Affordable Homemade Dog Food with Duck Necks and Collard Greens

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.

Have you ever been curious what your dog’s food really contains? Those lengthy ingredient lists can be bewildering, and even overpriced “premium” brands may still include fillers or allergens that your dog’s stomach is irritated by.

It is quite a difficult situation to watch your pet having digestive problems or dull fur while you only want him to be healthy.

But now, there is a nice and easy solution, a money saving method to provide your dog healthy meals made from your own kitchen without any worries.

Let’s get into it!

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog food recipe combines nutrient-rich duck necks and collard greens with other wholesome ingredients.
• It’s designed to be budget-friendly while providing a balanced meal packed with protein, calcium, and essential vitamins.
• Perfect for active dogs or those needing a boost in bone and joint health.
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 2-3 hours (slow cook)
• Serving size: Approximately 10-12 servings for a medium dog (5-day supply)

Ingredients List

• 2 lbs Duck Necks (raw, chopped into 1-2 inch pieces, bones included) – Estimated Cost: $6-$8
• 1 cup Brown Rice (uncooked) – Estimated Cost: $0.50
• 4 cups Water (for cooking rice and stew) – Estimated Cost: $0.00
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil or Coconut Oil – Estimated Cost: $0.20
• 1 large bunch Collard Greens (chopped, about 4 cups) – Estimated Cost: $2-$3
• 1 cup Carrots (chopped) – Estimated Cost: $0.50
• 1 cup Green Beans (fresh or frozen) – Estimated Cost: $0.75
• 1/2 cup Pumpkin Puree (plain, not pie filling) – Estimated Cost: $0.50
• 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast (for B vitamins) – Estimated Cost: $0.75
• 1 tsp Turmeric Powder (anti-inflammatory) – Estimated Cost: $0.10
• 1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary (optional, for flavor and antioxidants) – Estimated Cost: $0.05

Total Estimated Cost: $11.30 – $14.35

Substitutions: Don’t have duck necks? You can use chicken necks or even ground chicken or turkey for protein. Just remember to add a calcium supplement if you omit bones. Collard greens can be swapped with kale or spinach. Sweet potato works well instead of pumpkin puree.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• First, rinse the duck neck pieces thoroughly under cold water.
• If you prefer, you can lightly blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain to remove any surface impurities.
• In a large slow cooker or heavy pot, combine the duck neck pieces and 4 cups of water.
• Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 2 hours.
• This helps tenderize the bones and create a rich broth.
• While the duck necks are simmering, cook the brown rice according to package directions.
• Usually, it’s 1 cup rice to 2 cups water, simmered until soft.
• Once the duck necks are tender, let them cool slightly.
• Carefully remove any large, pointy bone fragments if you’re concerned, especially for smaller dogs, but most cooked duck bones become soft enough to be digestible.
• In a separate large pan, heat the olive oil or coconut oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped carrots and green beans, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Next, add the chopped collard greens to the pan.
• Cook until they wilt down, about 3-5 minutes.
• Now, combine the cooked duck necks (and their broth), cooked brown rice, sautéed vegetables, pumpkin puree, nutritional yeast, turmeric, and rosemary in the slow cooker or a very large mixing bowl.
• Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Break up any larger duck neck pieces with a fork or by hand.
• Let the mixture cool completely before portioning.

Feeding Guidelines

• The amount of food your dog needs depends a lot on their weight, age, and how active they are.
• A good starting point for homemade food is roughly 2-3% of your dog’s ideal body weight daily, split into two meals.
• For example, a 30 lb dog (480 oz) would need about 9.6-14.4 oz of food per day.
• Smaller, less active dogs might need closer to 2% of their body weight, while very active dogs or puppies might need up to 4-5%.
• Puppies and senior dogs often have different nutritional needs; puppies require more calories and protein for growth, and seniors might need fewer calories and joint support.
• Always watch your dog’s body condition and adjust portion sizes as needed.
• If you’re unsure, or if your dog has specific health issues, it’s always best to chat with your vet.
• They can give you personalized advice to make sure your dog is getting everything they need.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Duck necks are an amazing source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and glucosamine.
• These nutrients support strong bones, healthy joints, and overall muscle development.
• Collard greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
• They help boost the immune system, support healthy vision, and aid in digestion.
• Brown rice provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and dietary fiber, which promotes healthy bowel movements.
• Carrots and green beans add essential vitamins, minerals, and more fiber, contributing to good vision and overall vitality.
• Pumpkin puree is fantastic for digestion, especially if your dog has an upset stomach, and is rich in Vitamin A.
• Nutritional yeast offers a good source of B vitamins, important for energy metabolism and nervous system health.
• Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which can help with joint pain and overall well-being.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Once the food has cooled completely, divide it into daily portions.
• You can store this homemade dog food in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze individual 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 the food cold, at room temperature, or slightly warmed.
• Many dogs enjoy their food a little warm, which can also release more aromas and make it more appealing.
• If your dog is new to homemade food, introduce it gradually by mixing small amounts with their current kibble.
• Slowly increase the proportion of homemade food over several days to avoid digestive upset.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

What if my dog doesn’t like duck necks?

You can easily substitute duck necks with other protein sources like chicken necks, ground chicken, or ground turkey. If you’re not using bones, remember to add a vet-approved calcium supplement.

Are the bones in duck necks safe for my dog?

When slow-cooked until very tender, the bones in duck necks become quite soft and digestible for most dogs. However, always monitor your dog, especially if they are a fast eater. For smaller dogs, you might want to break them down further or opt for boneless alternatives.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include other dog-safe vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or broccoli. Just make sure they are cooked and chopped into small, manageable pieces. Avoid onions, garlic, and grapes, which are toxic to dogs.

How can I make sure this recipe is nutritionally balanced long-term?

While this recipe provides a good range of nutrients, for long-term feeding as a primary diet, it’s always recommended to consult with a veterinary nutritionist. They can help you fine-tune the recipe to ensure it meets all your dog’s specific dietary needs and include any necessary supplements.

My dog has a sensitive stomach; how should I introduce this food?

Start by mixing a very small amount (about 10-20%) of the homemade food with your dog’s current food. Gradually increase the homemade portion over 7-10 days. This slow transition helps prevent digestive upset.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog’s food at home can be so rewarding, giving you peace of mind and your pup a wagging tail. This affordable recipe proves that healthy doesn’t have to mean expensive!

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