Homemade Dog Food Recipe: “Schmickens” – Auntie Katie’s Famous Chicken & Sweet Potato Blend

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.

It is really wonderful to see and feel the love of a dog owner when they prepare food for their furry family member.

I was lucky to find one such scene: a real, life cooking frenzy that ended up with the production of what they lovingly termed “Schmickens.”

This healthy recipe which Auntie Katie made for her dear Penelope and thus, was passed down, is making dogs go crazy for it.

Basic ingredients, easy method, and the outcome that is dogs loyal for days. No preservatives, only what is good for the body.

Inspired by this Video:

@fureverfrens

schmmickens #homeade #dogfoodrecipe #dogsoftiktok #dogfood

♬ original sound – ari & gigi

Recipe Overview

This hearty, veggie-packed chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser (or should I say pack-pleaser?) that balances protein, complex carbs, and nutrient-rich vegetables. Perfect for dogs of all sizes who love real food flavors.

• Perfect for: All adult dogs, multi-dog households (makes bulk!).
• Key Benefits: Balanced nutrition, high moisture content, freezer-friendly.
• Prep Time: 45-50 minutes
• Makes: 12 large containers (2-3 weeks’ worth depending on dog size).
• Estimated Cost: $2.50-$3.50 per pound (Whole Foods quality).

Ingredients (Makes 12 large containers)

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (fresh or frozen)
• 2 lbs sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
• 1.5 lbs carrots (chopped)
• ⅓ lb kale (chopped, fresh)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2-2.5 cups cooked brown rice (prepared separately)
• 1 can (15 oz) 100% pure pumpkin (no sugar/spices)
• 1 can (6-8 oz) pink salmon (skinless, boneless, no salt/only salmon)
• Water for boiling (reserve broth!)

Substitutions

• Chicken → turkey breast or lean ground turkey
• Sweet potatoes → butternut squash or pumpkin
• Kale → spinach or chopped collard greens
• Brown rice → white rice or quinoa
• Pink salmon → canned tuna in water (no salt)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Chicken Base (20 minutes)

• Fill large pot with water, bring to rolling boil.
• Add 3 lbs chicken breast, boil 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
• Pro Tip: Chicken should reach 165°F internal temp, no pink remains.

Step 2: Add Vegetables to Chicken Water (15 minutes)

• While chicken cooks, prep 2 lbs chopped sweet potatoes, 1.5 lbs carrots, ⅓ lb kale.
• Remove chicken (reserve boiling water!), shred/dice into bite-sized pieces.
• Add all vegetables to the hot chicken water, boil another 15 minutes until tender.

Step 3: Drain & Reserve Precious Broth

• Drain vegetables, but save 1-2 cups cooking broth – liquid gold!
• Let veggies cool slightly. Beautiful color, perfect tenderness.

Step 4: Master Mix Assembly (5 minutes)

• Large mixing bowl or pot: shredded chicken + drained vegetables.
• Add 1 cup frozen peas, 2-2.5 cups cooked brown rice.
• Mix in entire can of 100% pure pumpkin.
• Fold in canned pink salmon (drained).
• Add reserved broth until desired consistency (moist but not soupy).

Step 5: Container & Freeze Magic

• Divide into 12 airtight containers (glass or freezer-safe plastic).
• Include extra broth in each container – dogs love it!
• Cool completely, then freeze. Ready for weekly rotation.

Feeding Guidelines

Flexible portions based on your dog’s size and needs:

• Small Dogs (10-20 lbs): ½ – ¾ cup per day
• Medium Dogs (30-50 lbs): 1-1½ cups per day
• Large Dogs (60+ lbs): 2-3 cups per day

Thawing Rule: Move one container to fridge 24 hours before needed. Lasts 7 days refrigerated. Discard after 7 days – no preservatives!

Nutritional Benefits (Real Food Power)

This family-tested recipe delivers:

• Lean Chicken Protein: Muscle maintenance, highly digestible.
• Sweet Potato Complex Carbs: Steady energy, beta-carotene for eyes.
• Carrot/Kale Antioxidants: Immune boost, vitamin powerhouse.
• Pumpkin Fiber: Perfect digestion, firm stools.
• Salmon Omega-3s: Coat health, joint support, brain function.
• Broth Hydration: Essential moisture for kidney health.

Family Approved: Multiple dogs “going to town” on this recipe!

Storage & Freshness Tips

• Freezer: Up to 3 months optimal quality.
• Refrigerator: Exactly 7 days after thawing.
• Broth Bonus: Extra moisture prevents dry food refusal.
• Freshness Check: Clean chicken aroma, vibrant vegetable colors.

Bulk Cooking Win: 12 containers = set-it-and-forget-it meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why reserve the broth?

A: Adds flavor, moisture, nutrients. Dogs go crazy for it!

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?

A: Absolutely! Same cooking time, even more convenient.

Q: My dog has grain allergies?

A: Skip rice, double pumpkin/sweet potato ratio.

Q: How to portion for puppies?

A: Increase 25-50%, consult vet for growth needs.

Q: Batch too big for one dog?

A: Perfect! Use smaller containers or share with friends’ dogs.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Runny Mixture: Use less broth, cook down vegetables longer.
• Dogs Won’t Eat: Warm slightly, add splash more broth.
• Stool Too Loose: Reduce pumpkin, increase rice ratio.
• Not Enough Protein: Add extra chicken or hard-boiled egg.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, my friend – the legendary “Schmickens” recipe straight from a real kitchen, tested by real dogs who lose their minds over it.

Recipe credit goes to the late, great Auntie Katie and her beloved Penelope, whose legacy lives on in every joyful slurp and wagging tail.

Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more real-family-tested canine nutrition!