Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Active Dogs using Cottage Cheese & 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.

Your dog zooms around the park, tongue hanging out, legs moving so fast you can’t really see them, then he flops down on his rug, coat dusty, and all of his energy is gone like that.

That “high octane” kibble? It’s basically a mystery filler.

How about changing that bag for one pan? You’ll see the same zoomies, longer battery, homemade fuel for the dog who never quits.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog food recipe features cottage cheese and quinoa.
• It’s packed with high-quality protein and complex carbohydrates.
• It supports sustained energy and muscle recovery for active dogs.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Serving size: Approximately 8-10 cups of food.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup dry Quinoa (approx. $3.00)
• 2 cups water (for quinoa, virtually free)
• 2 cups lean ground Turkey (93/7 or 90/10), cooked and crumbled (approx. $8.00)
• 1 cup 4% fat Cottage Cheese (approx. $2.50)
• 1 cup frozen Mixed Vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans), thawed (approx. $1.50)
• 1 large Egg, hard-boiled and chopped (approx. $0.30)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (approx. $0.20)
• 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric (approx. $0.10)
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Parsley (approx. $0.05)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened Pumpkin Puree (not pie filling) (approx. $0.50)
• Optional: High-quality canine multivitamin/mineral supplement (consult vet) (approx. $0.50 per serving if added daily)

Total Estimated Cost (excluding optional supplement): Approximately $16.15

Suitable Substitutions:

• Ground turkey can be swapped with lean ground beef or chicken.
• Cottage cheese can be replaced with plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt.
• Mixed vegetables can be varied with other dog-safe options like spinach or sweet potato.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Cook the quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of dry quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
• Combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water in a pot.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
• Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
• Cook the turkey: While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through.
• Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
• Prepare the egg: Hard-boil one large egg, cool, peel, and chop it into small pieces.
• Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled quinoa.
• Add the cooked ground turkey, cottage cheese, thawed mixed vegetables, chopped hard-boiled egg, pumpkin puree, turmeric, and dried parsley.
• Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
• Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Feeding Guidelines

• Portion recommendations vary by dog’s weight, age, and activity level.
• Small dogs (10-20 lbs): 1/2 to 1 cup per day.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day.
• Large dogs (50-100 lbs): 3 to 4.5 cups per day.
• Divide the daily amount into two meals.
• For puppies, pregnant/nursing dogs, or very active working dogs, calorie needs are higher; they may need 25-50% more food.
• Less active or senior dogs might need slightly less to prevent weight gain.
• Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice, especially if your dog has specific health conditions or dietary needs.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Quinoa provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. It’s a complete protein source, offering all essential amino acids.
• Ground Turkey is a lean, high-quality protein, crucial for muscle maintenance and repair in active dogs.
• Cottage Cheese adds another excellent source of protein and calcium for strong bones. It’s easily digestible for many dogs.
• Mixed Vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans) contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for healthy digestion and overall well-being.
• Olive Oil offers healthy fats, including Omega-6, promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat.
• Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding joint health.
• Pumpkin Puree adds dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and can help with both diarrhea and constipation.
• Hard-boiled Egg provides additional protein and a good source of choline, important for brain 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 food into single-serving portions and freeze them.
• Frozen portions can last for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator overnight or gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
• Always ensure the food is cooled to a safe, lukewarm, or room temperature before serving to your dog.
• You can serve this meal on its own, or mix it with your dog’s regular kibble for an added nutritional boost and variety.
• Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water, especially when eating homemade food.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make a big batch of this food?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just scale up all the ingredient amounts proportionally. This is a great way to save time during the week.

Is this recipe suitable for dogs with allergies?

This recipe uses common dog-safe ingredients. If your dog has specific allergies, like to turkey, you can substitute it with another lean meat like lamb or beef. Always check with your vet if you are unsure about an ingredient.

Do I need to add a supplement?

While this recipe is nutritionally rich, it might not be 100% complete and balanced for all life stages without a canine multivitamin/mineral supplement. It’s really important to talk to your vet about adding a supplement to ensure your dog gets everything they need.

My dog won’t eat it. What can I do?

Some dogs are picky. Try warming the food slightly to release more aroma. You can also mix a small amount with their current food and gradually increase the homemade portion over a few days. Adding a tiny bit of bone broth might also entice them.

Wrapping Up

Giving your active dog this homemade cottage cheese and quinoa meal is a fantastic way to boost their energy and overall health. It’s a simple, delicious recipe that shows them just how much you care.

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