Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Goldendoodles 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.

Are​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you fed up with unknown ingredients in your dog’s food? Is their sensitive stomach or dull coat making you anxious?

You wish good things for your four-legged buddy, but probing into the realm of commercial dog foods is perplexing and costs a lot of money.

Why not give your dog the power to be healthy and happy by preparing an easy, wholesome homemade dog food right now?

Recipe Overview

• This salmon and sweet potato recipe is designed to promote a shiny coat and support overall digestive health, perfect for your Goldendoodle.
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Serving size: Varies by dog size (see feeding guidelines)

Ingredients List

• 1 pound boneless, skinless salmon fillets (approx. $8.00)
• 1 pound lean ground turkey (approx. $4.00)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (approx. $2.00)
• 1 cup cooked brown rice (approx. $0.50)
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots (approx. $0.25)
• 1/4 cup cooked peas (approx. $0.15)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (approx. $0.10)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (approx. $0.05)
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon salmon oil or a general canine vitamin/mineral supplement (cost varies)
• Total Estimated Cost: $15.05 (for one batch)

Substitutions: You can substitute chicken or cod for salmon, or lean ground chicken for turkey.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes.
• Place the sweet potato cubes in a pot, cover with water, and boil until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
• While the sweet potatoes cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
• Drain off any excess fat from the turkey.
• Add the salmon to the same skillet with the turkey. Cook until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
• Carefully flake the salmon into smaller pieces using a fork.
• Add the cooked brown rice, chopped carrots, and cooked peas to the skillet. Stir everything together.
• Mash the cooked sweet potatoes with a fork until mostly smooth, or leave them slightly chunky if your dog prefers.
• Add the mashed sweet potatoes and dried parsley to the skillet mixture.
• Stir all ingredients until well combined.
• If using, stir in the salmon oil or canine supplement now.
• Let the mixture cool before serving.

Feeding Guidelines

• General Guideline: A good starting point is about 1/2 cup of food per 10 pounds of body weight per day, divided into two meals.
• Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): Start with 1/2 to 1 cup per day.
• Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): Start with 1 to 2 cups per day.
• Large Dogs (50+ lbs): Start with 2 cups per day, increasing as needed.
• Activity Level: Highly active dogs may need more food than less active dogs.
• Life Stage: Puppies need more calories and nutrients for growth; seniors may need fewer calories but can benefit from easily digestible nutrients. Pregnant or nursing dogs have significantly increased needs.
• Always monitor your dog’s weight and adjust portions accordingly.
• It is always best to discuss your dog’s specific dietary needs with your veterinarian.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent for skin and coat health, reducing inflammation, and supporting joint function. It’s also a great source of lean protein.
• Ground Turkey: Provides high-quality protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair, and a good source of B vitamins for energy metabolism.
• Sweet Potatoes: Offer complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, a good source of dietary fiber to aid digestion, and are packed with vitamins A and C for immune support.
• Brown Rice: A digestible complex carbohydrate that provides energy and fiber, helping to promote a healthy digestive tract.
• Carrots: Excellent source of Vitamin A for vision and immune health, and fiber.
• Peas: Provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Refrigerated: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Portion the cooled food into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. You can serve the food slightly warmed or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can create hot spots.
• Serving: You can serve this homemade food on its own, or mix it with a small amount of your dog’s current kibble to make transitioning easier.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Is this recipe balanced enough on its own?

This recipe is a great, nutritious meal that provides many essential nutrients. However, for long-term, exclusive feeding, it’s highly recommended to consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure it meets all of your dog’s specific dietary requirements, especially for vitamins and minerals. Adding a good quality canine multi-vitamin/mineral supplement can help fill any gaps.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can. Dog-safe vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or pumpkin are generally good additions. Always introduce new foods gradually to avoid digestive upset and ensure they are cooked if necessary.

My dog is a picky eater, will they like this?

Many dogs find the combination of salmon and sweet potato very appealing. If your dog is hesitant, try mixing a small amount with their current food. Warming it slightly can also enhance the aroma and palatability.

How do I transition my dog to this new food?

Start by mixing a small amount of the homemade food with their current food. Gradually increase the proportion of homemade food over 7-10 days while decreasing the old food. This helps prevent digestive upset.

Wrapping Up

Give your dog the gift of wholesome nutrition. This salmon and sweet potato recipe is simple to make and packed with goodness. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe for later and follow us for more pet-friendly ideas!