Homemade Dog Food Recipe Under $2 Per Serving With Beef & Oats

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 squinting at dog food labels and still not knowing what’s in the bag? Or those endless vet trips because your dog keeps scratching or has tummy trouble? So much of that store-bought food is loaded with fillers and fake ingredients that just mess things up.

But honestly, you don’t need to keep dealing with that. You can whip up real, healthy meals for your dog at home, and it won’t cost a fortune. That’s what this budget friendly homemade dog food recipe is all about, making things easier for you and better for your pup.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog food recipe features beef and oats, taking about 45 minutes from start to finish.
• It costs under $2 per serving, making it a budget-friendly option.
• The recipe is packed with quality protein, healthy fats, and fiber, ideal for sensitive stomachs.
• It’s designed for adult dogs and yields about 6 servings for a medium-sized dog.

Ingredients List

• Ground Beef (80/20 lean): 1 pound, approximately $6.00. (Substitution: Ground turkey or chicken works well too.)
• Rolled Oats (uncooked): 1 cup, approximately $0.50.
• Carrots: 2 medium, shredded, approximately $0.40.
• Green Beans (fresh or frozen): 1 cup, chopped, approximately $0.80. (Substitution: Peas or spinach are good alternatives.)
• Sweet Potato: 1 medium, peeled and diced, approximately $1.00.
• Bone Broth (low sodium, dog-safe): 2 cups, approximately $2.00.
• Fish Oil (Omega-3 supplement): 1 teaspoon, approximately $0.30. (Look for a reputable brand with DHA/EPA.)
• Calcium Carbonate Powder (plain): 1/2 teaspoon, approximately $0.10. (Essential for mineral balance, especially with homemade diets.)
• Nutritional Yeast: 1 tablespoon, approximately $0.20. (Provides B vitamins.)

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $11.30

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Make sure to break it up as it cooks.
• Once the beef is fully cooked and no pink remains, drain any excess fat.
• Add the diced sweet potato and shredded carrots to the pot with the beef.
• Pour in the bone broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until the sweet potato starts to soften.
• Stir in the rolled oats and green beans. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
• Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The oats should be fully cooked and the liquid mostly absorbed.
• Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool completely. This is important.
• Once cooled, mix in the fish oil, calcium carbonate powder, and nutritional yeast. These are added after cooking to preserve their nutrients.
• Stir everything well until it’s evenly combined.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): Feed about 1/2 to 1 cup per day.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Feed about 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): Feed about 3 to 4 cups per day.
• Puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, and very active dogs may need more food.
• Older or less active dogs might need a bit less.
• Always talk to your vet to get personalized feeding advice for your dog. They can help you figure out the exact portions based on your dog’s age, activity level, and health needs.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Ground beef provides high-quality protein for strong muscles and essential amino acids.
• Rolled oats are a great source of complex carbohydrates for energy and soluble fiber for healthy digestion.
• Carrots and sweet potatoes offer essential vitamins like Vitamin A and fiber, supporting vision and gut health.
• Green beans add more fiber and various vitamins and minerals without a lot of calories.
• Bone broth boosts flavor and provides joint support and gut health.
• Fish oil delivers crucial Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which are good for brain function, skin, and coat health.
• Calcium carbonate helps maintain a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, vital for bone health, especially with meat-heavy diets.
• Nutritional yeast adds B-vitamins, important for metabolism and energy.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, divide the food into daily portions and freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• You can serve the food warm, at room temperature, or even mixed with a little bit of your dog’s regular kibble.
• Always ensure the food is completely cooled before serving, especially if it was heated.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make a big batch and freeze it?

Yes, absolutely. Making a large batch and freezing individual portions is a great way to save time. Just make sure to thaw it properly before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for puppies?

This recipe can be adapted for puppies, but they have different nutritional needs. Puppies need more calcium and phosphorus for bone development. Talk to your vet to ensure it meets their specific growth requirements, and consider adding a canine-specific multivitamin for puppies.

My dog has allergies. What can I substitute?

If your dog is allergic to beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken. For vegetable allergies, most other dog-safe vegetables like peas, spinach, or pumpkin can be swapped in. Always introduce new ingredients slowly to watch for reactions.

Do I need to add a supplement?

Yes, adding a calcium carbonate supplement is important for mineral balance. For homemade diets, it’s often recommended to include a broad-spectrum canine multivitamin/mineral supplement to ensure all nutritional bases are covered, even with carefully chosen ingredients.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog’s food at home means knowing exactly what they’re eating. This beef and oats recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and packed with goodness for a happy, healthy pup.

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