Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Bernedoodles With Chicken & Quinoa for Muscle Maintenance

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.

Ever look at a dog food label and feel like you need a science degree just to understand it? So many brands pack their bags with fillers and sketchy meats, and your Bernedoodle ends up paying the price.

Flat coat, no energy, and trips to the vet that drain your wallet. But you don’t have to settle for that. You can feed your dog real, honest food without turning dinner into a marathon cooking session. This easy homemade dog food recipe gets you there.

Recipe Overview

This Bernedoodle Muscle Maintenance recipe is built around lean protein and complex carbohydrates to support their active lifestyle and unique coat health needs.

It’s designed to be nutritionally balanced when paired with a quality canine vitamin and mineral supplement.

• Purpose: High-protein, balanced meal supporting lean muscle, joint health, and a healthy coat, especially great for active Bernedoodles.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Serving Size: Makes approximately 10 cups (enough for a large dog for about 3 days)

Ingredients List

Here are the exact ingredients you need, designed for maximum digestibility and nutrient absorption.

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (Cost: $6.00)
• 2 cups Cooked Quinoa (Cost: $2.50)
• 1 cup Carrots, finely chopped (Cost: $0.50)
• 1 cup Green Beans, trimmed and chopped (Cost: $1.00)
• 1/2 cup Pumpkin Puree (not pie filling) (Cost: $1.00)
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil or Coconut Oil (Cost: $0.75)
• 1 tbsp Turmeric Powder (Cost: $0.50)
• 1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary (Cost: $0.25)
• 1/2 cup Water or Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (Cost: $0.25)
• 1 tsp Canine Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Powder (Cost: $1.50)
• Total Estimated Cost: $14.25

Substitutions: You can swap chicken breast for ground turkey, ground beef, or lean lamb if your dog has poultry sensitivities. Just make sure the fat content is low. Quinoa can be replaced with brown rice or sweet potatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this recipe is straightforward and takes less than an hour from start to finish.

• Step 1: Prep the protein. Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized cubes, about 1/2 inch pieces. If you are using ground chicken, you can skip this step.
• Step 2: Cook the chicken. In a large stockpot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook it fully until it is no longer pink inside. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Step 3: Add vegetables and liquids. Stir in the chopped carrots, green beans, water, and pumpkin puree. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Step 4: Season and simmer. Add the turmeric powder and dried rosemary. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften and the flavors to blend. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Step 5: Incorporate the quinoa. Turn off the heat. Stir in the cooked quinoa. Make sure everything is mixed evenly.
• Step 6: Cool and supplement. Let the entire mixture cool down completely before adding the nutritional supplement powder. Adding the supplement while the food is hot can reduce its potency. Once cooled, stir in the canine vitamin and mineral powder completely.
• Step 7: Serve or store. Divide the mixture into meal-sized portions and store the rest.

Feeding Guidelines

The amount of food your Bernedoodle needs depends on their age, weight, and activity level. Always consult your vet to ensure this recipe meets their specific caloric and nutritional needs.

• Small Bernedoodles (25–40 lbs): Feed approximately 1.5 to 2 cups per day, split into two meals.
• Medium Bernedoodles (40–70 lbs): Feed approximately 2 to 3.5 cups per day, split into two meals.
• Large Bernedoodles (70–100+ lbs): Feed approximately 3.5 to 5 cups per day, split into two meals.
• Puppies and Nursing Dogs: They require more calories and higher fat intake. This recipe is appropriate, but you must increase the portion sizes significantly and speak to your vet about additional fat sources.
• Activity Level: Highly active dogs (those who run daily) will need the higher end of the recommended range. Seniors or less active dogs should stick to the lower end to maintain a healthy weight.
• Transitioning Food: Introduce this homemade meal gradually over 7 to 10 days by mixing small amounts with their current diet.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

Every ingredient in this Bernedoodle recipe serves a specific health purpose.

• Chicken Breast: This is an excellent source of lean protein, which is vital for maintaining the strong muscle structure Bernedoodles are known for. It provides essential amino acids needed for repair and growth.
• Quinoa: A complete protein and complex carbohydrate, quinoa delivers sustained energy without the rapid blood sugar spikes caused by simple carbs. It’s also gluten-free.
• Pumpkin and Green Beans: These add necessary dietary fiber, which supports healthy bowel movements and helps manage weight. The fiber acts as a prebiotic, too.
• Turmeric and Rosemary: Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent great for joint health, which is important for large breeds. Rosemary is an antioxidant that helps preserve the food naturally and supports cognitive function.
• Canine Supplement: This ensures the meal is complete, adding crucial nutrients like Calcium, Phosphorus, Vitamin D, and B-complex vitamins that might be lost during cooking or are low in a whole-food diet.

Storage and Serving Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping this food fresh and safe for your dog.

• Refrigeration: Store the food in air-tight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, portion the cooked food into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will last safely for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. You can serve it cold, at room temperature, or slightly warm. A slightly warm meal releases aroma, which can encourage picky eaters.
• Serving Variation: Mix this homemade food with their regular kibble for a nutrient boost, or use it as a standalone meal. Just remember to adjust the overall caloric intake.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make this recipe for my puppy?

Yes, but puppies have unique needs, especially for calcium and phosphorus to support rapid bone growth. Ensure you use a vet-approved canine supplement formulated specifically for puppies to meet those higher demands.

Is the olive oil necessary?

A healthy fat source like olive oil or coconut oil is essential. Fats provide concentrated energy, aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and support skin and coat health, which Bernedoodles need.

How do I know if the recipe is balanced enough?

No homemade recipe is inherently “complete and balanced” without a high-quality canine vitamin and mineral supplement. The supplement fills in gaps to meet AAFCO standards. Always check with a vet or a veterinary nutritionist.

Wrapping Up

Giving your Bernedoodle fresh, high-quality food is the best way to support their long-term health and happy energy. It’s simple, honest, and you know exactly what they are eating. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!