky.
• Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into small, bite-sized squares or shapes that are suitable for your dog’s size. Think about a good kibble size for them.
• Arrange the squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each piece.
• Bake for 30 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 200°F (95°C).
• Continue baking for another 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the squares are completely dry and hard. They should feel crunchy when cool. This helps prevent spoilage.
• Turn off the oven and leave the squares inside with the door slightly ajar. Let them cool completely overnight. This makes sure they dry out properly.

Feeding Guidelines

• Start by replacing a small portion of your dog’s regular food with these squares.
• For a small dog (under 20 lbs), offer about 1/4 to 1/2 cup daily.
• A medium dog (20-50 lbs) might need 1/2 to 1 cup per day.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs) can have 1 to 1.5 cups daily.
• Adjust these amounts based on your dog’s activity level. More active dogs will need more food.
• Puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs have higher calorie and nutrient needs. They may require additional protein and fats.
• For senior dogs, these squares are easy to digest. They can be slightly moistened if chewing is an issue.
• Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice, especially when introducing new foods or for specific health conditions.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Cottage cheese offers high-quality protein and calcium for strong bones and muscles. It’s also easy to digest.
• Spelt flour provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy without the common wheat sensitivities. It’s a good source of fiber.
• Eggs contribute complete protein, vitamins A, D, and E, and choline, which supports brain health.
• Bone broth adds essential amino acids and supports joint health and gut integrity.
• Coconut oil provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are good for energy and can support skin and coat health.
• Flaxseed meal is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, promoting healthy skin, a shiny coat, and reducing inflammation.
• Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
• Carrots or spinach, if added, offer vitamins A, K, and C, plus additional fiber and antioxidants.
• A canine supplement ensures all essential vitamins and minerals are met, crucial for a balanced diet.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Once fully dried and cooled, store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks.
• For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
• To serve after freezing, let them thaw at room temperature.
• These squares can be offered as a standalone meal, a training treat, or mixed with a bit of wet food or warm water to soften them, especially for older dogs.
• Always make sure your dog has access to fresh water when eating dry food.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting (FAQ)

Can I make these treats soft instead of crunchy?

Yes, but they won’t last as long. Bake for a shorter time, maybe an hour at 200°F. Store these softer treats in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze them.

Is spelt flour safe for all dogs?

Spelt is generally well-tolerated by dogs, even some with mild wheat sensitivities. It does contain gluten, so if your dog has a severe gluten allergy, use oat or rice flour instead.

Do I need to add a vitamin supplement?

Yes, for a complete and balanced diet, a high-quality canine vitamin and mineral supplement is strongly recommended. This recipe provides good macronutrients, but supplements fill in any micronutrient gaps.

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

Try crumbling them over their regular food or mixing them with a little warm bone broth to entice them. You can also try different flavor additions like finely minced cooked meat or pureed pumpkin to the dough.

How do I know if they are dry enough?

They should feel very hard and make a snapping sound when broken. If they feel chewy or soft, they still have too much moisture and need more drying time in the oven.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog’s food at home means knowing exactly what they’re eating—no more mystery ingredients! This cottage cheese and spelt squares recipe is simple, nutritious, and a great way to show your furry friend some extra love. It’s perfect for sensitive tummies too.

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