Homemade Dog Food Recipe for German Shepherds Chicken & Quinoa for Muscle Maintenance

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.

Did​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ your German Shepherd become lethargic or are you concerned that the dog is not getting the proper energy source for those strong muscles?

The truth is that a lot of foods that you buy in stores are full of fillers that do not really support the needs of your active friend, and you are left to question whether you are doing enough for his health and energy.

This specially crafted homemade dog food recipe for German Shepherds aims to solve that.

Recipe Overview

This homemade Chicken & Quinoa recipe is designed specifically for German Shepherds, focusing on muscle maintenance and overall vitality.

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Serving size: Varies by dog weight and activity level (see Feeding Guidelines)

Ingredients List:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa ($1.50)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely diced ($4.00)
• 1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed ($0.80)
• 1/2 cup cooked peas ($0.30)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots ($0.20)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil ($0.15)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric ($0.05)
• 1 canine multivitamin supplement (ensure it’s dog-safe and appropriate for your dog’s life stage) ($0.50)

Estimated Total Cost: $7.50 (This cost is an estimate and can vary based on brand and location.)

Suitable Substitutions:

• Chicken breast can be substituted with turkey breast or lean ground beef.
• Quinoa can be replaced with brown rice or barley.
• Sweet potato can be swapped for pumpkin or butternut squash.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• 1. Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Let it cool slightly.
• 2. While the quinoa cooks, boil or bake chicken breast until thoroughly cooked. Dice it into small, bite-sized pieces.
• 3. Steam or boil sweet potato until very soft. Mash it well.
• 4. Steam peas and finely chop carrots.
• 5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced chicken, mashed sweet potato, peas, and chopped carrots.
• 6. Add the olive oil and ground turmeric to the mixture.
• 7. Stir everything together until well combined.
• 8. Finally, sprinkle in the canine multivitamin supplement and mix thoroughly to ensure it’s evenly distributed.

Tip: Make sure all ingredients are cooled to a safe temperature before mixing.

Feeding Guidelines:

• General Guideline: A good starting point is 1/2 to 1 cup of food per 10 pounds of body weight per day, divided into two meals.
• For a 50-pound German Shepherd: Start with about 2.5 to 5 cups per day.
• Active Dogs: Increase the amount by 10-20% to fuel their energy needs.
• Less Active or Senior Dogs: You might need to slightly reduce the portion size.
• Puppies: Consult your veterinarian for specific puppy feeding ratios, as they have different nutritional requirements.
• Life Stages: For pregnant or nursing dogs, consult your vet for increased caloric and nutrient needs.
• Always consult your veterinarian to determine the precise portion size and nutritional balance for your individual dog, considering their specific health, age, and activity level.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe:

• Protein (Chicken): Essential for building and repairing muscles, crucial for your German Shepherd’s strength and activity.
• Complex Carbohydrates (Quinoa, Sweet Potato): Provide sustained energy release, keeping your dog active and engaged.
• Fiber (Quinoa, Sweet Potato, Peas, Carrots): Aids in healthy digestion and can help regulate bowel movements.
• Vitamins & Minerals (Sweet Potato, Peas, Carrots, Turmeric): Offer a range of essential nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and antioxidants to support overall health and immune function. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Healthy Fats (Olive Oil): Provides essential fatty acids for skin and coat health, and can contribute to joint health.
• Completeness (Canine Multivitamin): Ensures your dog receives a balanced intake of all necessary vitamins and minerals, which can be hard to achieve with homemade diets alone.

Storage and Serving Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store homemade food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, portion the food into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight or gently reheat in the microwave on a low setting.
• Serving: Serve the food at room temperature or slightly warmed.
• Mixing: You can mix a portion of this homemade food with your dog’s regular kibble to introduce it gradually or to enhance its nutritional value.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Is this recipe complete and balanced?

While this recipe provides excellent wholesome ingredients, it’s challenging to achieve a perfectly balanced diet without professional veterinary nutritionist guidance and specific supplements. The inclusion of a canine multivitamin is crucial to help bridge any nutritional gaps. Always consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s diet is fully balanced for their specific needs.

Can I feed this to my puppy?

Puppies have very specific and rapidly changing nutritional needs for growth. This recipe is designed for adult German Shepherds. It is essential to consult with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist for a puppy-specific homemade diet plan.

My dog has allergies. Can I still use this?

This recipe is a starting point. If your dog has known allergies, you’ll need to identify and replace the specific allergenic ingredients. For instance, if they are allergic to chicken, you can substitute it with turkey or fish. Always introduce new foods slowly and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions. Consulting your vet is highly recommended when dealing with allergies.

How do I know if my dog likes it?

Most dogs find homemade food very palatable due to the fresh ingredients. Introduce it gradually, mixing a small amount with their current food. Observe their enthusiasm for the food and check for any digestive upset. If your dog is hesitant, try warming it slightly, as this can enhance the aroma and appeal.

How much should I feed my German Shepherd if they are overweight?

If your German Shepherd is overweight, you’ll need to carefully manage their calorie intake. Reduce the overall portion size and focus on lean proteins and low-calorie vegetables. It’s best to work with your veterinarian to determine a safe and effective weight loss plan, which includes a specific portion of their homemade diet.

Wrapping Up

Give your German Shepherd the gift of delicious, nourishing food. Try this recipe and see the difference wholesome ingredients can make!

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