Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Bernedoodles With Salmon & Sweet Potato for Coat Health

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 not knowing what’s actually in your dog’s food? A lot of big brands just pack their kibble with cheap fillers that do nothing for your Bernedoodle’s coat.

Next thing you know, your dog’s fur looks dull, their skin gets itchy, and you’re paying for yet another vet visit.

Good news is, giving your dog real, healthy food isn’t as hard as it sounds. In fact, we’ve got a homemade dog food recipe that makes it simple.

Recipe Overview

This homemade salmon and sweet potato recipe is specifically formulated to support the luxurious, often demanding coat health of Bernedoodles and other long-haired breeds. It is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, digestible protein, and essential fiber.

• Purpose: Complete adult dog meal focused on skin and coat health.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Serving Size: Approximately 10 cups (enough for a large dog for 3-4 days).
• Benefits: Promotes shiny coat, reduces inflammation, and supports immune function.

Ingredients List

We selected these ingredients for their nutritional density and bioavailability. Remember to always choose human-grade quality whenever possible.

• 2 lbs Wild-Caught Salmon Fillets (Skinless): $18.00 (Protein, Omega-3s)
• 4 medium Sweet Potatoes: $3.00 (Complex Carbs, Beta-Carotene)
• 1 cup Brown Rice: $0.50 (Fiber, B vitamins)
• 1 cup Chopped Spinach: $1.00 (Iron, Vitamin K)
• 1/2 cup Peas (Frozen): $0.50 (Vitamins A & C)
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil or Coconut Oil: $0.30 (Fat source)
• 1/4 cup Ground Eggshells (or Calcium supplement): $0.10 (Essential Calcium)
• 1 tsp Turmeric Powder: $0.10 (Anti-inflammatory)
• 1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary: $0.05 (Antioxidant, Flavor)
• Total Estimated Cost: $23.55

Substitutions: If your dog has a salmon sensitivity, you can swap it for mackerel or high-quality ground turkey. Quinoa can substitute for brown rice if you prefer a lower-carb option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is straightforward, but careful preparation ensures maximum nutrient retention and safety.

• 1. Cook the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until fully cooked and flaky.
• 2. Prepare the Carbs: While the salmon cooks, wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into 1-inch cubes. Cook the brown rice according to package directions.
• 3. Steam the Vegetables: Steam the sweet potato cubes until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Add the spinach and frozen peas during the last 3 minutes of steaming. Do not overcook them; a little crunch helps retain nutrients.
• 4. Mash and Combine: In a large mixing bowl, gently flake the cooked salmon (removing any small bones, though skinless fillets should be bone-free). Mash the steamed sweet potatoes thoroughly.
• 5. Mix Everything: Add the cooked brown rice, the mashed sweet potatoes, the slightly steamed peas and spinach, olive oil, turmeric, rosemary, and ground eggshells to the bowl with the salmon.
• 6. Cool and Serve: Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Let the mixture cool completely before portioning and storing.

Feeding Guidelines

These are general recommendations. Every dog’s caloric needs vary based on age, size, and activity level. Always talk to your vet to finalize a feeding plan.

• Small Dogs (10-25 lbs, low activity): 1 to 1.5 cups per day.
• Medium Dogs (26-50 lbs, moderate activity): 2 to 3 cups per day.
• Large Dogs (51-85 lbs, including most Bernedoodles): 3.5 to 4.5 cups per day.
• Very Active Dogs (Working or intense play): Increase the daily portion by up to 25%.
• Puppies and Pregnant/Nursing Dogs: These stages require higher caloric and calcium intake. Consult your vet; you will likely need to increase serving size and potentially add a veterinarian-approved calcium/vitamin supplement for balance.

Here’s the thing: this recipe is formulated for adult maintenance. While it’s balanced, commercial diets often have synthetic vitamins added for complete coverage. To ensure your dog gets 100% of all required micronutrients, consider adding a canine-specific multivitamin/mineral supplement once daily.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

This blend focuses on essential building blocks for health and a glossy coat.

• Salmon: Excellent source of high-quality protein and the Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These drastically reduce inflammation, which is key for managing Bernedoodle skin sensitivities and promoting a shiny, healthy coat.
• Sweet Potato: Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and is rich in Beta-Carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A), which supports healthy cell growth, including skin cells.
• Brown Rice: A highly digestible source of fiber and B-vitamins, crucial for metabolic health. It helps keep digestion smooth, which reflects positively on coat condition.
• Olive Oil: Supplies healthy monounsaturated fats and additional Vitamin E, another important nutrient for skin elasticity and reducing dryness.
• Turmeric and Rosemary: These act as natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, further supporting joint health and reducing systemic stress on the skin.

Storage and Serving Tips

Proper storage is important since this food contains fresh, perishable ingredients.

• Refrigeration: Store the cooled mixture in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, portion the food into individual daily servings and freeze. It stays fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If you choose to warm it, microwave it briefly or add a splash of warm water. Always check the temperature before serving; it should be lukewarm or room temperature.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the food plain, or mix it with a small amount of low-sodium broth for added hydration. Some owners mix it 50/50 with their dog’s regular kibble during the transition period.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I feed this to my dog every day?

Yes, this recipe is designed to be nutritionally complete for adult maintenance when combined with a canine multivitamin/mineral supplement. It provides a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates necessary for daily health.

Is the ground eggshell necessary for calcium?

Absolutely. Meat and vegetables are rich in phosphorus but low in calcium. Calcium is essential for bone health and muscle function. Without the added calcium (from ground eggshells or a pure calcium supplement), the diet would be dangerously imbalanced, leading to potential health issues over time.

How do I transition my dog to this new food?

Transition slowly to avoid stomach upset. For the first few days, mix 75% of their old food with 25% of the new food. Over the next week, gradually increase the new food while decreasing the old until they are eating 100% of the homemade meal.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog’s food lets you control the quality of every bite, ensuring that beautiful Bernedoodle coat shines from the inside out. Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!