Cheap Homemade Dog Food Recipe Using Tuna & Brown Rice

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.

Do you feel like you keep guessing what is really in your dog’s food? Most commercially prepared foods are loaded with fillers and ingredients that are hard to pronounce, which cause allergies, upset the digestive system, and in some cases, may result in health problems for our dogs.

If you don’t want to face that anymore, try making your own homemade dog food instead, and this recipe is gonna show you how.

Recipe Overview

• Purpose: A budget-friendly, highly nutritious homemade meal for dogs, perfect for sensitive stomachs.
• Benefits: Provides high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Serving Size: Makes about 6-8 cups (enough for a medium dog for 3-4 days)

Ingredients List

• Canned Tuna in Water (drained): 2 (5-ounce) cans (Cost: $3.00 – $5.00)
• Brown Rice: 2 cups, uncooked (Cost: $0.80 – $1.20)
• Carrots: 2 medium, finely chopped (Cost: $0.60 – $1.00)
• Green Beans: 1 cup, fresh or frozen, chopped (Cost: $1.00 – $1.50)
• Peas: 1/2 cup, fresh or frozen (Cost: $0.50 – $0.80)
• Spinach: 1 cup, fresh, chopped (Cost: $0.80 – $1.20)
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (Cost: $0.10 – $0.20)
• Water: 4 cups (Cost: negligible)
• Canine Multivitamin Supplement (optional but recommended for long-term feeding): 1 serving as per product instructions (Cost: $0.50 – $1.00 per serving)

Total Estimated Cost: $7.30 – $11.90

Substitutions:

• Tuna: Cooked salmon (bones removed), cooked chicken breast, or lean ground turkey.
• Brown Rice: Cooked oatmeal, quinoa, or sweet potato (use 2 cups cooked weight).
• Vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, or pumpkin puree can be swapped for carrots, green beans, or peas. Always introduce new veggies slowly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• First, cook the brown rice. Rinse 2 cups of brown rice thoroughly under cold water.
• Combine the rinsed brown rice with 4 cups of water in a large pot.
• Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
• While the rice cooks, prepare your vegetables. Finely chop the carrots, green beans, and spinach.
• Once the rice is nearly done, drain the two cans of tuna well. Make sure no excess water or oil remains.
• In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped carrots and green beans to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender.
• Stir in the peas and chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts.
• Once the brown rice is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
• Add the drained tuna and the cooked vegetable mixture to the bowl with the rice.
• Mix everything together thoroughly. It’s important to distribute the ingredients evenly.
• Let the food cool completely before serving or storing.
• If using a canine multivitamin supplement, add it according to the package directions after the food has cooled.

Feeding Guidelines

• These are general guidelines, and it’s always best to consult your vet for personalized advice.
• Small Dogs (up to 20 lbs): 1/2 to 1 cup per day, divided into two meals.
• Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day, divided into two meals.
• Large Dogs (50-90 lbs): 3 to 4 cups per day, divided into two meals.
• Extra-Large Dogs (over 90 lbs): 4.5 to 6 cups per day, divided into two meals.
• Puppies and active dogs may need more calories and nutrients; adjust portion sizes and consider adding more protein or a specialized puppy supplement.
• Senior dogs or less active dogs might need slightly less to maintain a healthy weight.
• For dogs with specific health conditions or allergies, consult your veterinarian for tailored advice on portion sizes and ingredient suitability.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Tuna: Excellent source of high-quality protein (essential amino acids) for muscle development and repair. It also provides Omega-3 fatty acids, good for skin, coat, and brain health.
• Brown Rice: A complex carbohydrate that provides sustained energy. It’s a good source of fiber, aiding in healthy digestion and bowel regularity.
• Carrots: Packed with Beta-carotene (Vitamin A) for vision and immune support, and fiber for digestion.
• Green Beans: Low in calories and rich in vitamins K, C, and A, as well as manganese and fiber.
• Peas: Provide vitamins K, C, and B vitamins, plus fiber and protein.
• Spinach: A powerhouse of vitamins K, A, and C, and minerals like iron and manganese, supporting bone health and immunity.
• Olive Oil: A healthy fat that provides a small amount of Omega-6 fatty acids and can contribute to a shiny coat.
• Overall, this recipe provides a balanced mix of protein (from tuna), complex carbohydrates and fiber (from brown rice and vegetables), and essential vitamins and minerals from the varied vegetable content.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, portion the cooled food into individual servings in freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, just until warm.
• Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
  • You can mix it with a small amount of your dog’s regular kibble to transition them or to add variety.
  • Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water when serving any homemade food.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Is this recipe complete and balanced for long-term feeding?

While this recipe offers many essential nutrients, it’s best used as an occasional meal or mixed with a balanced commercial dog food unless a veterinary nutritionist specifically formulates it for your dog. For long-term feeding, adding a vet-approved canine multivitamin and mineral supplement is highly recommended to ensure it meets all AAFCO guidelines.

Can I add other ingredients?

Yes, but be careful. Always research if an ingredient is dog-safe first. Safe additions include cooked lean meats like chicken or turkey, cooked sweet potato, or small amounts of plain yogurt. Avoid onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, avocado, and anything with xylitol.

My dog has allergies. What should I do?

If your dog has known allergies, stick to ingredients you know are safe for them. For example, if they’re allergic to fish, substitute with cooked chicken or turkey. Always introduce new ingredients slowly and monitor for any adverse reactions.

How do I transition my dog to homemade food?

Introduce homemade food gradually over 7-10 days. Start by mixing a small amount (about 25%) of the new food with 75% of their old food. Gradually increase the homemade food while decreasing the old food each day until they are fully transitioned. This helps prevent digestive upset.

Wrapping Up

Making your own dog food like this tuna and brown rice recipe is a great way to show your pup some love, save money, and ensure they get healthy, wholesome ingredients. It’s simple, nutritious, and your dog will absolutely adore it.

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