Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Small Dogs Using Duck & Cranberry

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.

Give Your Small Dog the Best: Duck & Cranberry Homemade Meal!

Do​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you get tired of going through ingredient labels that seem like a chemistry experiment? It is really hard to understand the content of your dog’s food and sometimes it seems that you are only making a guess whether it is good for them or not.

The consequence of this can be the development of stomachs that are not comfortable, lack of shine in the fur, and even our dogs becoming more and more selective in their food.

But, what if you could prepare a tasty and healthy meal right at home? This recipe is the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌solution.

Recipe Overview

• Purpose: A healthy, delicious, and easy-to-digest meal specifically formulated for small dogs.
• Benefits: Rich in lean protein, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, great for sensitive stomachs.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Serving Size: Approximately 8-10 small dog servings

Ingredients List

• 1 lb boneless, skinless duck breast (about $10-12)
• 1 cup rolled oats (not instant) (about $1)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (about $3-4)
• 1 sweet potato, medium-sized, peeled and diced (about $1)
• 1/2 cup fresh spinach (about $1)
• 1/4 cup bone broth (low sodium, no onion/garlic) (about $1-2)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (about $0.25)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (about $0.10)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for anti-inflammatory) (about $0.05)
• 1/4 teaspoon calcium carbonate powder (important for bone health) (about $0.15)

Total estimated cost: $17.50 – $21.50

Substitutions:

• Duck: You can use lean ground turkey or chicken breast instead.
• Sweet Potato: Butternut squash or pumpkin are good alternatives.
• Spinach: Kale or finely chopped broccoli are also suitable.
• Cranberries: Blueberries or raspberries can be used for similar antioxidant benefits.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Start by cooking the duck. Cut the duck breast into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for a small dog.
• Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the duck pieces and cook for about 8-10 minutes until they’re nicely browned and cooked through.
• While the duck cooks, prepare your sweet potato. Peel and dice it into small cubes. Steam or boil the sweet potato until it’s fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes.
• In a separate pot, cook the rolled oats according to package directions, using water or low-sodium bone broth. It’s usually a 1:2 ratio of oats to liquid.
• Once the duck is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
• Add the cranberries and spinach to the same pan where the duck cooked. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and cranberries soften slightly.
• Now, combine everything. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked duck, sweet potato, oats, sautéed cranberries and spinach, bone broth (if not used for oats), parsley, turmeric, and calcium carbonate powder.
• Mix everything thoroughly. You can mash some of the sweet potato and cranberries to help bind the mixture.
• Let the mixture cool completely before serving or storing.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (under 10 lbs): Start with about 1/4 to 1/2 cup per day, divided into two meals.
• Medium small dogs (10-20 lbs): Around 1/2 to 1 cup per day, divided into two meals.
• These are general guidelines. Active dogs may need more, less active dogs may need less.
• For puppies, pregnant, or nursing dogs, their caloric and nutrient needs are higher. Talk to your vet for specific amounts.
• Always introduce new foods gradually over 7-10 days to avoid upset stomachs.
• It’s super important to talk to your vet or a certified canine nutritionist before making big changes to your dog’s diet. They can give you personalized advice.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Duck Breast: This is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle maintenance and overall energy. It’s also rich in B vitamins and phosphorus.
• Rolled Oats: They offer complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and are packed with soluble fiber. This helps with digestion and can be good for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• Cranberries: These little powerhouses are full of antioxidants, which help fight off free radicals. They are also known for supporting urinary tract health.
• Sweet Potato: A fantastic source of dietary fiber, beta-carotene (Vitamin A), and other vitamins like C and B6. Great for healthy skin and eyes.
• Spinach: Loaded with vitamins K, A, C, and iron. It supports bone health and boosts the immune system.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats, including Omega-6, which are important for a shiny coat and skin health.
• Calcium Carbonate Powder: Essential for proper bone development and maintenance, balancing the phosphorus in the meat. Without it, homemade diets can be deficient in calcium.

Storage and Serving Tips

• This homemade food can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, divide the cooled food into individual serving portions and freeze them. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to serve from the freezer, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Make sure it’s not too hot before giving it to your dog.
• You can serve this food warm, at room temperature, or even mix it with a little bit of their regular kibble if you’re transitioning them.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make a big batch and freeze it?

Yes, absolutely. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Just divide it into daily portions and freeze. It makes mealtime much easier.

Is this recipe suitable for puppies?

While the ingredients are safe, puppies have specific nutritional needs for growth that differ from adult dogs. It’s best to consult your vet to ensure this recipe, or any homemade diet, is balanced for a growing puppy’s needs, especially concerning calcium and phosphorus ratios.

My dog has allergies. How can I adjust this?

This recipe is great for customization. If your dog is allergic to duck, try lean turkey. If sweet potato is an issue, pumpkin or butternut squash are good substitutes. Always introduce new ingredients slowly to check for reactions.

Do I need to add a supplement?

For a complete and balanced diet long-term, yes, a canine-specific multivitamin and mineral supplement is often recommended with homemade food to cover all bases, even with calcium added. Talk to your vet about which supplement is best for your dog.

Wrapping Up

Giving your small dog a homemade meal like this Duck & Cranberry recipe is a wonderful way to show them love and support their health. You get to control every ingredient, ensuring they get only the best.

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