Homemade Dog Food Recipe Under $2 Per Serving With Chicken Liver & Veggie Rice

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 shelling out for pricey dog food and still not knowing what’s actually in it? A lot of brands pack their food with fillers and by-products, stuff your dog definitely doesn’t need.

It feels like a waste to spend all that money, especially when you’re not even sure it’s good for your pup. Sometimes, it even leads to allergies or stomach problems. Here’s how you can feed your dog a meal that’s both healthy and tasty without emptying your wallet.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog food recipe is budget-friendly, costing under $2 per serving.
• It features nutrient-rich chicken liver and a variety of healthy vegetables.
• Prep time is about 15 minutes.
• Cook time is around 30 minutes.
• This recipe makes approximately 8 servings for a medium-sized dog.

Ingredients List

• 1 pound chicken liver (about $3.00)
• 1 cup brown rice (about $0.50)
• 3 cups water (negligible cost)
• 1 cup chopped carrots (about $0.25)
• 1 cup chopped green beans (about $0.50)
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach (about $0.75)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (about $0.10)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (about $0.20)
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (about $0.15)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (about $0.05)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (about $0.05)
• Optional: A canine multi-vitamin supplement (cost varies, recommend consulting your vet)
• Total Estimated Cost: $5.75
• Substitutions: You can swap chicken liver for ground chicken or ground turkey. Sweet potatoes can replace carrots, and peas can replace green beans.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Rinse the chicken liver thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces.
• In a large pot, combine the brown rice and 3 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
• While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a separate large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken liver and cook for 5-7 minutes, until no longer pink.
• Add the chopped carrots and green beans to the skillet with the liver. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
• Stir in the spinach, applesauce, ground turmeric, dried parsley, and ground ginger into the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts.
• Once the rice is cooked, add the entire contents of the skillet to the pot of rice. Stir everything together until well combined.
• Let the mixture cool completely before serving or storing.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): Feed about 1/2 to 1 cup per day, divided into two meals.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Feed about 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day, divided into two meals.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): Feed about 3 to 4 cups per day, divided into two meals.
• Puppies and highly active dogs might need slightly more. Senior dogs or less active dogs may need less. Pregnant or nursing dogs have higher caloric needs, so increase portions as advised by your vet.
• Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice, especially if your dog has specific health conditions or dietary needs. They can help you determine the exact portion size for your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Chicken liver is a powerhouse of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, especially B12 and folate, which support energy and cell health.
• Brown rice provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and dietary fiber for healthy digestion. It also offers magnesium and selenium.
• Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A, crucial for vision and immune function.
• Green beans provide vitamins K and C, and fiber, supporting bone health and immunity.
• Spinach is packed with vitamins K, A, and C, as well as iron and antioxidants, beneficial for overall health.
• Olive oil offers healthy fats, including Omega-6 fatty acids, important for skin and coat health.
• Turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with joint health and digestion.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store the cooled dog food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, divide the food into single-serving portions and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight or gently reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm. Make sure it’s not too hot before serving.
• Serve the food at room temperature or slightly warm. You can mix it with your dog’s regular kibble to transition them to the new food or just serve it on its own.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make a big batch and freeze it?

Yes, absolutely. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large quantity and freeze individual portions for easy daily meals.

Is this recipe suitable for puppies?

This recipe provides good nutrition, but puppies have unique dietary needs, especially for calcium and phosphorus balance for bone development. Always check with your vet to see if this recipe, possibly with a specific supplement, is right for your growing pup.

My dog has a sensitive stomach; will this recipe work?

Many dogs with sensitive stomachs do well on whole, easily digestible ingredients like chicken, rice, and cooked vegetables. But every dog is different. Introduce new foods slowly and watch for any digestive upset. You can start with smaller portions mixed with their usual food.

Do I need to add a supplement?

While this recipe is rich in many nutrients, it’s hard to make a perfectly balanced homemade diet without expert formulation. For long-term feeding, it’s wise to discuss a good canine multi-vitamin and mineral supplement with your veterinarian to ensure all nutritional bases are covered.

Wrapping Up

Feeding your dog a homemade meal doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. This recipe is a simple way to provide a healthy, delicious, and budget-friendly meal that your dog will love. It is easy to make and packed with goodness. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!