Cheap Homemade Dog Food Recipe Using Yogurt & Berries

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.

Finding​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ quality food for your dog can be quite stressful. Ingredients, allergies, and the exorbitant prices of top brands are what you worry about.

It’s uncomfortable to add up these costs, which you do very fast, making you worried if your pet can have the best without you incurring a great expense. But what if there was an easy and cheap way to give them healthy meals that you were proud of?

It’s possible to prepare a low-cost and nutritious dog food in your own kitchen, and this is the way to do ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌it.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog food recipe uses yogurt and berries.
• It’s super easy and budget-friendly.
• It’s designed to be gentle on sensitive tummies.
• Prep time is about 15 minutes.
• Cook time is around 20 minutes (if cooking grains).
• This recipe makes about 8 cups of food, perfect for a medium-sized dog for 3-4 days.

Ingredients List

• Lean Ground Turkey (93/7): 1.5 lbs – (approx. $6.50)
• Plain, Unsweetened Greek Yogurt: 1 cup – (approx. $1.00)
• Mixed Berries (fresh or frozen, no grapes): 1 cup – (approx. $3.50)
• Rolled Oats: 2 cups – (approx. $0.80)
• Water (for oats): 4 cups – (approx. $0.00)
• Carrots: 2 large, shredded – (approx. $0.70)
• Spinach: 1 cup, chopped – (approx. $1.50)
• Flaxseed Oil: 1 tablespoon – (approx. $0.50)
• Total Estimated Cost: $14.50

You can swap ground turkey for lean ground chicken or beef. If your dog is allergic to dairy, use a plain, unsweetened coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. For berries, always make sure there are no grapes, as they are toxic to dogs. You can also use cooked brown rice instead of oats if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• First, cook the rolled oats. Put 2 cups of rolled oats into a pot with 4 cups of water.
• Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The oats should be soft and fully cooked.
• While the oats are cooking, brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Make sure it’s fully cooked through, with no pink remaining.
• Drain any excess fat from the turkey.
• Let the cooked oats cool down a bit.
• In a large bowl, mix the cooked turkey and oats.
• Add the shredded carrots and chopped spinach to the mixture.
• Pour in the plain Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and flaxseed oil.
• Mix everything really well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Make sure everything is cool before serving to your dog.

Feeding Guidelines

• The amount of food your dog needs depends on a few things.
• Think about their weight, how active they are, and their age.
• A general starting point is about 1/2 to 1 cup per 20 pounds of body weight, divided into two meals daily.
• For a small dog (under 20 lbs), about 1/2 to 1 cup per day is usually good.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs) might need 1.5 to 3 cups daily.
• Large dogs (50-90 lbs) could eat 3 to 5 cups a day.
• Puppies and very active dogs might need more calories.
• Older or less active dogs might need a bit less to keep a healthy weight.
• It’s always best to chat with your vet to get personalized advice. They know your dog’s specific needs.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Lean Ground Turkey gives high-quality protein. It helps build and repair muscles.
• Plain Greek Yogurt offers probiotics for gut health. It aids digestion and strengthens the immune system. It also has calcium for strong bones.
• Mixed Berries are full of antioxidants and vitamins. They boost the immune system and fight inflammation.
• Rolled Oats are a great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. They give steady energy and help with healthy digestion.
• Carrots provide Vitamin A for good vision. They also add fiber for digestion.
• Spinach is packed with vitamins K, A, and C. It supports bone health and overall vitality.
• Flaxseed Oil gives Omega-3 fatty acids. These are great for skin, a shiny coat, and reducing inflammation.

Storage and Serving Tips

• This homemade dog food stays good in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions.
• It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight before serving.
• You can serve this food at room temperature or slightly warmed.
• Some dogs like it mixed with a little warm water or low-sodium broth.
• If you’re transitioning your dog, mix it gradually with their current kibble. Start with a small amount and increase over a week.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

My dog has a sensitive stomach, is this recipe safe?

Yes, this recipe is generally good for sensitive stomachs. The lean turkey, oats, and probiotics in yogurt are often well-tolerated. But always introduce new foods slowly and watch your dog for any signs of upset.

Can I add a canine supplement to this recipe?

Absolutely, for complete nutrition, especially if this is your dog’s main diet, a vet-approved canine multivitamin and mineral supplement is recommended. It ensures they get all essential nutrients that might be missing from homemade meals.

What if my dog doesn’t like the texture?

If your dog is picky, try mashing the ingredients more for a smoother texture. You can also mix it with a small amount of their favorite low-sodium broth to make it more appealing.

Wrapping Up

Giving your dog homemade food doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. This recipe is simple, packed with good stuff, and made with love.

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