Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Small Dogs Using Bison & Butternut Squash

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.

Small​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ dogs are quite distinct in terms of their requirements. They require food that is suitable for their size and energy level.

The problem? Finding the ideal kibble can be challenging. Numerous commercially prepared foods are loaded with fillers or contain ingredients that you cannot pronounce.

Such situations may result in digestive issues or skin allergies.

But there’s a solution to all that. You could prepare their food in your kitchen. And it is much simpler than you thought.

This recipe provides you with a nutritious and delicious meal your dog will love.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog food recipe uses bison and butternut squash.
• It’s made for small dogs.
• The food is packed with lean protein and essential nutrients.
• Prep time: 15 minutes.
• Cook time: 30 minutes.
• Serving size: Makes about 6-8 small dog servings.

Ingredients List

• 1 lb lean ground bison (USA cost: $10.00 – $15.00)
• 1 cup cooked butternut squash, mashed (USA cost: $2.00 – $4.00 for one squash)
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (USA cost: $1.00 – $2.00 from a bag)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach (USA cost: $0.50 – $1.00 from a bunch)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (USA cost: $0.20 – $0.50 from a bottle)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (USA cost: $0.10 – $0.30 from a spice jar)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (USA cost: $0.50 – $1.00 from a carton)
• Optional: multi-supplement

Total Estimated Cost: $14.30 – $23.80

Suitable Substitutions:

• Bison → Ground turkey or lean ground beef
• Butternut squash → Sweet potato or pumpkin puree
• Quinoa → Brown rice or rolled oats
• Spinach → Kale or green beans

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Cook the bison: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add the ground bison.
• Break it up with a spoon.
• Cook until it’s browned all over.
• This takes about 7-10 minutes.
• Drain any extra fat from the pan.
• Prepare the squash: While the bison cooks, make sure your butternut squash is cooked and mashed.
• You can steam, boil, or roast it.
• Combine ingredients: Add the mashed butternut squash to the pan with the bison.
• Stir in the cooked quinoa, chopped spinach, and turmeric powder.
• Mix everything well.
• Add broth: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth.
• Simmer for about 5 minutes.
• This lets the flavors blend.
• Cool and serve: Remove the pan from the heat.
• Let the mixture cool completely before serving it to your dog.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs need smaller portions.
• A general rule is about 1/4 to 1/2 cup per 10 pounds of body weight per day.
• This recipe makes about 6-8 small dog servings.
• Puppies and very active dogs might need more calories.
• Older or less active dogs may need less.
• A small breed puppy might eat 1/4 cup twice a day.
• An adult Chihuahua might need 1/3 cup per day.
• A senior Miniature Poodle might need 1/4 cup.
• Always talk to your vet.
• They can help you figure out the best amount for your dog.
• Every dog is different.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Bison: It’s a lean protein source.
• It provides essential amino acids.
• This helps build and repair muscle.
• It also has B vitamins, iron, and zinc.
• Butternut Squash: This is full of vitamins A and C.
• It also has potassium and fiber.
• Fiber helps with digestion.
• Quinoa: A complete protein.
• It has all nine essential amino acids.
• It’s also a good source of fiber, magnesium, and phosphorus.
• Spinach: Packed with vitamins K, A, C, and iron.
• These support bone health and immunity.
• Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• It can help with joint health.

Storage and Serving Tips

• The food stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Store it in an airtight container.
• For longer storage, freeze individual portions.
• It can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight.
• Or you can gently reheat them in the microwave.
• Always check the temperature before serving.
• It should be warm or room temperature.
• You can serve this meal on its own.
• Or mix it with a small amount of their regular kibble.
• This can help them adjust to new food.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I add a canine supplement to this recipe?

Yes, absolutely. While this recipe is balanced for many dogs, adding a vet-approved canine multivitamin and mineral supplement can ensure complete nutritional adequacy. This is especially important for long-term feeding to cover all bases.

Is this recipe suitable for puppies?

This recipe can be adapted for puppies. Puppies need more fat and protein for growth. You might slightly increase the bison proportion or add a small amount of healthy fats like salmon oil. Always consult your vet to ensure it meets their specific growth requirements.

What if my dog has allergies to one of the ingredients?

That’s okay, there are substitutions. If your dog is allergic to bison, try ground turkey or lean ground beef. If butternut squash is an issue, sweet potato or pumpkin puree are good swaps. Always introduce new ingredients slowly to watch for reactions.

How can I make sure my dog likes this new food?

Introduce the new food slowly. Start by mixing a small amount with their current food. Gradually increase the homemade food over a week or two. This helps their digestive system adjust and makes them more likely to accept it.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog’s food at home means you control what they eat. This bison and butternut squash recipe is simple, healthy, and tasty. It’s perfect for small dogs. They’ll get all the good stuff they need.

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