Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Bernedoodles Joint Support With Beef & 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.

Sick of looking at ingredient lists full of stuff that sounds like a chemistry experiment? It’s wild how so many commercial dog foods cut corners, leaving your Bernedoodle missing out on real nutrition and that can mean trouble for their joints down the road.

The good news? Giving your dog the nutrition they deserve is actually pretty easy, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. We’ve put together a straightforward homemade dog food recipe that keeps things simple and helps your pup stay strong and lively, joints and all.

Recipe Overview

This homemade joint support recipe is packed with Glucosamine-rich beef and anti-inflammatory brown rice. It’s perfect for active Bernedoodles or seniors needing extra care.

• Purpose: Complete and balanced meal supporting joint health, mobility, and healthy weight.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Serving Size: Makes about 10 cups (enough for a 60-pound dog for 3-4 days).
• Unique Benefit: Uses turmeric and sweet potato for natural anti-inflammatory support.

Ingredients List

Use local, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Always choose lean meat and ensure all vegetables are thoroughly washed.

• Ground Beef (90% Lean): 2 lbs ($8.00 – $12.00)
• Brown Rice: 2 cups, dry ($0.75)
• Beef Bone Broth (low sodium): 4 cups ($3.00)
• Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced ($1.00)
• Carrots: 1 cup, diced ($0.50)
• Green Beans: 1 cup, trimmed and chopped ($1.50)
• Turmeric Powder: 1 teaspoon ($0.25)
• Ground Flaxseed: 2 tablespoons ($0.50)
• Dog-Specific Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement: As directed on bottle ($3.00 per batch estimate)

Total Estimated Cost: $17.00 – $22.50

Substitutions: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or bison. Brown rice can be substituted with quinoa (use 1.5 cups dry) or oats. Make sure the substitution meets your dog’s dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is designed to be cooked in one pot, making cleanup easy. Make sure everything is cool before mixing in the supplement.

• Step 1: Prepare the rice. Combine the brown rice and bone broth in a large pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 35 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
• Step 2: Cook the meat. While the rice simmers, cook the ground beef in a separate skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat when the beef is fully browned.
• Step 3: Steam the vegetables. Add the diced sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans directly into the simmering rice during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This steams them perfectly.
• Step 4: Combine the ingredients. Once the rice is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, add the cooked, drained ground beef, turmeric powder, and flaxseed into the pot with the rice and vegetables.
• Step 5: Cool and supplement. Stir everything well. Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool completely, which usually takes about an hour.
• Step 6: Finish the food. Once completely cooled, mix in the dog-specific multivitamin/mineral supplement according to the product’s directions. This ensures the necessary vitamins aren’t destroyed by the heat.

Feeding Guidelines

Always transition your Bernedoodle slowly over 7 to 10 days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old. These are general guidelines; adjust based on your dog’s energy level.

• Small Dogs (10-25 lbs): 1 to 1.5 cups per day.
• Medium Bernedoodles (40-65 lbs): 2.5 to 3.5 cups per day.
• Large Bernedoodles (70-90+ lbs): 4 to 5 cups per day.
• Activity Levels: Highly active dogs might need 25% more food. Less active or senior dogs might need slightly less to maintain a healthy weight.
• Puppies and Pregnant Dogs: They require higher caloric and protein density, and proper calcium-phosphorus ratios. This recipe is not complete for puppies or nursing mothers without specific calcium additions and veterinary guidance.
• Professional Advice: Please check with your vet or a certified canine nutritionist before switching to a fully homemade diet to ensure it meets the AAFCO standards for your dog’s life stage.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

This blend provides a great mix of macro and micronutrients essential for Bernedoodle health, especially focusing on mobility.

• Beef: Provides high-quality protein necessary for muscle maintenance and essential amino acids. It’s also a good source of zinc and B vitamins.
• Brown Rice: A complex carbohydrate that offers sustained energy and fermentable fiber, supporting good gut health and consistent energy levels without spiking blood sugar.
• Sweet Potato & Carrots: Excellent sources of Vitamin A (beta-carotene), which supports vision, immune function, and coat health.
• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that helps reduce joint pain and swelling, making movement easier for older dogs.
• Flaxseed: Loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for reducing inflammation, supporting a shiny coat, and aiding in brain and joint function.
• Green Beans: Low in calories and high in fiber, perfect for managing weight while adding bulk and hydration to the meal.

Storage and Serving Tips

Proper storage is key since this food contains no artificial preservatives. Treat it like human food.

• Refrigeration: The cooked food stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: For longer storage, portion the food into individual daily servings and freeze them. It will stay good for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge or gently heat them on the stovetop until just warm. Avoid microwaving in plastic containers.
• Serving Temperature: Most dogs prefer food served at room temperature or slightly warm, which can enhance the aroma and palatability.
• Palatability Boost: You can mix a tablespoon of the reserved beef bone broth into the meal before serving if your dog is a picky eater.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Is this recipe complete and balanced without the supplement?

No, it is not. While the ingredients are nutritious, they lack the specific concentration of essential micronutrients (like Calcium, Phosphorus, and certain B vitamins) required to meet AAFCO standards. The canine supplement is mandatory for long-term feeding to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

You can, but brown rice is much better. Brown rice retains more fiber and nutrients because it is less processed. If you use white rice, cook time will be shorter, but the meal will have less sustained energy and fiber.

My dog has a sensitive stomach, will this recipe help?

Yes, often homemade diets featuring simple ingredients like beef and brown rice are easier on sensitive stomachs than highly processed kibble. However, always introduce any new food slowly to avoid digestive upset.

Wrapping Up

Giving your Bernedoodle the gift of better nutrition is simple with this delicious, joint-supporting recipe. It’s easy to make, and you control every ingredient that goes into their bowl.

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