Economical Homemade Dog Food with Chicken Gizzards and Barley

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.

Feeding your dog well shouldn’t wreck your budget.

But store cans are pricey, and some brands skimp on quality.

You worry about fillers, vague “meat by-products,” and upset stomachs.

Here’s the thing: you can cook a balanced, affordable meal at home with simple ingredients and clear portions.

This recipe shows you exactly how.

Recipe Overview

• This wholesome chicken gizzard and barley dog food takes about 45 minutes and is gentle on digestion.
  It’s budget-friendly, rich in protein, and great for dogs who handle grains like barley well.
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Servings: About 10 cups (enough for 5–7 days for a 25–35 lb dog, depending on portions)

Ingredients List

• Chicken gizzards, 2 lb, trimmed and rinsed — 6.00–7.50 USD.
  Sub: turkey hearts or chicken thighs (boneless, skinless).
• Pearled barley, 1 cup dry — 1.00–1.50 USD.
  Sub: brown rice or steel-cut oats if barley isn’t tolerated.
• Chicken liver, 4 oz (about 1/4 lb) — 0.75–1.25 USD.
  Sub: beef liver (same amount). Keep liver to 5% of batch by weight.
• Carrots, 2 medium, diced — 0.60–0.80 USD.
  Sub: pumpkin or butternut squash, same volume.
• Green beans, 1 cup chopped (fresh or frozen) — 1.00–1.50 USD.
  Sub: zucchini or broccoli stems, finely chopped.
• Spinach, 1 packed cup, chopped — 1.00–1.50 USD.
  Sub: kale (stems removed) or Swiss chard.
• Sardines in water, 1 small can (3.75 oz), drained — 1.20–2.00 USD.
  Sub: salmon in water, same amount. Adds omega-3s.
• Olive oil, 1 tablespoon — 0.20–0.30 USD.
  Sub: canola oil. Do not use coconut oil for sensitive dogs.
• Egg, 1 large, scrambled separately — 0.25–0.35 USD.
  Sub: two quail eggs.
• Calcium source: finely ground eggshell, 1 teaspoon per pound of meat/organs (about 2.5 tsp total) — negligible.
  Sub: pet-safe calcium supplement as per label.
• Water or low-sodium homemade chicken broth, 5–6 cups — minimal cost.
  Avoid store broth with onions or garlic.
• Optional: dog-safe multivitamin/mineral per vet guidance — cost varies.

Total estimated cost: 12.00–16.70 USD for the full batch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Rinse barley.
  Add to a pot with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then simmer 25–30 minutes until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• While barley cooks, chop gizzards into small, bite-size pieces.
  Dice carrots and green beans. Roughly chop spinach.
• Heat a large pot on medium.
  Add olive oil and the chopped gizzards. Sauté 6–8 minutes until browned edges form. Stir so pieces cook evenly.
• Add carrots and green beans to the pot.
  Stir 2–3 minutes to soften slightly.
• Add 2–3 cups water or broth to the pot.
  Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Skim any foam.
• Add chicken liver and sardines.
  Simmer 3–4 more minutes. Do not overcook liver; it becomes chalky.
• Fold in spinach until wilted, about 1 minute.
  Turn off heat.
• Scramble the egg in a small pan until just set.
  Break into small pieces.
• Add the cooked barley and scrambled egg to the large pot.
  Stir well to combine. If too thick, add a splash of warm water for a stew-like texture.
• Cool to room temperature.
  Mix in ground eggshell calcium evenly. This is important for balanced calcium-to-phosphorus.
• Portion into containers.
  Label with date.

Feeding Guidelines

• General daily portions (split into two meals):
  • 10 lb dog: 3/4–1 cup per day.
  • 20 lb dog: 1.5–2 cups per day.
  • 30 lb dog: 2–2.5 cups per day.
  • 50 lb dog: 3–3.75 cups per day.
• Adjust for activity and build.
  A couch-loving pug needs less than a trail-running Aussie. If weight increases over 2–3 weeks, reduce by 10%. If ribs are too easy to feel, increase by 10%.
• Puppies and nursing dogs need more calories per pound.
  Offer 2–3 times the adult amount spread over 3–4 meals. Ask your vet to confirm calcium and energy needs.
• For giant breeds, watch growth rate.
  Keep a lean body score to protect joints.
• Always consult your veterinarian for tailored advice.
  Bring the recipe and your dog’s weight history to the visit.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Chicken gizzards: lean, dense protein with iron and zinc.
  Supports muscle maintenance and healthy red blood cells.
• Barley: soluble fiber for gut health and steady energy.
  Helps firm stools and supports a healthy microbiome.
• Liver: vitamin A, B vitamins, and minerals.
  Great in small amounts for micronutrient balance.
• Carrots and spinach: beta-carotene, vitamin K, folate, and antioxidants.
  Supports skin, eyes, and overall immunity.
• Sardines: EPA/DHA omega-3s.
  Helps skin, coat, joints, and may reduce inflammation.
• Egg: complete amino acids and biotin.
  Boosts protein quality and satiety.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Refrigeration: keeps 3–4 days in sealed containers.
  Divide into daily portions to reduce repeated warming.
• Freezing: portion in freezer-safe bags or cups for up to 2 months.
  Flatten bags for quick thawing.
• Reheating: warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until just lukewarm.
  Stir well and test temperature before serving.
• Serving ideas: feed as-is, mix 50/50 with kibble, or add warm water for a softer stew.
  For picky eaters, a teaspoon of sodium-free broth can help.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting (FAQ)

Can I skip the calcium?

No. Meat and organs are high in phosphorus.
Without calcium, the balance is off and can strain bones and kidneys. Use ground eggshell or a pet-safe calcium per label.

My dog is allergic to chicken. What can I use instead?

Use turkey gizzards and turkey liver.
Or try lean beef heart with beef liver. Keep liver to about 5% of the total batch.

Is barley safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

Often, yes, because it’s gentle and adds soluble fiber.
But if your dog struggles with grains, switch to brown rice or steel-cut oats, and introduce slowly.

How do I transition from kibble to this recipe?

Start with 25% homemade and 75% kibble for 2–3 days.
Then 50/50 for 2–3 days, then 75/25, then 100%. Watch stools and adjust speed.

Do I need a multivitamin?

This recipe covers many bases, but a dog-specific multivitamin can help fill gaps.
Ask your vet, especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs with medical needs.

What if my dog has loose stools?

Reduce total volume by 10% and add a little extra cooked barley.
Make sure you didn’t overdo liver or oil. Transition more slowly.

Can I add sweet potatoes?

Yes. Replace half the carrots with sweet potatoes, diced small and simmered until tender.
Keep the total carb portion similar so calories stay predictable.

Is this balanced for long-term feeding?

It’s close for many adult dogs, especially with calcium and fish included.
For long-term use, check with your vet or a board-certified nutritionist to fine-tune minerals and total calories.

Wrapping Up

This budget-friendly gizzard and barley mix hits protein, fiber, and healthy fats without fluff. Try a small batch, watch your dog’s energy and stool, and tweak portions as needed.

Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe and follow for more practical dog nutrition tips!