Cheap Homemade Dog Food Recipe Using Hard-Boiled Eggs & Spinach

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’re​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ in the pet-food aisle, looking at a bag of dog food for which the first three ingredients you don’t really understand. Science experiment?

Maybe.

Here’s the thing: You don’t have to figure out the label, you don’t have to pay for the markup, and you can just put a little real, colorful food in his bowl.

Let’s get into it.

Recipe Overview

• This Cheap Homemade Dog Food Recipe Using Hard-Boiled Eggs & Spinach is super easy to make.
• It’s packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs.
• Prep time: 10 minutes.
• Cook time: 20 minutes.
• Serving size: Makes about 4-5 cups, enough for a medium dog for 2-3 days.

Ingredients List

• 6 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped – $2.50
• 2 cups cooked brown rice – $0.75
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped – $1.00
• 1/2 cup cooked lean ground turkey (or chicken), unseasoned – $1.50
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots – $0.25
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – $0.10
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth – $0.20
• 1/2 teaspoon dog-specific multivitamin and mineral supplement (optional, but recommended for long-term feeding) – $0.50
• Total Estimated Cost: $6.60

You can swap ground turkey for cooked lean ground beef or chicken if your dog prefers it. If your dog has a rice allergy, cooked quinoa is a good substitute, just adjust the cooking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• First, cook your brown rice according to package directions. You want it tender and fully cooked.
• While the rice is cooking, hard-boil your eggs. Once cooled, peel and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Next, gently cook the lean ground turkey in a pan until it’s fully browned. Make sure there are no seasonings.
• Finely chop the fresh spinach and shred the carrots.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, chopped hard-boiled eggs, cooked ground turkey, chopped spinach, and shredded carrots.
• Pour in the olive oil and low-sodium chicken broth.
• If you’re using a dog-specific supplement, sprinkle it in now.
• Mix everything together thoroughly. You want all the ingredients well distributed.
• Let the mixture cool completely before serving or storing.

Feeding Guidelines

• For small dogs (under 20 lbs): Feed about 1/2 to 1 cup per day, split into two meals.
• For medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Feed about 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day, split into two meals.
• For large dogs (over 50 lbs): Feed about 3 to 4 cups per day, split into two meals.
• Puppies and very active dogs might need more. Pregnant or nursing dogs also have higher calorie needs.
• Older, less active dogs might need a bit less to maintain a healthy weight.
• Always talk to your vet to figure out the best portion size for your dog’s specific needs. They can give tailored advice based on breed, activity level, and any health conditions.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids. They also provide vitamins A, D, E, and B vitamins, plus minerals like iron and selenium.
• Spinach adds vitamins K, A, C, and iron. It’s also a good source of fiber, which helps with digestion.
• Brown rice provides complex carbohydrates for energy and dietary fiber. It’s easy on sensitive stomachs.
• Lean ground turkey offers more quality protein without too much fat.
• Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, supporting vision and immune health.
• Olive oil provides healthy fats, including Omega-6 fatty acids, beneficial for skin and coat health.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store any leftover food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, divide the cooled food into individual serving portions and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to serve from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Always make sure the food is at room temperature or slightly warm, never hot, before giving it to your dog.
• You can serve this recipe on its own or mix it with your dog’s regular kibble to add extra nutrition and flavor.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make a big batch and freeze it?

Yes, absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prepping. Just portion it out and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

My dog has allergies. What can I substitute?

If your dog is allergic to turkey, use chicken, lean beef, or even fish like salmon. For rice allergies, try quinoa or cooked sweet potato.

Is this recipe complete for long-term feeding?

While this recipe is very nutritious, for long-term exclusive feeding, I highly recommend adding a vet-approved canine multivitamin and mineral supplement to ensure all nutritional requirements are met.

How do I introduce new food to my dog?

Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their old food, gradually increasing the proportion over 7-10 days to avoid stomach upset.

What if my dog doesn’t like spinach?

You can try finely pureeing the spinach and mixing it in, or substituting with another dog-safe green like finely chopped kale or green beans.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog’s food at home doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. This recipe is a simple way to give your dog a healthy, delicious meal made with ingredients you can trust. It’s packed with good stuff and easy on your wallet.

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