Cheap Homemade Dog Food Recipe Using Chicken Liver & Quinoa

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.

Does your dog seems to be rejecting even the most expensive dry food? Are you spending more and more on vet visits to figure out a cause of allergy that is still a mystery?

Unfortunately, this happens far too often.

To prevent it, I highly recommend using your own homemade dog food recipe. In this article, I will teach you how to prepare a nice, healthy, and cheap meal in your own kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog food recipe uses chicken liver and quinoa, making it super nutritious.
• It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook.
• This recipe yields about 6-8 cups of food, perfect for a medium-sized dog for several days.
• It’s packed with protein, essential vitamins, and healthy carbs.
• Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those needing a boost in their diet.

Ingredients List

• Chicken Livers (raw, organic preferred): 1 lb (about $3.00 – $5.00)
• Quinoa (uncooked): 1 cup (about $2.00 – $4.00)
• Carrots (chopped): 2 medium (about $0.50 – $1.00)
• Spinach (fresh, chopped): 1 cup (about $1.00 – $2.00)
• Green Beans (fresh or frozen): 1 cup (about $1.00 – $2.00)
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (about $0.20 – $0.30)
• Water (or low-sodium chicken broth): 3 cups (about $0.10)
• Optional: Calcium Carbonate Powder (food grade, for mineral balance): 1 teaspoon (if not using a balanced supplement, about $0.20)

Total Estimated Cost: $7.80 – $14.60

Substitutions: You can use ground chicken or turkey instead of chicken liver. Brown rice can replace quinoa. Sweet potatoes or pumpkin work well instead of carrots. Kale is a good alternative to spinach.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve.
• In a large pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or broth. Bring it to a boil.
• Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
• While the quinoa cooks, clean the chicken livers. Trim any excess fat or connective tissue.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chicken livers to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Make sure they are fully cooked through, with no pink remaining.
• Remove the livers from the pan and let them cool slightly. Then chop them into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog.
• In the same skillet (no need to clean it), add the chopped carrots and the remaining 1 cup of water or broth.
• Cook the carrots for 5 minutes until they start to soften.
• Add the chopped spinach and green beans. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped chicken livers, and all the cooked vegetables.
• If using calcium carbonate, mix it in thoroughly.
• Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
• Let the mixture cool completely before serving or storing.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (up to 20 lbs): 0.5 – 1 cup per day.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1 – 2 cups per day.
• Large dogs (50-90 lbs): 2 – 3 cups per day.
• Giant breeds (over 90 lbs): 3.5 – 5 cups per day.
• Puppies and highly active dogs might need more. Pregnant or nursing dogs also have higher caloric needs.
• Older, less active dogs might need slightly less to maintain a healthy weight.
• Always introduce new foods slowly over several days to avoid an upset stomach.
• Split daily portions into two meals.
• It’s always a good idea to chat with your vet. They can give you personalized feeding advice based on your dog’s specific needs, breed, activity level, and health status.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Chicken Liver: This is a powerhouse of nutrition. It provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It’s also rich in iron for healthy blood, Vitamin A for vision, and B vitamins for energy metabolism.
• Quinoa: A complete protein itself, quinoa offers all essential amino acids. It’s also a great source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, and dietary fiber for healthy digestion.
• Carrots: Packed with Beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A, supporting good vision and immune function. They also provide fiber and antioxidants.
• Spinach: Loaded with vitamins K, A, and C, as well as iron and antioxidants. It supports bone health and boosts the immune system.
• Green Beans: A low-calorie source of vitamins K and C, fiber, and manganese. They’re great for weight management and overall health.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats. These are good for skin and coat health and can help with nutrient absorption.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Once cooked and cooled, store the food in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, divide portions into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To thaw frozen food, move it to the refrigerator overnight or gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Always ensure the food is at room temperature or slightly warm before serving.
• You can serve this meal on its own or mix it with your dog’s regular kibble for an added nutritional boost.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I feed this recipe to my puppy?

Puppies have different nutritional needs, especially for calcium and phosphorus balance for bone growth. While the ingredients are safe, it’s best to consult your vet about specific portion sizes and if a supplemental vitamin/mineral blend is needed for puppies.

My dog has allergies. How can I adapt this recipe?

If your dog is allergic to chicken, you can swap chicken liver for turkey liver or ground turkey. If quinoa is an issue, brown rice or oats are good alternatives. Always introduce new ingredients slowly to check for reactions.

Is this recipe nutritionally complete for long-term feeding?

This recipe provides many essential nutrients. For long-term feeding, it’s important to ensure a balanced intake of all necessary vitamins and minerals. Adding a veterinarian-approved canine vitamin and mineral supplement is recommended to ensure completeness. Talk to your vet to confirm.

How do I know if my dog likes the food?

Most dogs love the taste of fresh, homemade food! Watch for their enthusiasm at mealtime and how they eat it. If they leave some, try adjusting the temperature or mixing it with a little broth to make it more appealing.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog’s food at home doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. This chicken liver and quinoa recipe is a simple way to give your dog healthy, delicious meals without breaking the bank. It’s full of good stuff that will make them happy and healthy.

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