Homemade Dog Food Recipe Under $2 Per Serving With Egg & Brown 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.

Feeding your dog shouldn’t feel like cracking a secret code, but let’s be real, it often does. You worry about whether they’re getting what they need, and when their stomach gets upset, it’s frustrating.

Watching your dog struggle is the worst, and honestly, those big bags from the store usually disappoint.

Now, imagine whipping up healthy, homemade meals for your dog with no complicated recipes, no crazy expenses. Just real food, right from your own kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog food recipe is budget-friendly, costing under $2 per serving.
• It is packed with quality protein from eggs and complex carbohydrates from brown rice.
• Prep time: About 15 minutes.
• Cook time: About 30 minutes.
• Serving size: Makes about 8-10 servings for a medium-sized dog.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup uncooked brown rice – Estimated cost: $0.30
• 2 cups water (for rice) – Estimated cost: Free
• 6 large eggs – Estimated cost: $1.20
• 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean) – Estimated cost: $4.50 (Substitution: Ground chicken or lean ground beef)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen peas, carrots, green beans) – Estimated cost: $0.80 (Substitution: Fresh steamed broccoli florets or spinach)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Estimated cost: $0.10
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for fresh breath) – Estimated cost: $0.25
• 1 teaspoon calcium carbonate powder (or crushed eggshells, for calcium balance) – Estimated cost: $0.15
• Total Estimated Cost: $7.30 (Approximately $0.73 – $0.91 per serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Cook the brown rice. Rinse 1 cup of brown rice thoroughly under cold water. Combine the rice with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until all water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
• Cook the ground turkey. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
• Add the vegetables. Stir in the mixed vegetables with the cooked turkey. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
• Scramble the eggs. In a separate small bowl, whisk the 6 large eggs. In the same skillet (or a clean one), heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Pour in the eggs and scramble them until fully cooked. Break them into small pieces.
• Combine all ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, cooked ground turkey and vegetables, scrambled eggs, fresh parsley (if using), and calcium carbonate powder.
• Mix everything well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Feeding Guidelines

• Portion sizes vary greatly by your dog’s weight, age, activity level, and overall health.
• A general starting point for adult dogs is about 1/2 to 3/4 cup per 10 pounds of body weight per day, split into two meals.
• For a small dog (10-20 lbs), start with 1-1.5 cups daily. An example could be a 15 lb Terrier mix.
• For a medium dog (30-50 lbs), start with 2-3 cups daily. Think of a 40 lb Border Collie.
• For a large dog (60-90 lbs), start with 4-5 cups daily. A 75 lb Labrador might need this much.
• Puppies and very active dogs may need more, while senior or less active dogs may need slightly less.
• Always introduce new foods gradually over several days to avoid stomach upset. Start by mixing a small amount with their current food and slowly increase the homemade portion.
• It’s always best to talk to your vet for personalized feeding advice tailored to your dog’s specific needs and health conditions. They can help you determine the exact calories and nutrients your dog requires.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Brown Rice: A complex carbohydrate providing sustained energy and fiber for healthy digestion. It’s gentle on sensitive stomachs.
• Eggs: An excellent source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and fats, including choline for brain health. They are highly digestible.
• Ground Turkey: A lean protein source with essential amino acids vital for muscle maintenance and overall body function. It’s often well-tolerated by dogs with sensitivities.
• Mixed Vegetables (Peas, Carrots, Green Beans): Offer vitamins (A, C, K), minerals, and dietary fiber, supporting immune health and digestion.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats, including monounsaturated fatty acids, which can benefit skin and coat health.
• Calcium Carbonate: This is crucial for balancing the phosphorus found in meat and eggs, ensuring proper bone health and preventing mineral deficiencies. It helps maintain the ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
• This recipe offers approximately 15-20% protein and 6-8% fat, which is suitable for adult dogs. The carbs are around 45-50% by weight, providing necessary energy.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Once cooled, store the dog food in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, divide the cooled food into individual serving portions and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to serve from the freezer, thaw a portion in the refrigerator overnight or gently reheat in the microwave until warm. Make sure it’s not too hot before serving.
• You can serve this food warm, at room temperature, or even mix it with a small amount of their regular kibble to transition them or add variety.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Is this recipe suitable for puppies?

Puppies have higher protein and fat requirements for growth. While the ingredients are safe, this specific recipe might need adjustments and supplementation to meet a puppy’s complete nutritional needs. Talk to your vet first.

Can I add a canine vitamin supplement?

Yes, absolutely. To ensure a completely balanced diet, especially for long-term feeding, adding a vet-approved canine multivitamin and mineral supplement is highly recommended. This helps cover any micronutrient gaps.

My dog has allergies; what can I substitute?

If your dog is allergic to turkey, use ground chicken or a novel protein like venison. For specific vegetable allergies, choose another dog-safe vegetable like pumpkin or sweet potato.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog’s food at home doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. This recipe offers a nutritious, budget-friendly meal your dog will love. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!